MINUTES CLASSIS LAKE SUPERIOR

Transcription

1 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF CLASSIS LAKE SUPERIOR Calvary CRC, Edina MN March 4-5, 2013 MINUTES CLASSIS LAKE SUPERIOR March 4-5, 2013 Page 1

2 Minutes of the Meeting of Classis Lake Superior Held at Calvary CRC, Edina, MN March 4-5, 2013 Art. 1 Officers President: Rev. Archie Vander Hart Vice-President: Rev. Bob Vance Stated Clerk: Rev. Harold de Jong Art. 2 Opening and Organization 2.1 Roll Call and Review of Time Schedule Church Pastor Delegate Elder Delegate Deacon Delegate Baldwin CRC Anson Veenstra Allen Van Someren Brandon CRC Brooklyn Park N. Ctr. Lao CRC (emerging) Brian Keown Ted Van Heyst Brooten Community CRC Al Negen * David Zylstra * Bunde CRC Bob Pollema * Rick Marker * Crookston First CRC Doug Shank East Grand Forks Redeeming Love Community CRC Edina Calvary CRC Jack Van Marion Jim De Young Emo CRC John Vanderburgh Harrold Boven Hancock CRC Harrison Newhouse Inver Grove Heights Henry Gunnink Bonnie Smith Grace CRC New Brighton New Life Phohn Sinbondit * Lao CRC (emerging) New Brighton Faith CRC Archie Vander Hart Steve Ling Ogilvie New Hope CRC Vern Mix Mike Juricich Pease CRC Morris Droogsma Bill Ruis Princeton Bethel CRC Calvin Friend Rob Braun Prinsburg Unity CRC Steve Zwart Chad Hoekstra # MINUTES CLASSIS LAKE SUPERIOR March 4-5, 2013 Page 2

3 Raymond CRC John Bothof Clyde Slagter Renville Emden CRC Joseph Kim Bob Swyter Savage Bridgewood CRC Dave Huizenga John Whitmore # Mark Jamerson * Thunder Bay Al Postma Hank Makkinga Bethlehem CRC Thunder Bay First CRC Thunder Bay Hope CRC Gerrit Haagsma (interim pastor) Harry Prenger Jim Agombar Bram Vandenbroeke Willmar CRC Jeff Vanderhooft Drew Ryder Winnipeg Covenant CRC Don Draayer Leo Visser Winnipeg Good News Fellowship Winnipeg Transcona CRC Dan Vos (interim pastor) Daryl Hiebert Linda Postma Arnold Kamerman Synodical Deputies Rev. Aldon Kuiper, Classis Iakota * Rev. Tim Ouwinga, Classis Minnkota, via SKYPE * Rev. David Heilman, Classis Heartland * Additional Guests Ken Douma, Candidate John and Linda Parsons, Prayer Coordinators - Canada Rosanne Van Marion, Prayer Coordinator US * Yvonne Schenk, Thunder Bay Christian Community Centre, Canadian Ministries Review Team Randy Hedman, World Renew * Rev. Cody Statema Tony Schweitzer, Church Visitor, Regional Pastor Wayne Tobak, Treasurer of Classis * Sonya Cahais, Prayer Coordinator, Hope CRC Dini Makkinga, Prayer Coordinator, Bethlehem CRC # Monday only * Tuesday only 2.2 MOTION to seat one deacon delegate and two interim pastor delegates, Gerrit Haagsma and Dan Vos. 2.3 First time delegates (2 pastors and 6 elders on Monday, 1 elder on Tuesday) signed the Covenant for Officebearers. 2.4 President, Archie Vander Hart, declared Classis duly constituted and welcomed all delegates and guests. He read from Acts 13:1-3 and led in prayer. MINUTES CLASSIS LAKE SUPERIOR March 4-5, 2013 Page 3

