Classis Niagara, CRCNA; May 17, 2006; Page1

CLASSIS NIAGARA OF THE CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH

Wednesday, May 17, 2006; 1:00 PM

Smithville Christian Reformed Church, Smithville

A G E N D A

Chairman: Rev. Andrew Beunk; Vice-chairman: Rev. Derek Bouma; Stated Clerk: John TeBrake

PRIOR TO MEETING, Delegates:

Please submit your Classical Credentials to the host church (Trinity)
First-time delegates are asked to read and sign the Form of Subscription.

There will be a designated table for both the above

Note: during this meeting there will be an examination for licensure to exhort for Mr. Ken VanDyk (Maranatha), planned for approximaterly 4:30 pm; and an examinationfor ministry associate-designate Ms. Alida van Dijk (Covenant), planned for approximately 7:30 pm

We also need to vote for a region 4 rep to CRC Publications (Pieter Peereboom, London; or Jack VandeHoef, Guelph) and to CRHM (Al Martens, Simcoe; or Michael Talsma, London). Short biographies are included in this agenda on page 6

Welcome and opening devotions

Constitution of Classis

2.1. Credentials/roll call presented by SmithvilleCRC

2.2. Acknowledgment of signing of first-time delegates

2.3. Declare Classis constituted

3. Time schedule: meeting will commence at 1:00 p.m., a break is planned during both the afternoon and evening sessions as appropriate; Supper will be from 6:00 to approximately 7:15 PM.

4. Committee appointments:

4.1 Credentials: Trinity ( to chair) and Smithville

4.2 Advisory re overtures: Grace (to chair) and Riverside

5. Classical Administrative Committee Reports

5.1 Classical Interim Committee (pages 3, 4)

5.2 Stated Clerk / correspondence (page 5)

5.3 Classical Finance Committee (report not available to include in agenda)

5.4 Classical Student Fund Committee

5.5 Classical Nominating Committee (page 6)

5.6 Classical Abuse Response Team

5.7 Church Counselor reports: Rev. Jim Dekker, re Rehoboth; Rev. Henry Eshuis, re Bethany

5.8 Regional Pastor’s report: Rev. Peter DeBruyne

5.9 Ad-hoc Christian Education Financial Support Committee(plan to have a brief verbal update; planning for report at the October meeting)

6. Classical Ministries Committee Report

will include Youth Support Team, Diaconal Ministries, Brock and Shalom Chaplaincy Committees, Home Missions/Church Plant Team
The church plant team will share an update of its work and take15 - 20 min to break into groups for discussion and prayer.

7. BrockUniversity Chaplain’s Report (page8)

8. Shalom Manor Chaplain’s Report (page 9)

9. Church visitor reports:

Rev. Lloyd Burghart, Elder Lowell Witvoet – Smithville, Bethany, Fruitland, Bethel

Rev. Harry VanderWindt, Elder Cor VanSoelen – Jubilee Fellowship, Maranatha, Grace

Rev. Jim Dekker, Elder George DeRoo – Rehoboth, Mountainview, Trinity

Rev. John DeJong, Elder Rick Zantingh – Providence, Riverside, Covenant

10. Report of Credentials Committee

11. Report of Overture Advisory Committee – no overture has been received

12. Denominational and other Reports

12.1 Denominational reports: (pages 10 - 16)

12.2 RedeemerUniversityCollege(page 17)

13. Next meetings:

Date: October 18, 2006

Agenda Deadline: September 1, 2006

Location: Bethany

Chairman: Rev. Jim Dekker

Vice-chairman: Rev. Andrew Beunk

Credentials: Grace (to chair) and Riverside

Overture Advisory: Providence (to chair) and Bethel

Following meeting: February 21, 2007; location TBA; also May 16, and October 17, 2007

