AGENDA. Credentials Deadline: please have submitted to Stated Clerk by Friday, September 14, Time Item Description Assignments

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1 CLASSIS CHATHAM of the Christian Reformed Church in North America Tuesday, September 25, :00 a.m. (registration starting at 8:15) Strathroy East Christian Reformed Church 476 Metcalfe St. E., Strathroy, Ontario AGENDA Credentials Deadline: please have submitted to Stated Clerk by Friday, September 14, 2018 Officers & Appointments Chair: Rev. Willemina Zwart (London-Good News) Vice-Chair: Rev. Phil Apoll (Mount Brydges-Hope Community) Stated Clerk: Ron Middel Credentials & Instructions Committee: Sarnia-Living Hope and Wyoming Balloting Committee: Strathroy-East Overture Advisory Committee: Woodstock-Covenant and Woodstock-Maranatha Note: Delegates from the church that is underlined will report for the committee. Delegates are reminded that you are expected to stay for the entire meeting. If you must leave before adjournment, please consult with the chair of the day. Time Item Description Assignments 9:00-9:45 1. Welcome, Opening Worship, Prayer Session, Ministry Reflection East Strathroy 9:45-9:50 2. Constituting Classis 2.1 Call to Order 2.2 Credentials Committee Reports on Attendance 2.3 Declare Classis to be Constituted and Transfer of Chair 2.4 Opening Remarks by the Chair of the Day East Strathroy Credentials Committee East Strathroy Rev. Willemina Zwart 9:50-10:20 3. Campus Ministries Chaplain Reports 3.1 Western p Ridgetown 3.3 Fanshawe Chaplain Search Update 10:20-10:35 4. Classis Renewal (New Agenda Format) 4.1 Meeting Notes p Agenda Example p Credential Example p. 10 (Note: first core value used as an example others to be developed) Rev. Mike Wagenman Rev. Doug Rowley Harry Verburg Rev. Willemina Zwart Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 1

2 10:35-10:50 5. Refreshment Break 10:50-11:20 6. Classical Church Planting Team Presentation Church Plant Team 11:20-11:45 7. London-Good News Overture re: Chaplaincy Program p Overture Advisory Committee 11:45-12:00 8. Classical Ministries Committee (CMC) Report p Rev. Derek Bouma 12:00-1:00 9. Lunch Break & Committee Meetings All 1:00-1: Afternoon Devotions Rev. Derek Bouma 1:10-1: Effective Outreach Stories An opportunity to share stories and learn from each other. Delegates are invited to share outreach stories that worked well, and also what did not work so well. Rev. Derek Bouma 1:30-1: Classis Chatham Safe Church Update and Report Yvonne Lammers 1:45-2: Youth Unlimited Presentation Rick Zommer, Executive Director 2:00-2: Canadian National Gathering 2019 Planning Team Member 2:20-3: Synod 2018 Delegates Report 3:05-3: Refreshment Break 3:20-3: Report of Credentials Committee (Part 2) Credentials Committee 3:40-3: Church Counselor Reports (verbal) 18.1 Chatham-Grace 18.2 Essex 18.3 Ingersoll 18.4 Sarnia-Redeemer Rev. Nate Van Denend Rev. Norman Visser Rev. Daryl Meijer Rev. David VanBerkel 3:50-3: Church Visitor Reports 19.1 London-Good News p London-Talbot Street p Strathroy-Westmount p Windsor-Ambassador p For Information 3:55-4: Classical Standing Committee Reports 20.1 Nominating Committee: Functionary Roster included with Diaconal Committee 20.3 Church Planting Team: May 3 Minutes p. 21 / July 12 Minutes p Student Fund Committee 20.5 London Campus 20.6 Finance: July 25 Minutes p Proposed Budget p. 26 Harry Verburg Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 2

3 Proposed Ministry Share Summary p Youth Ministry Team Rev. John Moelker 4:20-4: Other Provided Reports 21.1 Calvin Theological Seminary Report to Classes p Redeemer University College Report p For Information 4:25-4: Announcements / Encouragements All 4:35-4: Unfinished Business (if any) 4: Closing & Adjournment: 24.1 Remarks 24.2 Closing Remarks 24.3 Closing Prayer Vice-Chair Chair Chair For Your Calendars: We are adjourned to meet again, D.V.: DATE HOST REPORT DEADLINE Feb 2, 2019 (Saturday) CREDENTIAL CHAIR DEADLINE Wallaceburg Dec 4, 2018 Jan 18, 2019 Phil Apoll Mount Brydges-Hope Community May 28, 2019 Tillsonburg April 9, 2019 May 17, 2019 Greg Fluit St. Thomas-Fellowship Sept 24, 2019 Host Required Aug 6, 2019 Sept 13, 2019 David Van Berkel Sarnia-First VICE-CHAIR Greg Fluit St. Thomas-Fellowship David Van Berkel Sarnia-First Mark Verbruggen Sarnia-Living Hope Please consider hosting a future meeting of Classis (willingness or questions may be directed to the Stated Clerk) All communication to the Stated Clerk should be sent to: statedclerk@classischatham.ca Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 3

4 WESTERN CAMPUS MINISTRY LAUNCHING A NEW YEAR Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 4

5 GRADUATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CONNECTING STUDENTS WITH SCRIPTURE Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 5

6 Mentioning "Jordan Peterson" on campus - or in any polite conversation these days - is guaranteed to cause a reaction! Many students on campus are plugged into the political, psychological, and theological musings of this globe-trotting professor. Some students hate him; many others love him. A number of students within our ministry have even traveled to hear Peterson speak in person. I asked two of our ministry supporters to reflect on what accounts for Peterson's attraction to so many students, across multiple demographics. Here are their own provocative thoughts on the question. ~Mike JBP+YOUNG ADULTS Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 6

