Officers: Chair: Rev. Ryan Braam; Vice-Chair: Rev. Steven deboer; Stated Clerk: Mr. John TeBrake

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1 CLASSIS NIAGARA OF THE CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Minutes of the meeting of Wednesday, November 12, 2014 Meeting held at Fruitland CRC, Stoney Creek, ON Officers: Chair: Rev. Ryan Braam; Vice-Chair: Rev. Steven deboer; Stated Clerk: Mr. John TeBrake Delegates, as per Classical Credentials Providence, Beamsville Rev. Steven DeBoer Elder Paul Vandersteen Bethel, Dunnville Pastor Frank Engelage Elder Alex Buist Bethany, Fenwick Rev. Colin Vander Ploeg Elder Tim VanHoffen Fruitland Rev. Ben Ponsen Elder John Vandekolk Mountainview, Grimsby Rev. Sid Couperus Elder John Kikkert Rehoboth, Niagara Falls Elder Louis den Bak Elder Rick Meloen Niagara Falls Church Plant Rev. Allen Kleine Dieters* Covenant, St. Catharines Rev. Bob Loerts Elder Dan Baarda* Village Church, Thorold Pastor Mike Collins Jubilee Fellowship, St. Catharines Rev. Woodrow Dixon Elder Eb Quist* Trinity, St. Catharines Rev. Chris dewinter Elder Ron Mulder Smithville Elder Ron Vandenberg Elder John Bergman Grace, Welland Rev. Ryan Braam Elder Albert Bennink Riverside, Wellandport Elder Dave VanderWier Elder Bert Boverhof *First-time delegate/signed Covenant for Office-bearers 1. Opening Devotions: The Chair, Rev. Ryan Braam welcomed the delegates and guests. He invited Pastor Mike Collins to lead in opening devotions, which he did with reference to John 5:1-15. Using the miracle of Jesus healing the paralyzed man as an example, he encouraged delegates to embrace the mandate that emerged from the (February 2013) retreat that our classis exists to encourage, equip, and empower churches and ministries to engage God s people in mission Pastor Collins then introduced Rev. Allen Kleine Dieters, who has been called by the Providence CRC to commence a church plant in the city of Niagara Falls. Rev. Kleine Dieters then shared with the classis how he and his wife Freda had already been able to reach out and how they were learning the make-up and needs of Niagara Falls. Ms. Hilda VanderKlippe, Home Missions Liaison, invited those present to gather as groups of four or five, and to share in a prayer consisting of three elements: Something we as individuals are thankful for; To pray for Rev. Wes Collins and his wife Stephanie, who had been involved in a very serious car accident August 28 and who were very badly injured, with Rev. Collins also sustaining a serious brain injury. They have just been released from hospital, but will require intensive therapies of various kinds for months to come. He will be unable to return to work for at least one full year. Pray also for their church, Riverside CRC, which had just commenced a major redevelopment of its church building To pray for God s Spirit to work with Rev. Allen and Freda Kleine Dieters, and the others involved, as they seek His will and plans for Niagara Falls. 2. Constitution of Classis: Rev. Ben Ponsen of the host church read the roll call from the Classical Credentials. All churches were represented by delegates. The first-time delegates had signed the Covenant for Office-bearers and were welcomed. The Chair declared the classis constituted. A motion to seat Rev. Allen Kleine Dieters as delegate from the newly-formed church plant in Niagara Falls was APPROVED. Classis Niagara Minutes of Meeting November 12, 2014 Page 1 of 9

2 3. Director of Canadian Ministries: Rev. Darren Roorda, ratified by Synod 2014 as the new Director of Canadian Ministries, was introduced and addressed Classis. He indicated the desire that the Canadian Ministries Office would be there for all churches and ministries. Also, three things that are essential for leadership in the CRC are the local church; ecumenical work; and collaboration among agencies. He also shared five major streams of the CRCNA Ministry Plan. These deal with (1) congregations connecting with their local contexts providing the message of Christ; (2) the younger generations; (3) an awareness that something is missing with regard to discipleship, spirituality, and being spirit-led; (4) the development of lay and clergy leaders for engaging in challenging and diverse contexts; and (5) congregations will understand and express [the CRCNA s] shared identity in Christ. Rev. Roorda noted that he would like to work with local churches and have them involved with him in his ministry. 4. Institute for Christian Studies (ICS): Dr. Doug Blomberg, President of ICS, brought greetings, and recognition that the ICS was originated by members of the CRC. The CRC remains a major supporter of the ICS. The ICS has a mission to academia, bringing a reformation to higher education, so that a reformed world and life view is being brought throughout the world. 