CLASSIS NIAGARA OF THE CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Minutes of the meeting of Wednesday, February 20, 2013 Meeting held at St. Andrew s Presbyterian Church, Welland, ON CRC host church: Grace CRC, Welland, ON Officers: Chairman: Rev Sid Couperus; Vice-Chairman: Rev. James Dekker; Stated Clerk: John TeBrake Delegates, as per Classical Credentials and report of the host church: Providence, Beamsville Rev. Steven DeBoer Elder Ken VanderMolen* Bethel, Dunnville Pastor Frank Engelage Elder Ken Zantingh Bethany, Fenwick Rev. Peter Hogeterp Elder George deroo Fruitland Rev. Ben Ponsen Elder Peter Tilstra Mountainview, Grimsby Rev Sid Couperus Elder Bram Wiersma Rehoboth, Niagara Falls Elder Louis den Bak Elder Richard Glockner* Covenant, St. Catharines Rev. James Dekker Elder Janet devries Village Church, Thorold Pastor Mike Collins N/A (emerging church) Jubilee Fellowship, St. Catharines Elder Bram Hoff Elder Karen Gerritsma Maranatha, St. Catharines Rev. Richard Loerop Elder Gerry Teeuwsen Trinity, St. Catharines Rev. Chris dewinter Elder Clarence VanStaalduinen Smithville Rev. Greg Fluit Elder Henk tenoever Grace, Welland Rev. Ryan Braam Elder John Snieder Riverside, Wellandport Rev. Wes Collins* Elder Ben Lunshof *First-time delegate This was a significant meeting: it was a joint meeting with the Presbytery of Niagara of the Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC). The meeting took place in the historic St. Andrew s Presbyterian Church in Welland. (Even though the meeting took place at St. Andrew s, we still depended on a host church for specifically CRC functions; we thank the members and delegates of the Grace CRC for taking that role and providing the lunch) Following a period of fruitful dialogue both denominations approved an Affirmation of Relationship between the PCC and CRC. The suggestion for a joint meeting of a classis and a presbytery arose in the context of the ongoing dialogue of the PCC/CRC committees appointed to oversee our ecumenical relationship. The intention of the joint meeting of the PCC and CRC at this shared setting was to promote fellowship, conversation and understanding between the two denominations. The time between the Classis Niagara meeting in the morning and the Presbytery of Niagara meeting in the evening was set aside to accomplish this. It included a time of fellowship, a meal, and a worship service concluded by communion. Also Rev. William Koopmans, the CRC Ecumenical Officer for Canada, and Rev. Stephen Kendall, the PCC Clerk of the General Assembly, engaged in an interview-type discussion that traced some elements of our separate histories, our similarities and differences in our respective journeys, and our commonality in vision and goals. 1. Opening Devotions: Delegates were welcomed by Rev. Guy Sinclair, pastor of St. Andrew s. Rev. Ryan Braam of Grace CRC led in opening devotions which included singing, scripture reading and a meditation. Rev. William Koopmans, in his role as ecumenical officer for the CRCNA in Canada, also welcomed delegates and visitors from both the PCC and CRC; he reflected on how this meeting came to be, as noted above. 2. Constitution of Classis: Rev. Ryan Braam of the host church, Grace CRC, read the roll call from the Classical Credentials. All churches were represented by delegates. Rev. James Dekker read the Covenant for Office-bearers and first-time delegates were welcomed. Rev. Couperus declared the classis constituted. Classis Niagara Minutes of Meeting February 20, 2013 Page 1 of 6
3. Mission in context: Imagining CRC ministry in Canada (refer to Appendix B in the agenda): Mr. Ben VandeZande, Interim Director of Canadian Ministries, led the delegates through a conversation to review Canadian Ministries at a time when other significant review processes are underway in the CRCNA. In particular he asked delegates to focus on how our denomination would be effective, in a Canadian context, in the year 2020, and what kind of leadership characteristics that would require. He is working with a team to review Canadian ministries and the role of the Director of Canadian Ministries to recommend ways to move forward in shaping and filling the position. 