4 2.5 Appointment of Committees Credentials: Raymond and Bethlehem Overtures/Deliberative Matters: Appeals: Balloting: Bridgewood and North Central Lao and New Life Lao Classical Expense Committee: Transcona and Calvary Art. 3 Correspondence of the Secretary of Classis The Secretary of Classis reported on correspondence received as noted in the Agenda in the Secretary s printed report. Received for information Art. 4 Reports 4.1 Standing Committees and Functionaries Classical Interim Committee CIC Chair, Jack Van Marion, reported that CIC appointed delegates to the Canadian Catalytic Conversation (C3) called by Classis Toronto for January 12-13, 2013, and invited John Vanderburgh to give a verbal report.verbal report received Jack Van Marion reported that CIC appointed an Oversight Committee for Rev. Henry Reyenga and invited Dave Huizenga to give a verbal report..verbal report received MOTION that the phrase, with the concurrence of the Synodical Deputies, be added to Article VI. C. 2. A 3 in the Rules of Procedure for Classis Lake Superior. Grounds: The Church Order stipulates this to be the procedure MOTION to hold the September 2013 meeting of Classis at Calvary CRC, Edina MN, with CIC to decided by April 30 whether or not to accept an invitation to an alternative venue, should one be received. Grounds: Lack of availability at Lake Geneva, Alexandria MN MOTION to approve the request of Bridgewood CRC for adjustment of its Loan Repayment Schedule as follows: June $5,000, June $10,000, June $15,000, June $20,000, June $25,000, and June $25, MOTION to approve the work of CIC MINUTES CLASSIS LAKE SUPERIOR March 4-5, 2013 Page 4

5 4.1.2 Secretary of Classis The Secretary of Classis highlighted various items in the printed report found in the Agenda and the Addenda to the Agenda, including the transfer of ministerial credentials of Rev. Jeff Vanderhooft from Emden CRC, Renville MN, to Willmar CRC, Willmar MN, where he has accepted a call, and of Rev. Henry Vander Beek, retired, from First CRC, Thunder Bay ON, to Dunnville CRC, Dunnville ON MOTON that once the venue for the September Classis has been settled, the Secretary draft a bulletin announcement to invite congregations to attend the Pre-Classis Conference on Creation to be presented by Dr. Loren Haarsma of Calvin College MOTION to approve the work of the Secretary Classical Finance Committee & Treasurer's Report The Treasurer, Wayne Tobak, presented his financial report for January 1 December 31, Received for information MOTION to use $4, of the Miscellaneous funds to bring support to the ministries up to the budgeted amounts for 2012, as follows: Thunder Bay Community Centre $ 379 Hope Centre Winnipeg $ 885 Star Fish Ministries $1,259 New Life Church, New Brighton $1,859 Prayer Mobilizers Canada $ 116 Total $4, MOTION to approve the work of the Treasurer Classical Home Missions (US) Dave Zylstra addressed Classis and noted that CHMC-US had accepted the resignation of Don Muilenburg due to health reasons. MOTION to approve a gathering of pastors and church leaders together with Peter Kelder to discuss missions/evangelistic matters with a view to boosting missional vision, with funds to come from Church Development or other sources, at the discretion of CIC MOTION to approve the work of the Committee Starfish Ministries.Printed report received New Life Church.Printed report received North Central Lao Henry Gunnink addressed Classis on the work of the North Central Lao Advisory Team..Verbal and printed reports received Prayer Mobilizer US Leadership Development Network MINUTES CLASSIS LAKE SUPERIOR March 4-5, 2013 Page 5

6 4.1.5 Classical Home Missions (CAN) Bob Vance addressed Classis on the new plan to assist congregations with leadership development and invited delegates to check out for details. MOTION to approve the work of the committee Thunder Bay Christian Community Centre Printed report received Hope Centre Ministries, Winnipeg Prayer Mobilizers CAN Linda Parsons addressed Classis.Verbal and printed reports received Home Missionary Reports Church Counselors Reports Tony Schweitzer, Counselor for First Brandon CRC, Brandon MB, submitted his final report on the ordination of Thyra VanKeeken.Printed report received Steve Zwart, Counselor for Emden CRC, submitted his final report on the ordination of Joseph Kim.Verbal report received Steve Zwart, Counselor for Willmar CRC, submitted his final report on the installation of Jeff Vanderhooft.Verbal report received Al Postma, Counselor for First CRC, Thunder Bay ON, submitted an interim report.printed report received Church Visitor Reports Tony Schweitzer gave a verbal report on the visit of the Church Visitors North Region to Hope CRC, Thunder Bay ON..Verbal report received Regional Pastors Reports Tony Schweitzer and Henry Gunnink addressed Classis with an update on their work..verbal reports received Classical Ministerial Leadership Team (Student Fund) Safe Church Team 4.2 Classical Delegates Faith Alive Christian Resources!.Printed report received Board of Trustees: Calvin College.Printed reports received Board of Trustees: Calvin Theological Seminary.Printed reports received Back to God Ministries International.Printed report received Board of Home Missions MINUTES CLASSIS LAKE SUPERIOR March 4-5, 2013 Page 6