7 FUNDRAISING UPDATE CONTACT INFO Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 7

8 Classis Renewal Meeting Wednesday June 6 Present: Derek Bouma, Josh Tuninga, Norman Visser 1. Questions -what s causing the disconnect within Classis? -what s causing the disconnect Between Classis and the Local church? -is the Classis too big? Could we split it? -what is the purpose of Classis? -how can Classis function better? 2. A refrain that kept popping up in our discussion -Classis should only do the things that it can do better than a local church or better than the denominational ministries -we wondered about the wisdom of evaluating all our Classis ministries in light of this statement. 3. Classis Meetings We came up with three possibilities 1) Organizing our Classis meetings similar to Classis Niagara who have come up with 5 core values. a. Prayerful Dependence on God b. Authentic Community c. Disciples Making New Disciples d. Leadership Development e. Covenantal Relationships Although we really appreciate these 5 values we struggled to see how the Classis could carry them out. Rather we saw these more as aspects of the local church ministry rather than Classical concerns. 2) For this reasons we opted to stick with the 4 Lenses of Classis that Al Postma presented. a) Spiritually Discerning Community b) Network of Support and Accountability c) Collective Calling d) Connection to Wider Church These seem to fit more closely with the work that Classis is called to do. The plan is to formulate the agenda around these 4 lenses so that we have a fuller understanding of the purpose of each aspect of the agenda. Yet we didn t want to ignore the value of the core values mentioned earlier. 3) As a result, we decided a blended format might work best. We will organize the agenda based on the 4 lenses but spend time each Classis meeting to focus on one of the 5 core values. This might include asking a number of churches to share their joys and struggles as they seek to live out that particular core value in their church and their ministry. Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 8

9 AGENDA EXAMPLE Classis Meeting 2018 I. Together we are a Spiritually Discerning Community a. Welcome, Opening Worship and Prayer (host church) opening devos should include a Scripture and song related to ministry reflections but don t need to have a sermon. The ministry reflections are the sermon. b. Ministry Reflections Value Prayerful Dependence on God i. Alymer (sharing)/talbot Street (Praying) ii. Blenheim/Hope, Mt. Brydges iii. Calvary/First Sarnia Note: For each meeting we choose 1 of the 5 values (Prayerful Dependence on God, Authentic Community, Disciples Making New Disciples, Leadership Development, Covenantal Relationships). We will assign 2 or 3 churches (alphabetical order) to report on the joys and struggles of their church in these areas, how they discern God working through their church in these areas. Then we assign 2 or 3 churches to pray for these churches (alphabetical order). Above would be an example. 10 mins per church. c. Constituting Classis d. Any Overtures e. Any exams II. III. Together we have support and accountability a. Church Counselor Reports b. Church Visitor Reports can we have the visitor highlight some things orally Together we do ministry a. Campus Reports b. Church Planting Reports c. Student Fund Reports d. Classical Treasurer Report e. CMC Report IV. Together we are part of a denomination a. Synodical matters (agenda Review) b. Any ballots, reports (calvin, World Renew, Council of Delegates, etc) V. Closing a. Closing Remarks b. Prayer Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 9

10 CREDENTIALS EXAMPLE (Note: first core value used as an example others to be developed) CLASSIS CHATHAM OF THE CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH As a Classis, we would like to specifically focus on particular values as part of our ministry reflection to open classis. Three churches will be reporting for this classis meeting. The value that we are focusing on is Prayerful Dependence on God. Reporting churches will be Aylmer, Blenheim and Calvary. To aid you in this report, you are invited to work through the questions below with your council. After each church s report, another church will pray for them. Praying churches are Talbot Street, Mount Brydges and Sarnia First. Please designate someone to pray before coming to the classis meeting. Prayerful Dependence on God 1. Describe a way that your congregation is giving opportunity for prayer 2. What are some ways that God has answered the church s prayers? 3. In what areas are you trying to discern God s will right now? 4. What are some of the struggles with this value? 5. How can we pray for your church? Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 10

11 Overture to Classis Chatham From: Good News Christian Reformed Church, London Date: September 25, 2018 Good News Church (GNC) overtures Classis Chatham to establish an ad hoc committee for the purpose of reviewing the administrative and governance aspects of the Chaplaincy program as it currently exists within our classis. Background The current model used to administer chaplaincy programs began in 1970 when there was one established university in Classis Chatham: Western University. In 1963 the University of Windsor began, when the local Christian Reformed Church was still a church plant. At that time, there were also four small community colleges in Classis Chatham: Lambton, Fanshawe, St. Clair and Ridgetown. Currently there are two large established universities and four community colleges, all of which are rapidly growing in size. The impetus for making this request for a review of the Chaplaincy program began when the council of Good News Church received a proposal from chaplain Kelly Sibthorpe. The proposal recommended that the new chaplain at Fanshawe College in London become part of the ministry team of GNC. The London Campus Ministry Board decided not to accept this proposal, but the request from Chaplain Sibthorpe did spark a series of questions and discussion within our Council. See the list of Points of Concern below. Grounds: As noted above, the number of large post secondary educational institutions has increased within our Classis since the inception of the Chaplaincy program. To the best of our knowledge there has been no review of the chaplaincy program as a whole with respect to effectiveness and governance within the universities and colleges throughout the Classis. Considering that 58% of the entire Classis budget is dedicated to the chaplaincy program it is only prudent that such a review take place. The nature of the relationship between the chaplain and the credential holding church has not been clear and as such, has resulted in some difficult situations. Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 11