4. Canadian Catalytic Conversation (C3) (refer to Appendix C in the agenda): Late in 2012 we received information about, and an invitation to, a forum for all Canadian classes to be convened by Classis Toronto on January 11-12, 2013. In the context of several denominational reviews currently underway, the core discussion question was stated to be: What is God calling us to do in our unique Canadian context and what are the leadership, structure and strategy(ies) required to do this? The Executive Committee appointed the following to attend on behalf of Classis Niagara: Rev. James Dekker (minister); Mr. Archie Vermeer (Elder); Ms. Karin Vermeer (Deacon); and Ms. Ann Elise Teeuwsen (Youth Leader). Rev. Dekker and Ms. Teeuwsen reported on behalf of the delegates who proposed that Classis Niagara forward an overture to Synod 2013 recommending that it celebrate and recognize the distinctiveness of the ministries in Canada and the USA; and that it ensure that churches on both sides of the border will be able to work effectively in their respective contexts after the reviews are completed and any changes implemented. After taking into account the recommendations of the overture advisory committee, and deliberation, the Classis approved the overture to Synod 2013 as follows: Overture to Synod 2013: The recent Canadian Catalytic Conversation (C3) [its Statement of Understanding and Executive Summary to be appended] held in Richmond Hill in January produced a statement that in outline form presented several important issues pertinent to the ministries of the CRCs in Canada. In brief, the participants in the C3 recognized that there are key societal differences between the USA and Canada that must be taken into account in order to make possible more effective, God-glorifying ministries in both nations where the CRC lives and works. Thus Canadian ministries must be given the freedom and latitude to continue to develop ministries related to but unique from our US sisters and brothers efforts. For example, the respective ecumenical, social justice, diaconal and aboriginal ministries differ in both nations and their uniqueness must be structurally recognized and instituted. This is not an issue that can be dealt with adequately by any classis or committee or task force so soon after the initial meeting that produced the statement. Thus Classis Niagara overtures Synod 2013: To appoint a bi-national task force made up of members of Board of Trustees (BOT) and people outside the BOT to reflect on the statements from the C3, and for this task force to present to Synod 2014 a series of steps to be followed in order to celebrate and recognize the distinctiveness of Canadian and US ministries of the CRCNA To consider the suggestions made by the task force and to implement changes that would allow the churches in the two nations to work effectively in their respective contexts To ensure that the results of this task force are utilized by the task forces of Structure, Culture and Leadership and Strategic Planning. Grounds: At the present time the unique socio-economic contexts of both nations are not adequately taken into consideration structurally for the best elements of our respective ministries to flourish. 5. Institute for Christian Studies (ICS): Co-president Rev. Dr. Tom Wolthuis brought greetings on behalf of ICS. He indicated that the ICS is a ministry to and of the Christian community. Efforts are underway to renew and (re)build connections, especially with the founding community. The ICS is further developing a research centre, intending to explore such issues as social justice and economic justice. Rev. Chris dewinter offered a prayer for blessings on the ministry and programs of the ICS. 6. BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT): Mr. Bert Witvoet, Classis Niagara s representative to the BOT, brought greetings and offered opportunity for any questions. Classis Niagara Minutes of Meeting February 20, 2013 Page 2 of 6
7. CHRISTIAN REFORMED WORLD MISSIONS (CRWM)/SALAAM PROJECT: Rev. Greg Sinclair addressed Classis primarily to bring awareness about the Salaam Project, which is a collaborative program among a number of CRCNA ministries and agencies. Essentially the project seeks to help churches and individuals connect with their Muslim neighbours. He provided examples and numbers to indicate that in Canada Muslims would eventually become a larger component of the demographic. 8. DELEGATES TO SYNOD 2013: The following were chosen as delegates to Synod 2013: Minister Elder 1 st delegate Rev. Greg Fluit, Smithville Ms. Karen Gerritsma, Jubilee 1 st alternate Rev. Ryan Braam, Grace Mr. Bram Wiersma, Mountainview 2 nd delegate Rev. Ben Ponsen*, Fruitland Mr. Louis DenBak, Rehoboth 2 nd alternate Rev. Steven deboer, Providence Mr. George deroo, Bethany *Selected by rotation; Classis approved that ballots for voting be destroyed. 9. REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE/CIC (refer to Agenda item 5.1): Reports of Executive Committee meetings of November 19, 2012, January 16, 2013, and February 13, 2013 were presented to the delegates. The following items required action by Classis: a) November 19, item 8: Recommendation to Classis, for approval: That a two-day retreat be planned for February 2014, emphasizing relationships, and shared learning on a topic of mutual relevance. The recommendation was seconded. There was considerable discussion about this recommendation. It came as a result of several requests under Article 41 on Classical Credentials over the past number of meetings, requesting time for more sharing and learning at meetings of Classis. The deliberation of this item made it evident that the intent of the requests over time was to have this kind of experience as a regular item at each meeting, rather than to replace a meeting of Classis with a retreat. There were also concerns as to whether such a retreat would be on week days or week-ends (specifically, how would such a retreat be accessible to particularly younger elder delegates). A motion to table the recommendation was supported, but eventually defeated. In the end the recommendation was defeated. The CIC will plan to take note of the issues raised in the discussion and bring the matter forward to future meetings of Classis. b) January 16, item 2: Recommendation re planning another church plant: see minutes item 20, following. c) February 13, item 2: Classis approved to submit the name of Rev. John Heidinga to the Pastor-Church Relations Committee to be appointed as one of the two regional pastors for our Classis. d) February 13, item 3: Classis approved the schedule of church visitors as following: a. Rev. John Heidinga, Elder George Lunshoff Smithville, Bethany, Fruitland, b. Rev. Ben Ponsen, Elder Brian VanStaalduinen Jubilee Fellowship, Maranatha, Trinity c. Rev. Richard Loerop, Elder Dick VanDyke Providence, Mountainview, Covenant, Grace d. Rev. Fred VanderBerg, Elder Ben Winter Riverside, Bethel, Rehoboth e) February 13, item 5: for the purpose of the Classis Niagara of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, Corporation, Classis approved the following schedule of officers: Rev. Steven deboer, President Rev. Sid Couperus, Vice-President Ms. Emma Winter, Treasurer Mr. John TeBrake, Secretary f) February 13, item 6: with respect to appointing a person with Home Missions experience as an exofficio member of the Classical Ministries Committee (CMC) to provide a missional perspective, there was considerable discussion: there had been a Classical Home Missions Committee in the past, but that was absorbed into what was then the much broader (compared to today) CMC. The committee was lost over time and Home Missions kinds of activities were carried out more by task-oriented groups. At the end of the discussion Classis approved there be a person with Home Missions experience included as an ex-officio member of the CMC, and further approved the recommendation from the Executive Committee that Ms. Hilda VanderKlippe be so appointed. Classis Niagara Minutes of Meeting February 20, 2013 Page 3 of 6
10. TREASURER S REPORT (Refer to Agenda item 5.3): The Treasurer, Ms. Emma Winter, was not present. However, Classis reviewed her interim report in the agenda. Rev. Richard Loerop, a Maranatha CRC delegate, informed Classis that that church had been blessed to be able to pay its full classical ministry shares for 2012, and that Maranatha had been involved in a planning process with Pastor Jack Tacoma, a Home Missions church coach. Rev. Chris dewinter, pastor of Trinity CRC, informed delegates that these two churches had been of mutual support, and offered a prayer that God would provide direction and wisdom for Maranatha as it moves forward. Delegates from the Riverside CRC informed Classis that they would be able to submit the balance of their ministry shares for 2012. Thus all churches in Classis will contribute 100% of their classical ministry shares for 2012. The chairman brought to Classis s attention God s goodness in our ability to provide financially for our ministries. 11. NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT (Refer to Agenda item 5.4): Classis approved that the name of Rev. James Dekker be forwarded to be approved by Synod 2013 as the Alternate Synodical Deputy for our Classis. Further, it approved the appointment of Ms. Wendy DeJong to the position of secretary/treasurer for the Classical Ministries Leadership Team. The committee reported that it is still seeking an elder representative to the Shalom Manor Chaplaincy Committee. 