5. Classical Ministry Leadership Team: Rev. Chris dewinter, chair of the team, informed delegates that despite its recruitment efforts, no new students had requested assistance. The Team is planning another Seminary Sunday, and encouraged the churches to offer to be involved. 6. Ad-hoc Next Steps Team (NST) Report: Rev. Chris dewinter, chair of this team, provided a summary of the team s work and a back-ground to its recommendations. Unfortunately, the report containing the team s observations and recommendations was not available for distribution to delegates until the time of the meeting. The report is included as an appendix to these minutes, on pages 5 to 9; the full recommendations are on page 9. Delegates deliberated the four recommendations, with the following results: Recommendation 1: After some discussion, the team, most of whom were present, agreed to remove this recommendation because there had not been sufficient time for delegates to review and consider it. Recommendation 2: APPROVED Recommendation 3: APPROVED; the chair of the classis informed delegates that part of this retreat would need to be set aside for a formally instituted classis meeting, as there will be some matters that will require formal classis action (e.g., election of delegates to Synod 2015) Recommendation 4: APPROVED, and the chair duly expressed thanks to the NST on behalf of Classis. 7. Lunch Break: Rev. Braam led in a prayer of blessing for our lunch. The lunch was provided in the Fruitland Christian School, adjacent to the Fruitland CRC. Classis is thankful for people being available and willing to give of their time and gifts of hospitality for the benefit and fellowship opportunities for delegates. 8. Redeemer University College: Dr. Hubert Krygsman, President of Redeemer, brought greetings, and expressed thanks for the ongoing support from the CRC denomination, and in particular from Classis Niagara, for financial, prayer and promotional support. Enrollment is down, which is consistent with the experience at other universities and colleges, due in part to changing demographics (fewer people in postsecondary age cohort), and to financial obligations versus expected job opportunities. Redeemer responds by challenging the potential student as to what they want to be as a person and what does God want them to do at the end. Dr. Krygsman confirmed that there would be challenges to Redeemer s budget, and that it would be reduced by $1.5 million. He expressed the hope that the reformed community would maintain its loyalty to Christian education. 9. Denominational Committee to Provide Guidance re Same-Sex Marriage: Revs. Rolf Bouman and David Froege of this denominational committee provided back-ground and the process of this listening session. The committee will follow a shepherding model in preparing its recommendations to Synod, and are holding listening sessions in classes throughout the USA and Canada. They led delegates through the background, discussions, and large-group feedback, as part of their process to obtain information to develop their recommendations to Synod Classis Niagara Minutes of Meeting November 12, 2014 Page 2 of 9

3 10. Executive Committee and Stated Clerk Reports: Stated Clerk Mr. John TeBrake presented the reports of the Executive Committee and of the Stated Clerk. With respect to the work of correspondence, from Rev. Darren Roorda, Canadian Ministries Director, CRCNA, proposing a National Gathering of Classis Leadership for one key leader (such as chair of CMLT, or CMC [our ECIC]) and the stated clerks of Canadian Classes, in Burlington, January 20-21, The eventual intent would be to understanding how we as a Canadian Ministries Office can support you fully. There is also a request that each of the 12 Canadian classes provide $400 to assist with the costs. Classis APPROVED a recommendation of the ECIC that Classis Niagara contribute the $400 requested, and that the Chair of the ECIC and the Stated Clerk attend this gathering. Classis APPROVED the work of the Executive/Classical Interim Committee and that of the Stated Clerk. Rev. Sid Couperus on behalf of the CIC informed Classis that the CIC recommends the appointment of Rev. Rich Loerop as the incoming Stated Clerk to replace John TeBrake. A motion to accept this recommendation was APPROVED. Rev. Couperus also informed Classis that the installation of Rev. Allen Kleine Dieters is planned for Sunday, November 23, at 1:00 pm at the Providence CRC. 11. Treasurer s Report and Budget for 2015: Ms. Emma Winter, Classis treasurer, presented the budget for 2015 that had been proposed by the Executive/Classical Interim Committee. Classical ministry shares for 2015 are budgeted at $67.83 per member (compared to $68.49 for 2014). An opportunity questions was provided. The budget as proposed was APPROVED. On behalf of the Brock University Chaplaincy Committee Rev. Robert Loerts presented a recommendation to adjust its budget for 2014 by an increase of $3,500, to be drawn from its reserve fund. This will correct an error in the approved budget for It will allow the committee to meet its obligations to the ministry and to compensate the chaplain fairly for the work he does. The classis APPROVED the recommendation 12. Brock Chaplain s report: Rev. André Basson reported briefly on the activities of this ministry, in addition to the report that is included in the agenda. He thanked Classis and the churches for ongoing support for the ministry s programs. 