12 Specific Points of Concern: What are the criteria used to determine which university or college receives a chaplaincy program? How are funding levels determined for the existing programs? (Fanshawe, Western, and Ridgetown) Why are there such large differences in funding among the three ministries? There is a trend towards requiring those within specialized ministries to at least partially procure their own funding. Are we moving in that direction? And if so, should we be concerned that chaplains will spend too much time fund raising and consequently less time being chaplains? Are there better models? (Such as a cluster of local churches contributing to the funding of the local chaplaincy program?) What is the exact nature of the relationship between chaplain and the church that holds their credentials? Must the chaplain attend that church? May chaplains choose the church they wish to attend? Must the Chaplain be a member of the CRC? Have we investigated different models of chaplaincy governance? How are salaries of the chaplains determined? Should the Classical Ministry Committee (CMC) play a larger role in this? Please Note: The focus of this review should be limited to the administrative and governance of the entire Chaplaincy program. It is not intended to be a review of the individual chaplains and their specific programs. Composition of Committee and Reporting Date (The following is only a recommendation and not part of the formal overture) We recommend that the ad hoc committee be given one year to investigate and report its recommendations. Possible composition of the committee: One member of CMC One member of a current chaplain supervising committee One pastor Two members at large with a specific interest and/or knowledge of the chaplaincy program. Respectfully submitted: The Council of Good News Christian Reformed Church (London) Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 12

13 Classis Ministries Committee (CMC) Report to Classis Chatham: August 2018 CMC met on August 1, 2018 to prepare the agenda for the September 2018 classis meeting and to address a number of matters related to the ministries of classis. CMC presents the following report, indicating matters being communicated for information purposes as well as recommendations requiring the approval of classis: Matters for Information: 1. Pastor Beth Fellinger, together with a team of four others continue to review the outdated Classical Prayer Coordinator mandate and will bring recommendations back to CMC. 2. CMC continues to discuss Classis Renewal (how we can make our classis meetings more meaningful). At the request of CMC, Rev. Derek Bouma and Rev. Josh Tuininga proposed a new agenda format and credential form for classis meetings. CMC approved moving forward with the new format. This new format will be explained at the September meeting of classis by Rev. Willemina Zwart (who has volunteered to act as a coordinator), with the intent of beginning the new format at the February 2019 meeting of classis. 3. In connection with point 2, and considering the statement that classis should only do the things that it can do better than a local church or better than the denominational ministries, CMC discussed the wisdom of evaluating all of our Classis ministries on a regular basis. Rev. Dave VanBerkel and Rev. John Moelker have agreed to meet and come back to CMC with a proposal how we would proceed. 4. CMC agreed that at the September meeting of classis, there would be time permitted for churches to share Effective Outreach Stories. Churches are invited to share stories of what worked well, and also what did not work so well. 5. At a previous meeting of classis, Ingersoll CRC, suggested that we have a discussion at a future meeting classis on moving from charity to Justice in the area of Food Insecurity and poverty. Following a proposal from Pastor Beth Fellinger and Rev. Willemina Zwart, CMC propose that classis sponsor a church to host a large group simulation event, open to all our churches, possibly on a Saturday. We hope to have further details presented at classis. 6. CMC was pleased to hear that a Leadership Structure Study Committee is now in place and is planning its first meeting in September. 7. An Overture was received from London-Good News regarding the Chaplaincy Program. An Overture Advisory Committee has been appointed to review this overture. 8. CMC was encouraged to hear that London-Forest City North plans to begin a multisite in Exeter, beginning in the new year. They have been in contact with our Church Plant Team as well as Classis Huron. Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 13

14 9. CMC is aware of the recommendation from the Classis Renewal Group to Synod 2018, encouraging all classes to develop, implement and share their ministry plans (related to Church Order, Article 75). This will be a topic at the Stated Clerk and Classis Leader s Conference, planned for January in Burlington and will be discussed at a future CMC meeting. 10. CMC members were reminded that our Safe Church Policy requires CMC members to confirm that we have read the Safe Church Policy and also have a police check every 3 years. 11. CMC was thankful to hear from our Church Planting Team that exciting things are happening and there are several good locations to consider a new church plant in our classis. The Team plans to update us at our classis meeting. 12. CMC was advised that London Campus Ministry that several applications have been received for the chaplain position at Fanshawe. Interviews are planned in the near future. 13. CMC approved a recommendation from the denominational office and our Safe Church Committee that classis pay a $1,500 honourarium to our Safe Church Coordinator. The denomination has agreed to pay the first year on the condition that classis continues year after year. 14. CMC noted that the Nominating Committee is still seeking a replacement to serve classis as Regional Advocate for Disability Concerns (replacing Diane Plug). If you know of a qualified person, please contact the Stated Clerk. CMC received reports from the various boards and committees associated with classis. Recommendations Requiring the Approval of Classis: 1. After receiving a recommendation from the Nominating Committee, CMC approved and recommends that Brad Ypma (London-Bethel) be approved to serve on the Classical Student Fund Committee. 2. CMC reviewed the 2019 Classical Ministry Share Budget and recommends approval to classis. The budget is $63.75 per confessing member, an increase of 3.21%. Classical Treasurer will present this budget at this September meeting of classis. 3. At the request of Aylmer CRC, CMC recommends that classis grant emeritus status to Rev. Dirk Miedema as he plans to retire effective January 27, 2019 on the basis of age. Respectfully submitted, on behalf of CMC, Ron Middel, Stated Clerk Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 14