12. CHURCH COUNSELOR REPORTS: Rev. Ryan Braam reported that the Jubilee Fellowship CRC had formalized an agreement with potential candidate for the ministry, Mr. Woodrow Dickson, to serve as its pastor until he is eligible to be ordained as a Minister of the Word; Rev. Steven deboer informed Classis that Bethany CRC is currently being served by transitional pastor Rev. Peter Hogeterp Rev. Richard Loerop stated that Rehoboth CRC currently have Dr. Brian Ross, a retired pastor in the Presbyterian Church in Canada, serving, and it is are re-energizing its calling committee; and Rev. Chris dewinter reported that Rev. Robert Loerts had accepted a call from Covenant CRC, and that he planned to commence his work there in September 2013. 13. BACK TO GOD MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL REPORT: Ms. Alice Klamer, representative for Region 4 which includes Classis Niagara, drew Classis attention to ReFrame Media,and asked pastors and elders to promote its work and its ministry shares. Delegates saw a short video of the work of this denominational ministry. Rev. Steven deboer led in a prayer for God s blessing on the work of this ministry. 14. CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE REPORT: Rev. Wes Collins reported on behalf of this committee. Two churches nominated elder delegates to Synod. Jubilee Fellowship requested, under Items of Information and Requests for Advice, that Classis consider seating deacons as delegates at future classis meetings. The Committee recommended that this church submit this request/suggestion as an overture at a future meeting. (A delegate from Jubilee Fellowship will forward a summary of the document Diakonia Remixed to be included with the distribution of the minutes of this meeting). Trinity CRC informed Classis Niagara of a prayer service to be held April 17, 2013 at 7:00 pm. This service will be held in conjunction with the Prayer Summit being held at All Nations CRC in Lakeview Terrace, California. 15. PRAYER FOR RIVERSIDE CRC, ITS PASTOR, AND BEREAVED FAMILIES: Mr. Ed dehaan, a loved and respected member of the Riverside CRC, died in a snowmobiling accident during the week-end prior to this meeting of Classis. Classis reflected on the loss to his family and to his church. Pastor Mike Collins offered a prayer of thanks for Ed s life, for wisdom for his pastor and for comfort and assurance for his family and church. 16. BROCK UNIVERSITY CHAPLAINCY REPORT (Refer to Agenda item 6.1): In the absence of the Chaplain, Dr. André Basson, Rev. Greg Fluit addressed Classis concerning the work of this committee. He referred to a recent article in McLean s magazine, to the effect that more than half of students at universities feel that sometimes things are hopeless in their lives. The committee expects to bring a proposed new sabbatical policy for the chaplain to the May meeting of Classis Niagara. Classis Niagara Minutes of Meeting February 20, 2013 Page 4 of 6
17. SHALOM MANOR CHAPLAINCY REPORT (Refer to Agenda item 6.2): Chaplain Rev. Fred VanderBerg gave delegates a window into his ministry at Shalom Manor & Gardens by talking about helping a family make decisions about end of life care for their loved one and then ministering to this non-christian practicing family as their loved one died. This story highlighted that the presence of different ethnicities, non-christian and non-religious residents has greatly changed the nature of chaplaincy at Shalom Manor & Gardens. 18. CLASSICAL MINISTRIES LEADERSHIP TEAM REPORT: Rev. James Dekker reported that there are currently three students it is supporting. They are: Joe Hamilton, Rick Roeda, and Corey Van Huizen (the latter shared with Classis Hamilton). A fourth student Laura de Jong was recently accepted to enter Calvin Seminary. Rev. Dekker also indicated that the committee would likely request increased ministry share contributions for the 2014 budget. He reminded delegates of the upcoming Seminary Sunday, April 14. 19. SAFE CHURCH TEAM REPORT: Rev. Ryan Braam, minister member of this team, reported that at present all but three churches are represented. They are presently exploring training with the denominational safe church team ministry with respect to the safe church advocate program. He expressed the concern that at present there are only two people who are equipped to serve on an advisory panel should the need arise. 