13. Shalom Manor Chaplaincy Review Committee: Mr. Theo Meester and Mr. Mel Elizinga, appointed by Classis Niagara to serve on this committee, presented the report which includes a number of recommendations. The chaplaincy is a program funded by both Classis Hamilton and Classis Niagara. Initially, the ministry served (Dutch) CRC residents from these two classes; currently it ministers to people from a range of denominations and backgrounds. There are recommendations dealing with governance, liability, funding, continuity, and spiritual care of people in long-term care facilities. A motion to refer the [Shalom Manor Chaplaincy Review] report back to our full councils, including deacons, for full input from them was APPROVED. Any council input is to be sent to the ECIC before April 1, 2015 so that this input may be collated for the May meeting of Classis. The report and its recommendations will be included in the agenda of the May meeting. The final recommendation, that the Classes [Hamilton and Niagara] acknowledge this report as the completion of the committee s mandate and discharge the committee of its duties was APPROVED. 14. Delegates leaving: Rev. Braam, chair of the meeting, informed delegates he had excused Rev. Chris dewinter (Trinity) and Mr. Rick Meloen (Rehoboth) in the middle of the afternoon session. 15. Home Missions Liaison: Ms. Hilda VanderKlippe talked of the Ridder Church Renewal program as a journey of personal and congregational transformation. Rev. Ryan Braam and Rev. Ben Ponshen shared how their and their church leadership s participation had benefited from this program. Ms. VanderKlippe noted that another module would be commencing in the spring. She encouraged pastors, church leaders and councils to consider participating. More information about this program would be provided over the next while. Classis Niagara Minutes of Meeting November 12, 2014 Page 3 of 9

4 16. Back to God Ministries International (BTGMI): Mr. Paul VanderSteen highlighted the 75 th anniversary of BTGMI, which started with one program on one radio station in Chicago, and is now a multi-media ministry in ten languages in 140 countries. He also informed delegates about ReFrame Media, a BTGMI ministry that provides numerous resources for homes, churches and communities. 17. Ad-hoc Maranatha Dissolution Oversight Committee Report: Pastor Frank Engelage led the directors through the report, which had been provided as part of the supplementary materials. Seven task teams had been organized. Each was able to complete its work except for the Property and Assets Team. During the process of disposing of the property, which is to be transferred to Sunset Homes, it was found to be necessary to complete Maranatha s incorporation first, which had been commenced in This is expected to delay the closing by several months. The committee hopes to have its final report for Classis by the February, or perhaps the May, meeting of Classis. 18. Nominating Committee Report: Classis APPROVED the following recommendations: Redeemer University College Board of Governors representative: Ms. Kate Vahrmeyer, Bethany CRC Shalom Manor Chaplaincy Committee, Ms. Charlene Oudman, Riverside CRC to replace Ms. Tina Vahrmeyer of Bethany CRC, who has completed her second term; and Pastor Frank Engelage to replace Rev. Steven deboer as the minister representative Brock University Chaplaincy Committee, Ms Andrea Veldhuizen, Bethany CRC, to a second term Classical Ministry Leadership Team, Rev. Chris dewinter, Trinity CRC, to a second term Nominating Committee, Ms. Joyce Koorneef, Smithville CRC, and Ms. Ann Kiers, Bethany CRC, to a second term Executive/Classical Interim Committee, Rev. Robert Loerts, Covenant CRC to replace Rev. Steven deboer, Providence CRC The Nominating Committee also noted that Rev. Robert Loerts agreed to serve the Brock University Chaplaincy Committee during Rev. Wes Collins absence, as noted under item #1, Devotions, above. A Historical Committee Representative from Classis Niagara is still being sought. Classis recognized and expressed thanks to Rev. Steven deboer, for serving six years as a member of the E/CIC, many of them as chair. 19. Church Visitor Reports: Rev. Richard Loerop read the report of a visit with the council of the Grace CRC. Several other church visits had been completed; however, the church visitors involved were no longer present at the meeting. 