15 May 1, 2018 Good News Classical Church Visit Pastor George Lubbers and I, (Paul Nieman) were privileged to visit Good News Council. We were welcomed by 10 council members. Pastor George opened with a reading from 1 Corinthians 1:1-11 and reflected on the diversity of gifts that God gives his church, but also noted that it said to each one gifts are given. We asked each member of council to introduce themselves individually and to share their personal gifts as servants of the congregation. Visioning, leadership, youth ministry, community ministry, pastoral care, faith, integrity, evangelism, exhorting, preaching, were few of the many gifts and talents that they shared. Council expressed that Good News was also very hospitable congregation, they were confident that anyone attending a service here would feel welcomed. There is an excitement of being a member here. We are small but a mighty congregation. Good News strives in creating a safe space to worship. The pastor loves bringing people together. She is an engaging speaker and teacher. Council expressed that as a community of faith they maintained a humility which allows the community and visitors to feel welcome. The congregational makeup is leaning towards younger adults and older members. Very few families with young children at this time. Council feels they work well with the congregation, they are open and forthcoming with information on change. They are excited to meet the direction of God s leading in their congregation and community wherever that may lead them. Good News encourages children to participate in the Lord s Supper. They strive to meet needs of the Safe Church movement. They are an active participant as a Ridder Church. Membership is involved in volunteering for the ministries of the church. Commitment to serve is happening with very little struggle. Bi-monthly they share food and fellowship, which is a source of encouragement for all. Good News is committed to global ministries, prayerfully and financially supporting World Renew, DRS relief, Sudanese sponsorship and a Cambodian mission project. Future visioning to expand their service in the community includes involvement in the Indwell Project locally and a community Alpha project in June. Council Chair summed up their goal as a church with this statement, We are trying to be the hands and feet of Jesus not a social club. The meeting was an encouragement to council and church visitor alike. No concerns or other issues were raised. The congregation had been properly notified of our visit as well and also raised no concerns. Pastor George close this portion of the meeting with a word of prayer. Submitted in His Service Paul Nieman Pastor George Lubbers Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 15

16 Church Visitors Report Talbot Street Church June 12, 2018 Visit Our visit with the Admin Council of Talbot Street Church on June 12 came exactly two years from our previous visit. Chairman Harry DeJonge led us in a time of devotions having us reflect on how God leads the church. This seemed like a fitting spot for us to begin, so the Admin members were asked how and where God is taking them in this season at TSC. Some initial responses focused on the continuing journey of discovering what it means to be the missional people of God. TSC is not interested in a church-shaped mission, but a mission-shaped church. This means continually asking what the mission of God is for them in their downtown culture. The name change from First to Talbot Street was deliberate, as is their partnership with Sanctuary Church, who weekly fill TSC s atrium with over a hundred people for lunch. This is only one of the ways they are seeking to make their building available to the community. Further reflection on TSC s journey brought out the agreement that it has been in many ways a challenging season for them. Two years ago, one member reflected, they were like a race car in mission, off to a fast start with a new pastor, new vision, and with everything humming together. The last couple years saw some momentum loss, brought about in part with a transition in worship leadership with Jeremy Zeyl s departure, but there is a sense that there is a return to some of the inertia they previously had. Lots of good things are happening; TSC continues to grow a healthy sense of mission but some are anxious to see the fruit of their engagement. Pastor Steve looks forward to seeing a congregation that is not just doing church really well, but actually reaching people for Jesus and seeing transformed lives result in adult baptisms. When asked how they keep the congregation together, especially if thinking of it as a fast-moving vehicle, we were assured that they are committed to regular pit stops around the track: on Sundays in worship, and in regular town hall meetings where people can sit around tables and talk about where they discern God is leading the congregation. Talbot Street Church does not shy away from change, and recently made a significant change by removing the office of deacon from their congregation s leadership. In one way, it is now seen that all members are deacons called to serve their neighbour, but the task of the deacons is more specifically seen as having been taken on by the global and local mission teams. With the annual challenge to find deacons, and with the care and mission teams functioning well, the move to remove deacons was viewed as practical and effective for the work they are trying to do. As they try to grow younger as a congregation, they look especially to our church plants which are not held back with layers of leadership but freed to more effectively reach the lost. As church visitors, we expressed encouragement around TSC s desire to be effective in ministry but also expressed concern that they were abandoning a key piece of missional leadership that Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 16

17 Scripture commends and that the CRC has not generally regarded as optional except in emerging settings. We reminded them that the trend in the CRC has been a move toward a greater weight given to the ministry of deacons rather than the opposite. TSC feels confident in the direction they have taken and noted that the recently-struck study committee in Classis Chatham dealing with leadership structures shows how all of our congregations are struggling not only with finding office-bearers but also arranging the ordained and non-ordained leadership of the church for effective ministry. We drew the meeting to a close with a discussion about the children and youth ministries at Talbot Street Church. With a stable but healthy youth group, thriving Cadets and GEMS programs, and over forty children in Sunday school the older children being trained and mentored as shepherds - there is a strong sense that TSC is a great place to grow up and a great place to grow old, a strong intergenerational community of faith in Christ in a downtown urban setting. We encouraged the same care and heart for discipleship to be seen among the adult crowd, that we remain human beings, lest God s mission transform us into human doings. The heartbeat of mission is strong at TSC. We pray for grace and wisdom to follow the risen Lord as He leads his church into the mission field. In mission together, Rev. Daryl Meijer and Elder Walt DeRuiter Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 17