7 4.2.6 Christian Reformed World Missions.Printed report received World Renew (CRWRC) Randy Hedman addressed Classis.Verbal report received Synodical Delegates Board of Trustees CRCNA Diaconal Ministries Canada - Tammy Heidbuurt addressed Classis and led a discussion about the report to Synod 2013 of Diakonia Remixed: Office of Deacon Task Force Sustaining Pastoral Excellence Canadian Aboriginal Ministries Committee.Printed report received Indian Family Centre, Winnipeg 4.3 Agencies Abuse Prevention Chaplaincy Ministries Committee on Disability Concerns Loan Fund Office of Social Justice and Hunger Action Ministry of Race Relations Minister's Pension Fund Pastor Church Relations Service Link Classical Renewal Ministries Team CRC Family Conference Committee Hope Haven New Life Treatment Center Dordt College Institute for Christian Studies International Association for the Promotion of Christian Higher Education (IAPCHE) King's University College.Printed report received Redeemer College Trinity Christian College Youth Unlimited, Calvinist Cadet Corp, GEMS Girls' Club Director of Canadian Ministries On Monday evening Ben Vandezande led a discussion on the denominational structures needed to enhance CRC ministries in our national and bi-national contexts CRHM Regional Team Leaders Art. 5 Deliberative Matters 5.1 Examinations Examination of Candidate Ken Douma, called by Covenant CRC, Winnipeg, MB. Ken was introduced by the Rev. Donald Draayer, who led in prayer Practica: The Rev. John Vanderburgh conducted the examination. MINUTES CLASSIS LAKE SUPERIOR March 4-5, 2013 Page 7

8 MOTION to proceed Synodical Deputies concur Sermon Evaluation: The Revs. Tony Schweitzer and Dan Vos presented an evaluation of the sermon(s) and worship service MOTION to proceed Synodical Deputies concur Biblical and Theological Position: The Rev. Steve Zwart conducted the examination MOTION to admit Ken Douma to the ministry of the Word in the CRCNA The President declared executive session Discussion on motion to admit Prayer is offered Synodical Deputies are dismissed Delegates vote by hand on the motion to admit Ken Douma to the ministry of the Word in the CRCNA.MOTION CARRIED Synodical Deputies return The Chair informs the Synodical Deputies of the decision to admit Ken Douma to the ministry of the Word in the CRCNA. Synodical Deputies concur The President declared executive session ended The President presented Ken Douma with a Classical Diploma, welcomed him into the ministry of the Word in Classis, and led in a prayer of thanksgiving. Delegates and guests were given opportunity to extend congratulations Covenant CRC set the date for ordination, April 28, Ministerial Matters 5.3 Credentials The Credentials Committee reported that the credentials were in order, with the exception of those that did not include page The Credentials Committee reported the following items that appeared: Baldwin CRC informs Classis that Baldwin CRC will celebrate its 125 th Anniversary on July 6-7, 2013, and invites Classis to attend Bethlehem CRC informs Classis that Bethlehem has begun celebrating the Lord s Supper in new ways while maintaining its sacramental nature Bridgewood CRC expresses its thanks to Classis for its support and generosity, and for considering its request for loan repayment adjustment Pease CRC informs Classis that retired pastor, Rev. Dave Smit, has requested his ministerial credentials be sent to Faith CRC, Sioux Center IA. MINUTES CLASSIS LAKE SUPERIOR March 4-5, 2013 Page 8