20. Church Counselor Reports: Rev. Richard Loerop noted that the Rehoboth church was satisfied with the arrangements with their interim pastor and all is well. Rev. Sid Couperus reported that the Smithville church is making progress in its process to call a pastor. 21. Credentials Committee Report: Elder delegate John Kikkert reported on behalf of this committee. Bethany asked about the follow-up from the February 2014 classis retreat this was dealt with in the Next Steps Team report, item #6, above Covenant informed that Pastor Eleanor Boersma s position title had changed from Music Coordinator to Pastor of Worship to reflect her recent ordination as a Commissioned Pastor. The position description remains unchanged Smithville provided information about an upcoming Prayer and Healing Ministry Equipping and Training Opportunity. The dates are Saturday January 31 and February 21, Registration details are forthcoming 22. Closing: Rev. Braam led in a closing prayer 21. Next meetings: Date: February 18, 2015; will be planned as part of the upcoming retreat planned for February Agenda Deadline: January 2, 2015 Chairman: Rev. Steven deboer; Vice-chairman: Rev. John Heidinga Credentials: Trinity (to chair) and Smithville; Overture Advisory: Bethany (to chair) and Fruitland Following meetings: May 20, October Classis Niagara Minutes of Meeting November 12, 2014 Page 4 of 9

5 Appendix refer to minutes item 6 NEXT STEPS TEAM Interim Report to Classis Niagara presented Nov. 12, 2014 NB: At the conclusion of this report are recommendations for Classis Niagara to discuss and consider. In May of 2014 Classis Niagara formally adopted the mission statement (mandate) that came out of our February retreat: [Classis Niagara exists] to encourage, equip, and empower churches and ministries to engage God s people in mission. (Cf. Classis Niagara, Minutes of the Meeting of Wednesday, May 21, 2014) When considering how that mission would should realized the ECIC formed an ad hoc committee comprised of Rev. Chris dewinter (Chair), Mr. Sean Schat (Secretary), Rev. Sid Couperus, Mrs. Karin Vermeer, Mrs. Hilda VanderKlippe, and Mrs. AnnElise Teeuwsen. Along with adopting the name Next Steps Team (NST) we were charged with the following mandate: The Classis Executive mandates that the ad-hoc committee responsible for proposing and implementing the discussions, conclusions and vision of the Feb Classis Niagara Retreat to 1) Ensure that Classis understands and accept the Current Reality as discerned at the retreat and summarized in a succinct form. (Retreat Report Available 2) To prayerfully discern and propose to Classis God s Preferred Future for the work and ministry of Classis Niagara. What vision for ministry will carry Classis forward to encourage, equip, and empower churches and ministries to engage God s people in mission? 3) To prayerfully discern and propose to Classis the adaptive leadership requirements necessary in order to implement the shared vision of God s Preferred Future. What are the concrete structures, review processes, evaluations needed or that need to be significantly changed or cut to implement this plan for ministry? 4) To keep Classis, through the Exec, apprised of its work and to present the conclusions of this work in February Over the past number of months your NST has worked diligently and prayerfully to ensure that we understand the mandate, mission, and purpose of Classis as required by Church Order and how the current reality of church ministry urges us to consider alternative options, requirements, and foci for mission. We have met a number of times in the months since (June 11, July 17, Aug 29, Oct 9, Oct 30) and are excited to share our interim report with you. Classis Niagara Currently Reality It is clear to the NST that the February retreat was significant for Classis Niagara in a number of respects. In conjunction with our mandate, naming our current reality is an important foundation on which we want to build. Significant to our conversations was the idea that the sand is shifting beneath our feet. We can be afraid of these changes or we can see the opportunity in them as we lean on a sovereign God. As we lean on God we recognize that there are many things to celebrate in Classis Niagara and there are some significant things that we lament. As a team we considered the approved document summarizing the retreat to be the foundational statement of our Current Reality. Together, we decided it was important to ensure that reality could be easily summarized and Classis Niagara Minutes of Meeting November 12, 2014 Page 5 of 9