18 Church Visit Report Westmount CRC, Strathroy May 2, 2018 Elder Arnold DeBoer, standing in for vacationing Elder Walt DeRuiter, joined me for a visit to Westmount, where our visiting team had last been in We arrived for 7:30, to find the meeting had begun at 7:00 and we had missed a very inspirational devotional time, led by an office-bearer who had taken to song to get his message across. When office-bearers are singing solos to start meetings, this can be taken as a very promising sign, even (some might say especially?) if it s country music. When asked what kind of song was being sung by the people of Westmount, we heard the consensus response that a happening song was in the air. A recent arrival of newcomers (not from the old country but the neighbourhood) has added to the tempo, and created somewhat of a buzz in the congregation. There is the honest realization that much more growth than this would be needed to sustain the congregation s health for the long-term, as it is an aging congregation, and the newcomers are not all exactly families with small children. The leadership does not have blinders on with regard to the challenges of congregational longevity, but at the same time is eyes-wide-open to what God is doing, and is trying to be a partner in that divine work. One attempt to join God s missionary work came through partnership with the Why campaign, a free photo-book giveaway that highlighted the impact the gospel makes in a person s life. People signed up to pray for different streets that hearts might be softened toward responsiveness to the message. Follow-up invitations were made to an Alpha program which was offered, and follow-up continues. It s hard for Westmount to gauge the spiritual impact the campaign has had, but the congregation grew through the experience, and many have come to post-service Alpha classes to learn more about this evangelistic tool. Pastor Peter continues to be a blessing to the Westmount congregation especially through his preaching of the word. One Council member remembers him sharing some nine years ago at his interview that his first love is teaching God s word, and this is still evident in his preaching today. His style is warmly received, pastoral in tone, challenging and deep. Each January, the pastors of Westmount, Mt Brydges and Strathroy-East work together on a sermon series and take turns in each others pulpits. This too is enjoyed by the congregation, even if they do prefer to have their own pastor in the pulpit. Who doesn t? (Don t answer that.) One recent challenge the leadership and congregation had to work through was a theft that took place in the building. The culprit was not found, and this created an cloud of suspicion and concern that in one sense was seen as necessary, and at the same time could build unnecessary walls. It is hoped that God will use even this experience to help the congregation grow in their compassion for a lost and hurting world. As we exited the building, Elder Arnold and I heard a happening song coming from the sanctuary. A very youthful worship team was hard at it, drums and all, getting ready for Sunday, we assumed. Whatever they were doing, it got our attention, and we hope in time, it gets the whole community hopping. Set to music or not, it s the best news in town. Rev. Daryl Meijer, Elder Arnold DeBoer Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 18

19 Church Visitor Report -- Ambassador Community CRC Monday, April 30, 2018 We met with three elders, three deacons, and Pastor Darrell Edgar for a little over an hour. It was a delight to hear about the on-going ministry plans that are happening at Ambassador Community Church. Prior to the beginning our meeting, we were given a tour of the renovated facilities and we noted that the church s Fellowship Hall was abuzz with activity, setting up for a Gems program later that week. When we began, the council chairman shared that it is their usual practice was to share with one another matters for prayer and to spend a considerable amount of time in prayer before entering into the business portion of their meetings. Out of respect for our time, they had decided to delay their prayer time until later in their meeting. There has been a lot of encouraging activity happening in the church and in the community surrounding the church. Pastor Darrell continues to be very much appreciated in his preaching and his pastoral work; a recent Lenten sermon series as well as a service challenging the congregation to love the person in front of you were mentioned as being especially meaningful. The church has also hired a part-time Child and Youth Worker, Julia Vreugdenhil, to assist in the development of the children s and youth programs. Pastor Peter Hogeterp has been volunteering in the role of part-time administrative assistant. This has been a good arrangement for the staff and their weekly staff meetings are an encouragement to all of them. The deacons do what they are able to assist in meeting the physical needs of the members of the church and to the community at large. The congregation has also been very engaged in a Community Opportunity Scan from Diaconal Ministries Canada through which church representatives have gone into the neighbourhood and asked the leaders of the community (eg. other local pastors, principals, and community support agency representatives) how the church might be able to help. This has been very informative and has not only affirmed the church s current ministries, but also has opened opportunities to continue to develop potential partnerships and bring renewed energy to on-going relationships. The church continues to participate in the Springfest at Grandview Social Housing Complex as well as Feed Windsor, a meal program at New Song church. Ambassador also continues to have their yard sale and used clothing ministry several times a year. At Christmas the church hosted a special nativity event to which the community was invited to attend. Each of these efforts has been a way that relationships have begun to be developed. As part of the COS, the church was planning a prayer walk for May 6 during which the congregation would be walking throughout the neighbourhood praying for their neighbours and seeking God s direction for ministry to their neighbours. Pastor Darrell suggested that God has placed a vision which drives Ambassador Church that they are placed in the community where they are to do more than invite people to church, but that they are engaged in community mission. It is part of who they are as a church; as their motto states: Because Jesus cares, we care. The elders likewise report that the spiritual health of the congregation is good despite the sometimes transient nature of their community. For some, the traditional elder visits have taken a back seat because they are very busy with other activities within the church. Pastor Darrell explained that as a leadership team, they have had very good discussion around the role of pastoral care and they have begun to look into developing a more intentional pastoral care which engages more members of the congregation who have these gifts. In some cases, God brought new people to Ambassador Church and when they saw an opportunities to serve, they decided to stay and join the church community. Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 19