20. NIAGARA MISSIONAL CLUSTER (NMC) REPORT (Refer to Agenda item 6.5): Rev. Steven deboer reported on behalf of the NMC. He indicated that these kinds of groups are initiatives of Christian Reformed Home Missions (CRHM), and that the Niagara group involves both CRC and non-crc pastors. After deliberation, Classis approved the recommendation to begin the planning process of planting another church in the Niagara Region, as follows: Classis to approve that the Niagara Missional Cluster begin the planning process of planting another church in the Niagara region; the process would involve: putting together a team that would guide this planning process; this team would include members of the NMC. identify location for the next church plant find churches willing to parent a new church It was understood that this initiative would be led by Ms. Hilde VanderKlippe of CRHM. Pastor Mike Collins, pastor of the Village Church, Classis first church plant, led in prayer that God would bless this new undertaking involving our classis. 21. THE VILLGAGE CHURCH REPORT: Pastor Mike Collins reviewed the work of the ministry and its impact and involvement in the Thorold community. It is being sought out to partner with community organizations. Attendance at worship services continues to increase, and Pastor Collins provided some illustrations of people growing in their faith. 22. YOUTH LEADERSHIP TEAM REPORT: Ms. AnnElise Teeuwsen, Classical Youth Leadership Coordinator, presented her report. Youth Talks are happening four times per year; the annual retreat is planned for this coming week-end (February 23/24). Ms. Teeuwsen posed the following suggestions to delegates and their councils: A request that members of councils have a conversation with each other and their respective church youth leaders, wondering and thinking about the role of the Youth Leader Support team and the administrative assistant/ Youth Ministry Coordinator role Are the expectations of the classis and each church/ youth leaders different now than they were for the administrative assistant in 2009, and can the tasks set out in the current job description for the Youth Ministry Coordinator be fulfilled in the 10 hours a month that is paid for? During discussion, a number of delegates indicated that it would be appropriate for Classis to consider the suggestions as well at one of our next upcoming meetings. Bethel CRC elder delegate Ken Zantingh offered a prayer for this ministry and with respect to the concerns expressed. 23. CHURCH VISITOR REPORTS: Rev. Richard Loerop reported that he and Elder Dick VanDyke had recently visited with the council of the Bethel CRC. He did not have a copy of the written report available (it had just been forwarded to the Stated Clerk, not in sufficient time to be available at the meeting), he indicated that the report is a favourable one and that all things are good at Bethel. Classis Niagara Minutes of Meeting February 20, 2013 Page 5 of 6
24. DENOMINATIONAL REPORTS (Refer to Agenda item 10): The Chairman offered opportunities for questions from the delegates with respect to the denominational ministry report, for winter 2013. There were no questions posed; the Chairman did bring delegates attention to the blanket exercise as described in the report of the Canadian Aboriginal Ministry, indicating its intent to visit every Canadian Classis by the end of 2014. The blanket exercise is an interactive way to learn the history that has shaped the current relationships between aboriginal and non-aboriginal people in Canada. This exercise is a good starting place for churches that are looking to work toward reconciliation with their native neighbours. 25. CLOSING: Rev. James Dekker, Vice-Chairman of the meeting, thanked the Chairman, Rev. Sid Couperus, for leading this meeting effectively. He also expressed appreciation for St. Andrew s Presbyterian Church in Welland, for its preparedness to host this joint meeting on behalf of the Presbytery of Niagara of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. He led in a closing prayer. 26. GATHERING WITH OUR PRESBYTERIAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS: Classis adjourned to gather in fellowship, a meal, worship and communion with the Presbytery of Niagara of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. 27. Next meeting: Date: May 15, 2013 Agenda Deadline: April 1, 2013 Location: Covenant CRC. Chairman: Rev. Jim Dekker Vice-chairman: Rev. Richard Loerop Credentials: Bethel (to chair) and Bethany Overture Advisory: Jubilee (to chair) and Fruitland Following meetings: October 16, 2013 at Providence; February 19, May 21, and October 15, 2014 Classis Niagara Minutes of Meeting February 20, 2013 Page 6 of 6