6 named if we are to collectively move forward toward God s Preferred Future. To do this we decided on a 30 minute, 3 minute, 30 second summary format. The 30 minute summary is the full report document from the retreat. (This is available on the Classis Niagara website) The 3 minute version is as follows: Classis Niagara has had a long season of faithfulness to God and his Word. There is much to celebrate in our current reality. Many families continue through the generations to faithfully serve God and raise their families in godly ways; many of our youth are passionate about serving God even though they don t always do it in the CRC. We celebrate ministries that we are doing together such as: Rose City Kids, Brock Campus ministry, Village Church plant and now a new one in Niagara Falls, Shalom Manor, and Open Arms Mission. We can celebrate the Christians schools we ve established and continue to support. So, there is clear evidence that God has used Classis Niagara to be a blessing and there is a real sense that God is at work doing something new among us. Our current reality also has painful components to it. Our churches are shrinking and aging and we recently closed Maranatha CRC which was very painful. Many of our young adults have left and we are stuck in a traditional way of doing things. Classis meetings have had little sharing of God stories and often default to business meetings. We are inward focused and lack a vision for God s mission of reaching this world. There is a recognition that we are still carrying scars from the splits in the 90s; these wounds make us afraid to have open discussions about health and they make us afraid to take risks. There is an anxiousness in our churches and in our classis and even our denomination; the sand is shifting under our feet. In many ways we are still trying to live as an immigrant church in a Christian context; but we are now a non- immigrant church living in a post Christian context. Yes, the sand is shifting under our feet and we are anxious but this gives us as classis a fresh opportunity to realign ourselves with God s purposes. The above is a succinct summary of the full report. We believe naming the realities as they are is necessary for us to go forward together into the future. When we can see clearly the present, when we share the same view/assessment, we are together compelled to act in a manner that leads us to ever greater faithfulness to God s calling. The 3 second version comes out of the 3 minute version: In many ways we are still trying to live as an immigrant church in a Christian context; but we are now a non- immigrant church living in a post Christian context. 1 The sand is shifting under our feet and we are anxious but this gives us a fresh opportunity to realign ourselves with God s purposes. As a team we believe these three statements on Current Reality are accurate and helpful for naming what s so for Classis Niagara. In particular we believe the 3 minute summary will be helpful in generating understanding about the process and the direction we are headed; especially as Eldership and Pastoral changes occur and we need to remind ourselves of the significant work done. As defined above, the Current Reality expresses our celebration and our concern and thus provides a good starting place for thinking about what is next. Classis Niagara Values and Guiding Principles When discerning a plan for the future, when casting a vision for what s next, we believe it is necessary to ensure that such visionary work is done upon a shared foundation of understanding. In order to step forward together it helps if we step forward from the same ground. Part of this shared current reality comes to us in the form of the conclusions of the retreat. That document provides a narrative of how we see ourselves in the region and as Classis Niagara. That summary narrative also has within it the implicit recognition that things need to change in order to thrive in the future. Part of our task is to make the implicit explicit and to provide recommendations for doing that constructively. But, before we can make changes we need to identify the core of who we are as Classis Niagara. Positive change will best result when it comes as a consequence of the things we have committed ourselves to be as the church in the world. Identifying and naming the values and guiding principles of a person or institution helps 1 This first line is paraphrased from Rev. Steven DeBoer we thank him for his insight. Classis Niagara Minutes of Meeting November 12, 2014 Page 6 of 9