20 The council members shared a number of things that have been especially encouraging over the last while including eleven new members who made a public profession of faith earlier this year. This is a very active congregation for its size with many ministry opportunities as well as several opportunities for Bible Study and prayer. One particular challenge which the church faces is the low numbers of youth. This dynamic has led to combining youth group and catechism teaching. For a few years, the low number of youth had plugged into other local Christian church youth groups, but with the addition of Julia to the staff, the church is trying to develop more intentional youth ministry. A Safe Church Team and procedures are in place. Volunteers are expected to have a criminal reference check completed. As for the AODA, there are some efforts being done to meet the needs of those with different abilities. Ambassador Council was advised to contact Christian Horizons to see if they have complied with the government requirements. As for Classis involvement, it is sometimes difficult for Ambassador CRC to have volunteers commit to taking time off of work to attend the meetings. It was noted that Saturday meetings are easier to attend for many people on council. We encouraged the council to do everything they could to send delegates to our Classis meetings. Henry Taekema Pastor Tim Luimes - reporter Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 20

21 Classis Chatham Church Planting Team Notes May 3, Opened with Prayer 2. Reviewed Agenda 3. Approved minutes 4. Old Business a. CMC met Apr. 11; Beth will serve as the Church Planting Team rep. She ll give the team an update. b. Update on church council exercise: 7 congregations have responded so far. Daryl will thank those who responded and repeat the request that Councils have the conversation through the stated clerk. If they want to bring a completed form to the Classis meeting. The Home Missions Team of Classis Hamilton asked permission to edit and use this exercise in their context. c. May Classis meeting i. Daryl will remind folks of who we are, what we re doing, communicate vision and mandate bearing in mind that many delegates didn t attend the last Classis meeting. ii. Daryl will thank the 7 Councils for their discussion and submissions and ask those who haven t done it yet to seriously consider adding it to their next agenda. Daryl will see if someone who had a positive experience will describe how it went. iii. Beth and Nick are preparing the discussion questions and maps like a mini- Council discussion. 5. Prayer 6. Proposal Presentations 7. Closing Prayer 8. Next meeting a. Short list geographic areas of focus check Outreach.ca b. Process for beginning to speak with church planters Church plant conference sept. Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 21

22 Classis Church Planting Team Notes July 12, We began with prayer. 2. Agreed to agenda. 3. Minutes of May 3 were approved. 4. Ron Baker Forest City North (FCN) multisite to Exeter, launch in 2019, at the Exeter High School, site pastor to start. a. He s already initiated talks with pastor of Exeter CRC. b. Presentation to Classis Huron Home Missions Team. They are eager and willing to work with us, letting our Classis take the lead, but willing to invest money and time. c. Site Pastor to be bi-vocational. Suggested that some folks from here meet with folks from Classis Huron Home Missions team. d. Under CPI- Church Planting Institute e. We will request ministry plan and budget from Ron for a future meeting. Ron to meet with us. We need to determine how we re going to support them (15 min. in next meeting) especially seeing that this is a multi-site and not a church plant (which is the mandate of our team). 5. Old Business a. Discussed question of whether we need another member on this team. At present, we will finish our discussions with Ron Baker at FCN, initiate conversations with Peter Hoytema re: Strathroy possibility, and then decide on future member. b. Update on Church Council Exercise i. 8 received to date. ii. Conversations with John VanderStoep of Classis Huron Home Missions about using this exercise. It s been used in all the Classes in Ontario c. Debrief May Classis Meeting i. Daryl was commended for the presentation. Lots of classis energy/excitement, only a single criticism received to date. ii. Good conversations regarding possible church planting sites. Many sites highlighted. Comments about Spanish or Chippewa of the Thames. Listed potential congregational partnerships. 1. Forest City North Exeter Multisite (Ron Baker) 2. Strathroy church plant (Peter Hoytema) 3. Leamington Windsor Corridor church plant (Chatham/Windsor/Essex) iii. In September classis meeting, group people geographically to discuss the final two. iv. We will invite Peter Hoytema to come to our next meeting to hear what they ve discussed as a Council (30 min. in next meeting). See how we can resource the next steps. Mike will contact Peter. 6. Time of Prayer 7. New Business a. Suggestion 1 short list we ve done this tentatively in 5cii. Let s finalize this list in summer b. Team agreed to develop process for recruiting, identifying and selecting a church planter in fall (CPI has a list of 15 church planters ready to go. Vetted through CPI.) We need to keep classis and CMC updated in our process. Lead team for the plant needs to be part of this discussion (Be aware of our pipeline for upcoming church plants: something for 2019, 2020). c. Myrna (treasurer) will contact Classis Treasurer to alert the finance Committee that we expect to draw roughly $ in the next few months. Possibly more for FCN or church plant in next year. Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 22

23 8. We ll use Doodle to schedule a meeting near the end of July and beginning of August. 9. Closing Prayer Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 23