9 Covenant CRC informs Classis that Elder Leo Visser is available to attend Synod 2013 as a delegate of Classis Grace CRC recommends that Elder Bonnie Smith be delegated to attend Synod 2013 on behalf of Classis Transcona CRC informs Classis that it attends Classis under protest due to Classis position on women in office Grace CRC requests Classis to engage in a discussion and/or presentation on the following: - how to understand and respond to gender confusion within the church and society at large - what acceptable resources and approaches are available for our use - how other churches have provided education for their congregations and how they have ministered to/with those who live with same gender attraction - what position or action ought to be taken regarding the redefinition of marriage within the church and larger society..referred to CIC for follow-up Pease CRC requests Classis appoint a Counselor..Referred to CIC Willmar CRC asks for advice on how to restructure the Council with Shepherding and Administrative elders. MOTION to instruct the Secretary to assemble a list of Councils that have gone through such restructuring, and to send said list to all churches in Classis for their information and follow-up Transcona CRC asks for advice on how to help couples in marital difficulty, and at what point to refer them to professional counselors. A short discussion was granted on the floor of Classis Transcona CRC requests that a Pre-Classis Seminar be arranged regarding how to help marriages in the church..referred to CIC Transcona CRC requests their interim pastor, Dan Vos, be seated as a delegate at this meeting MOTION to approve the work of the Committee 5.4 Overtures 5.5 Deliberative Matters 5.6 Appeals 5.7 Minutes: These Minutes were approved by the President and Vice-President before distribution. 5.8 Study Committee Reports MINUTES CLASSIS LAKE SUPERIOR March 4-5, 2013 Page 9

10 5.9 Elections Persons were elected to positions as follows: Officers of Classis, September 16-17, 2013 Henry Gunnink - President Calvin Friend - Vice-President Functionaries of Classis CIC Bob Vance (2 nd term) Henry Gunnink, Alternate Classical Home Missions Committee US Chao Khang-Lee Lowell Schwitters Classical Home Missions Committee Canada Al Postma (2 nd term) Classical Ministerial Leadership Team (CMLT) Carol Veldman Rudie (2 nd term) Finance Committee Tim Hubers Church Visitor Alternate, East Region Anson Veenstra (2 nd term) Synodical Deputy Alternate Henry Gunnink Church Visitors East Region Church Visitor Alternate Dave Huizenga Central Region Church Visitor John Bothof Church Visitor Alternate Harrison Newhouse North Region Church Visitor Harold de Jong Gerry Weynberg Church Visitor Alternate Al Postma Delegates to Synod 2013 First Minister Delegate Second Minister Delegate First Minister Alternate Second Minister Alternate Archie Vander Hart John Vanderburgh Donald Draayer Cody Statema MINUTES CLASSIS LAKE SUPERIOR March 4-5, 2013 Page 10

11 MOTION to affirm these four ministers as delegates from Classis Lake Superior. Grounds: none of them have received a majority vote. First Elder Delegate Casey Soerens Second Elder Delegate Bonnie Smith First Elder Alternate Leo Visser Nominations for Agency Boards and Committees of the CRCNA Region 2 (Canadian congregations only) World Renew Canada Board Don Miedema Christian Reformed World Missions Note: this nomination was received the day of Classis and will be handled by the Secretary who will solicit votes from the delegates Region 8 (US congregations only) Back to God Ministries International Mr. Leland Vanderaa 16 Mr. Dennis Kroll Licensure to Exhort within Classis Art. 6 Varia 6.1 Devotion Schedule 6.2 Other: A letter from Casey Soerens indicating his willingness to be an elder delegate to Synod 2013 was received for information. Art. 7 Closing Exercises 7.1 Next Meeting: Date: September 16-17, 2013 Venue: Calvary CRC, Edina MN 7.2 Thanks to the Host Facility Calvary CRC, and particularly the staff, Ken Hedwal, Building Manager, Marion Sandfort, Church Secretary, Cheryl Rettig, Ministry Assistant, and Cody Statema, Media Master. 7.3 Thanks to the Host Church Bridgewood CRC 7.4 Closing Remarks by the President and Vice-President 7.5 Closing Prayer by the President, Rev. Archie Vander Hart 7.6 Adjournment of Classis at 3:30 pm MINUTES CLASSIS LAKE SUPERIOR March 4-5, 2013 Page 11