7 everyone involved have a clearer picture of what is and what could be. It might be helpful to think about the values and guiding principles discussion as the interpretation of the data collected at the retreat. If the notes from the classis retreat and the Current Reality summary are the raw data collected, the values and guiding principles discerned reflect the mental models (worldviews) out of which such actions and stories spring. To propose a new vision for the future will likely involve proposing a new mental model of Classis work/responsibility. This will be a significant change for many people. While not minimizing the significance, a shared value base and a common assent to guiding principles can spur the system forward to be who/how we can be. Discerning and naming shared core values will undergird a direction we choose to step forward by revealing it as the consequence of a deeply held belief. Likewise, guiding principles are the ideas and behaviors we commit to and implement as an extension/activation of our core values. With this in mind, we prayerfully discerned the following values for Classis Niagara and have generated guiding principles to accompany them. Classis Niagara to encourage, equip, and empower churches and ministries to engage God s people in mission Value Conviction Guiding Principle 1. Prayerful Dependence on Apart from me you can do God nothing. John 15:5b Eph. 6: 18-20; Phil. 4:6-7 We will engage in prayer with expectant hearts and minds. By this we live out of hope and confidence in God. Prayer is our chief response of gratitude and the means through which God administers his sanctifying grace. (HC, Q&A 116) 2. Authentic Community If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Cor. 12:26-27 We will encourage God s people by intentionally sharing life and story together. We will empower each other as a community of grace and truth. The church is created to be a community that lives life together in love fueled by stories of personal and systemic transformation. Classis Niagara Minutes of Meeting November 12, 2014 Page 7 of 9

8 3. Disciples Making New Disciples All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Mt. 28:18f) We will empower and equip churches to multiply ministries that will reach their communities. Disciples desire to see others grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18) 4. Leadership Development So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Eph. 4:11-13 We will provide opportunities to equip and encourage leaders in every context and of every level to be on mission with God. 1 Tim. 4:8-10 Leadership Development provides refreshment, encouragement, and new skills required to lead in a changed and changing context. 5. Covenantal Relationships You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 We will encourage God s people to engage in the various relationships and activities of the church with accountability. Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Heb. 13:17 Discerning God s Preferred Future The guiding principles named above will have an impact on what and how Classis Niagara lives into its new mandate. Likewise, the values listed above will impact how Classis Niagara discerns what is important for us to be doing. Out of these shared values and guiding principles the NST will be able to best discern and cast for classis a vision for our future. As well, we believe that discerning what structural and activity changes need to be made will best come as consequence these shared values and principles. Classis Niagara Minutes of Meeting November 12, 2014 Page 8 of 9

9 The remainder of our work will be prayerfully discerning and presenting a vision for God s Preferred Future and identifying the what the concrete structures, review processes, evaluations needed or that need to be significantly changed or cut to implement this plan for ministry. (Cf. NST Mandate, #3) Recommendations to Classis Niagara Given the above, we are asking Classis Niagara for the following: 1. To affirm the work of the NST by giving provisional assent to the Current Reality Summary and the Values and Guiding Principles of Classis Niagara as presented above. a. Ground i. Before we continue, we want these ideas and directions to be shared with all of Classis Niagara. 2. To encourage Pastors and Ministry Leaders to share this report, discuss it with respective church councils, and then provide feedback and questions to the NST. a. Ground i. We understand that directional changes cannot be independently mandated, nor can cultural changes be imposed by a few. We need significant institutional and personal buy-in if we are going to make significant and cultural changes. 3. To approve an implementation and discernment retreat for February of This two day retreat will be organized by the NST and be similar in format to the 2014 retreat. As with the 2014 retreat, we encourage churches to send Pastor delegates, Elder delegates and two representatives under the age of 35. The cost of the retreat will be covered by Classis Niagara. a. Grounds i. A two day implementation and discernment retreat will provide the required time for prayer, visioning, discussion, etc. to begin stepping toward God s Preferred Future together. ii. ECIC and Classis Niagara has already suggested/affirmed this in principle when the NST was formed and mandated. 4. To thank and pray for the NST and its continued work. Classis Niagara Minutes of Meeting November 12, 2014 Page 9 of 9