24 Classis Chatham Finance Committee Minutes July 25, AM Held at home of Harry Verburg, 27 Buttery Court, Strathroy, ON Present: Mike Talsma, Cecil Holtrop, Oscar DeBoer and Harry Verburg (treasurer) 1. Opening: Harry Verburg reads Ephesians 2: 8 10 and leads in opening prayer. 2. Agenda is approved. 3. Minutes of CFC meeting April 5, 2018 are approved. 4. Business arising from minutes: a) The recommended remuneration for stated clerk and treasurer was subsequently amended and approved to $6,500 each by CMC and Classis. b) Classis Chatham Administrator Day was approved by CMC for funding $1,000 yearly. 5. Classis Ministries 2017 Financial Statements: a) Classis audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 were further reviewed (see also CFC minutes April 5, 2018), indicating Classical Expense Fund balance of $12,208, Student Fund $48,520, Church Plant Fund $248,582. b) London Campus Ministry balance sheet and profit & loss for the year ended December 31, 2017 are presented by Treasurer Harry Verburg; equity $103,267 plus classis fund balance $5,407, total $108,674. After review received for information. c) Classis Youth Ministry funds was transferred to classis treasurer and is now included in Classis financial records. Fund balance as at December 31, 2017 $33,230 (refer 2017 Classis Chatham financial statements) d) Classis Chatham Diaconal Committee financial summary showing December 31, 2017 closing balance of $8, RFI Ministry Share Requests: a) Classical Expense Fund Budgets for 2018 (revised) and 2019 are reviewed. Expenses includes $1,000 for the Classis Chatham Administrator Day; $6,000 for the Bridge App for use by churches but cost will be covered by classis. (Stated clerk to encourage churches to make use of this program). Budgeted 2019 ministry share income of $39,700 is unchanged from 2018, however, ministry share per member increases slightly due to the decrease of 175 members. Budgeted shortfall ($7,300 in 2019) may be offset by surplus carried forward in this fund. CFC recommends approval by classis of the Classical Expense Fund budget and 2019 ministry share of $8.72 per member (up from $8.40 in 2018) Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 24

25 b) London Campus Ministry: - No budget available. No change requested in ministry shares amount of $165,000 for 2019; $36.24 per member (up from $34.90 in 2018) c) Student Fund No change requested in ministry shares amount of $30,000 for 2019; $6.59 per member (up from $6.35 in 2018) d) Youth Ministry No budget. Requested ministry shares amount of $10,000 for 2019; $2.20 per member (up from $2.12 in 2018) e) Church Plant Fund As per existing schedule ministry share amount $45,530 based on $10.00 per member. Total ministry share request for 2019 $63.75 per member (up 3.21% from $61.77 in 2018). CFC recommends approval by classis of the above proposed 2019 ministry shares request. 7. CFC members terms. Confirmed the following: Mike Talsma (chair) 2 nd term expires 2019; Oscar DeBoer (secretary) 2 nd term expires 2020; Cecil Holtrop 1 st term expires 2018, renewed 2 nd term to expire This provides properly for staggered expiry dates. 8. Next meeting: To be arranged by April Meeting adjourned: closing prayer by Cecil Holtrop. Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 25

26 CLASSIS CHATHAM OF THE CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH CLASSIS MINISTRY SHARE BUDGET Classical Classical Campus Campus Student Student CYMT CYMT Church Church Exp. Fund Exp. Fund Ministry Ministry Fund Fund (Youth) (Youth) Plants Plants TOTALS TOTALS PROJECTED OPENING BALANCE 12,208 11,708 94,193 64,381 48,520 43,520 33,230 33, , , , ,701 PROJECTED INCOME: Classis Ministry Share 39,700 39, , ,000 30,000 30,000 10,000 10,000 47,280 45, , ,230 Other 1,000 1,000 10,500 10,500 4,000 4,500 15,500 16,000 TOTAL PROJECTED INCOME 40,700 40, , ,500 30,000 30,000 10,000 10,000 51,280 50, , ,230 PROJECTED DISBURSEMENTS: Total Expenses 41,200 48, , ,270 35,000 30,000 10,000 10, , ,270 PROJECTED SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) ,300-29,812-32,770-5, ,280 50,030 15,968 9,960 PROJECTED YEAR END CLOSING BALANCE 11,708 4,408 64,381 31,611 43,520 43,520 33,230 33, , , , ,661 PERCENTAGE OF MINISTRY SHARE 14% 57% 10% 3% 16% 100% MINISTRY SHARE PER PROFESSING MEMBER: For 2015 $6.00 $33.00 $7.00 $16.65 $10.00 $72.65 For 2016 $7.25 $34.80 $7.00 $17.25 $5.00 $71.30 For 2017 $6.92 $33.87 $6.85 $17.24 $0.00 $64.88 For 2018 $8.40 $34.90 $6.35 $2.12 $10.00 $61.76 For 2019 $8.72 $36.24 $6.59 $2.20 $10.00 $63.75 PERCENTAGE CHANGE 3.80% 3.84% 3.76% 3.60% 0.00% 3.21% Notes: 2019 Actuals 4, Actuals 4, Actuals 4, Actuals 4, Actuals 4, Actuals 4, Actuals 5,019 The proposed 2019 Classical Ministry Share is based on 4,553 net professing members and 100% payment by churches CCDC (Diaconal Ministry Share) - not included in the above as dues are received directly from church diaconates) CLASSIS CHATHAM OF THE CRC 2019 CLASSICAL MINISTRY SHARE REQUEST SUMMARY Classical Campus Student CYMT Church Exp. Fund Ministry Fund (Youth) Plants TOTALS PROJECTED OPENING BAL. Jan.1/19 $11,708 $64,381 $43,520 $33,230 $299,862 $452,701 PROJECTED INCOME: Classical Ministry 100% $39,700 $165,000 $30,000 $10,000 $45,530 $290, Other $1,000 $10,500 $0 $0 $4,500 $16,000 TOTAL PROJECTED INCOME $40,700 $175,500 $30,000 $10,000 $50,030 $306,230 PROJECTED DISBURSEMENTS: Total expenses $48,000 $208,270 $30,000 $10,000 $0 $296,270 PROJ. SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) -$7,300 -$32,770 $0 $0 $50,030 $9,960 PROJECTED CLOSING BAL. Dec.31/19 $4,408 $31,611 $43,520 $33,230 $349,892 $462,661 Percentage of Ministry Share 14% 57% 10% 3% 16% 100% MINISTRY SHARE PER PROFESSING MEMBER: For 2018 $8.40 $34.90 $6.35 $2.12 $10.00 $61.77 For 2019 $8.72 $36.24 $6.59 $2.20 $10.00 $63.75 Percentage change 3.80% 3.84% 3.76% 3.60% 0.00% 3.21% Professing Members for Classical Ministry Share is taken from the Current Year (2018) Statistics from the Yearbook 4,553 The proposed 2019 Classical Ministry Shares is based on 4,553 professing members and 100% payment by churches. (CCDC (Diaconal) - not included in the above as dues are received directly from church diaconates ) Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 26

27 Calvin Theological Seminary Communication Points July 2018 Update Commencement 2018: May 19, 2018, was a historic day for Calvin Seminary. On that day, we honored 60 graduates who received diplomas recognizing their work in programs ranging from certificate programs to the Ph.D. level. Six students received either a Certificate in Latino Ministry or a Certificate in Family Care through our Latino Ministry program where all courses are taught in Spanish. In addition, ten graduates earned their degree primarily through distance education. As a global seminary, we were blessed with graduates coming from the following 12 countries: Canada, China, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Guatemala, India, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, and the United States. From Across the Globe to Learn Together: August 20 is the date of International Student Orientation and it will reflect again how Calvin Seminary is a global seminary. Our incoming class has students entering from Brazil, China Indonesia, South Korea as well as Canada and the United States. We invite prayers for these international students as well as for all other students new to CTS this year or continuing their programs of study. The formal beginning of our new academic year will occur with Convocation on Wednesday, September 5, with Rev. Scott Hoezee (Director of the Center for Excellence in Preaching) marking the 143 rd year of ministry service for Calvin Seminary from her beginning in This academic year will also take place in the context of the 400 th Commemoration Anniversary of the Synod of Dordrecht ( ). Calvin College and Calvin Seminary are hosting a Canons of Dort conference on September 14-15, Dr, Karin Maag, the Director of the Meeter Center, editor of the Calvin Theological Journal and author of the book Does the Reformation Still Matter? is organizing this conference. Serving Latino/a Leaders Through Two New Online Courses in Spanish: In the fall, Dr. Mariano Avila will teach a completely online course in Spanish on Ephesians, followed by an Old Testament course, also in Spanish, in the spring. Online courses allow persons to live, work and minister where they are, while receiving a Calvin Seminary education through a cohortbased class model. Until now, our online and hybrid courses were only available in English. Institutional support allows us to offer the Spanish language courses at a significant discount. Register for these masters level courses by going to Loving Your Neighbor Conference: Ministry Among Migrants, Immigrants and Refugees: Two years ago, Calvin Seminary held a Loving Your Neighbor conference that was well received by those who attended or later viewed sessions. This summer, July 30-August 1, the conference returns with a focus on ministry among migrants, immigrants and refugees. Dr. Paul Lim from Vanderbilt University will be our keynote speaker, and will be joined by other prominent thinkers, including Dr. Matt Kaemingk who will share from his latest book, Christian Hospitality and Muslim Immigration in an Age of Fear. To still register, visit 1 Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 27

28 calvinseminary.edu/neighbor We do anticipate that after the event that many of these presentations will be made available via video and even future Forum articles. Why Attend a Seminary? Why Attend Calvin Theological Seminary? New Forum Issue! What does it mean to be called to ministry? How does a seminary equip people for that calling? How do we connect the church and the classroom together in training leaders of the church? Those questions and more are the theme of a special edition of the Forum, a semi-annual magazine that addresses questions and themes being discussed at the local church by providing theological content and insights. The summer/fall 2018 issue will focus on the theme of Church Discipline. Browse archived versions of the Forum at Center for Excellence in Preaching (CEP) Not Just for Preachers! For thirteen years the Center for Excellence in Preaching, directed by Rev. Scott Hoezee, has sponsored seminars and workshops to help preachers and parishioners in their ministry. The CEP website is a wonderful resource to hear good sermons, find insights on Bible passages, and identify good books to read. While geared toward pastors, the site can be beneficial to anyone in the church. The site has had a recent spike in traffic. Through the first four months in 2018, we averaged 18,500 different visitors per month, had 125,000 visits overall, and saw over half a million pages of materials downloaded. Why not check it out yourself and see why the CEP website receives, on average, over 1,000 visits every day! Retirement of Professor Michael Williams: A few weeks before commencement, Dr. Michael Williams shared a Last Chapel as part of his retirement. His reflections were consistent with a life that loves the Word of God and desired to teach it well to the next generation. You can watch this presentation by going to Please join us in giving thanks for Dr. Michael Williams years of faithful service to Calvin Theological Seminary ( ) as Professor of Old Testament. New Podcasts: We recently launched a new way for people to connect with the conversations at Calvin Seminary our own podcasts. Please share the news and you can find out more by going to Financial Outlook: We are blessed with looking back on a positive year for the budget of , but knowing that we are looking for our annual formation fund budget of needs beyond ministry shares of $1.6 million dollars. We are deeply grateful for the faithful churches and individuals who invest their stewardship dollars in training and forming leaders for Christ s church. Prayer Request: Please continue praying for Calvin Seminary as we begin our 143 rd academic year of study, welcoming students from around the world who have chosen Calvin Seminary for its hospitable learning community as well as biblical and theological depth of study! 2 Classis Chatham Agenda September 25, 2018 Page: 28