14. Unfinished business

Expressions of thanks and closing devotions

AGENDA ITEM 5.1: Classical Interim Committee – report of meeting, March 31, 2006

Present: Rev. Jim Dekker; Rev. Derek Bouma; Frank Engelage; John TeBrake, Clerk

Opening – done by Rev. Jim Dekker, chair

Correspondence – dealt with; page

Pulpit Supply, September 2006 to January 2007 – assigned; page 4

May Agenda: finalized; there are no requests from speakers. We decided that the meeting should start at 1:00 pm because there are requests for two examinations, which were planned for as follows:
Ken VanDyk, Licensure to exhort, Candidate for Ecclesiastical Program for Ministry Candidates, Maranatha (afternoon)
Alida van Dijk, Ministry Associate, Covenant (evening)

Instructions from Classis, February 2006: Review of Classical Credentials, re questions under CO Article 41: -- from February minutes:

There was a request from the Covenant CRC whether “it is appropriate for us to continue answering question #2 in the affirmative, when Covenant has not exercised official church discipline for a considerable time”. The Chairman of Classis ruled that the Classical Interim Committee undertake to review and propose a response to this question.

It was agreed to respond that

(a) on a broad level, the denominational Board of Trustees was instructed by Synod to appoint a committee to recommend changes to Church Order Article 41 (Acts of Synod, 2005, page 722); and

(b) on a more specific local application, discipline is not punitive, but discipling, and commences at much earlier opportunities for contact, such as family visiting

Planning of time of classis meetings:

As noted at item 4 above, we agreed that it would be best to start the May meeting at 1:00 pm as there are requests for two examinations. We planned the exam for Ken Vandyk at about 4:30 in the afternoon, and the one for Alida van Dijk at about 7:30 in the evening.
The CIC recommends that in the future, all regular meetings of Classis Niagara should start at 2:00 pm. Grounds:
This would provide more time for fellowship and community building
This would allow sufficient time for meaningful dialogue and discussion of issues

Responsibility for the Ecclesiastical Program for Ministry Candidates (EPMC): Where does this belong? –

This new program of the CRCNA is designed to give individuals an orientation to the theology and ministry of the CRC. It will be required to be followed by those who are planning to enter the ministry of the Word in the CRC under the provision of CO article 6, (i.e., as a regular candidate), but who have obtained their M. Div from a seminary other than Calvin Seminary. In some cases, the EPMC may also serve as a suitable means of preparation for those entering the ministry of the Word in the CRC under the provisions of CO articles 7 or 8.
Because Classis approved the participation of Mr. Ken VanDyk in this program, Classis Niagara is one of five pilot classes in implementing this new program
After discussion, the CIC recommends that the present Student Fund Committee should evolve to adopt and implement the mandate of the Classis Ministerial Leadership Team (CMLT), which would work closely with individuals preparing for ministry in the CRCNA by providing support and encouragement. As per the requirements of the EPMC, this will mean that a third minister position is required on this committee. The CIC therefore further recommends that the Nominating Committee be asked to seek to fill this third minister position.

May Classis Renewal Conference – Attending are Frank Engelage, Klaas Wierenga, Hilda VanderKlippe, and Rev. Walt VanderWerf.

Ministerial Credentials for Rev. Kevin Stieva (newly installed at Mountainview, Grimsby) were completed

Pulpit Supply, September 2006 to January 2007
Bethany / Rehoboth
September 10 / Fluit / deBoer
September 24 / Stieva / Dekker
October 1 / VanSmeerdyk / Fluit
October 22 / VanderLaan / Stieva
November 12 / VanderWerf / VanSmeerdyk
November 26 / VanderWindt / VanderLaan
December 3 / Winter / VanderWerf
December 17 / Beunk / VanderWindt
January 14 / Braam / Winter
January 28 / Bouma / Beunk
Any scheduling changes should be arranged and confirmed by the pastor and the council of the church involved
May 17, 2006

AGENDA ITEM 5.2: Stated Clerk – Summary of correspondence to April 1, 2006

Note: all items will be available at the meeting of Classis, or can be made available beforehand

From other Classes, for information:

Agendas and minutes from various neighbouring Classes

Correspondence:

Date / Item / Action
Feb 15 / To Executive Director, CRCNA, Credentials for Synod 2006 / RFI
Feb 20 / To Ms. Diana Kingma, formerly Alternate Stated Clerk and Secretary to the Classical Ministries Committee, a letter of thanks and wishes for God’s blessings as she has resigned these positions; as per Classis instructions / RFI
Feb 21 / To Ms. Emma Winter, Classis Treasurer, to inform her that Classis has approved $750 for the tri-classis Ministers’ Retreat, and $1,100 for four people to attend a classis renewal retreat in May / RFI
Feb 21 / To Dr. Peter Borgdorff, Executive Director of CRCNA, completed Synodical Deputies’ form giving their concurrence with respect to a Director of Ministries position at Covenant CRC / RFI
Mar 2 / From Rev. Gerald VanSmeerdyk, secretary of Classis Niagara Student Fund Committee, clarifying that the funds sent to Classis Hamilton were not designated for any one individual, but because they lacked funds that we could supply / RFI
Mar 7 / From Dr. Peter Borgdorff, Executive Director of CRCNA, confirming Classis Niagara has agreed to function as a pilot classis with respect to the Ecclesiastical Program for Ministerial Candidacy. Other Classes are Hamilton, BC-Southeast, Central California, and Lake Erie. Includes an extensive document outlining the proposed process / RFI; document forwarded to Rev. W. VanderWerf; see also item 11 below
Mar 15 / From Rev. Jim Dekker, Interim Director of Canadian Ministries, to inform that Rev. Bruce Adema will assume this position on a full-time basis effective June 1. Rev. Adema is finishing a term with CRWM in the Philippines. / RFI
Mar 16 / From Dr. Peter Borgdorff, highlights of the Board of Trustees from Feb 23-24 / RFI; e-mailed to church councils
Mar 16 / From Classis Illiana, that the following ministers are released:

Rev. J. Mark Beach, honourably, with regret and sadness, per CO 14-b
Rev. Cornelis Venema, hounourably, with regret and sadness, per CO 14-b

/ RFI; e-mailed to church councils
Mar 16 / From Classis Hudson, among other information, that Rev. John Fisher is honourably released per CO 14-b
Mar 27 / To Rev. Duane Kelderman, Ecclesiastical Program for Ministerial Candidacy (EPMC), to request that Mr. Ken VanDyk (of Covenant CRC, St. Catharines) be granted an interview to being granted licensure to exhort in the CRCNA, as part of his enrolment requirements in the EPMC / RFI

NOMINEES FOR REGIONAL DENOMINATIONAL POSITIONS:

CRC Publications

Rev. Pieter Pereboom is lead pastor of First CRC of London, Ontario. He has also served as youth pastor/director and co-pastor (youth, preaching, education, small groups, service) at that church, starting in 1992. He was ordained in 2002. Rev. Pereboom has a B.A. in history and philosophy from CalvinCollege, an M.A. in film theory and a Ph.D. (all but dissertation) in American Film History from The University of Iowa. Rev. Pereboom has served on the synodical Youth Ministry Committee, the denominational Children and Youth Advisory Council, and the Electronic Media Committee of the Council of Canadian Christian Reformed Churches. He has given a number of presentations on youth and early teen ministry.

Rev. Jack Van de Hoef is senior pastor of First CRC in Guelph, Ontario. He has an M.Div. from Calvin Theological Seminary (1985) and has also audited courses on youth ministry and the minor prophets. Rev. Van de Hoef is currently serving as chair of the Classical Interim Committee for Classis Huron and is the alternate synodical deputy for that classis. He has served as a church visitor, on the executive committee of the local ministerial alliance, and on the Classis Huron Youth Ministry Committee.

Christian Reformed Home Missions

Mr. Al Martens is retired from his position as supervisor for Ontario Power Generation. He is a member of Immanuel CRC in Simcoe (Classis Hamilton), and has previously served on the Home Missions board. He is currently secretary of the classical Home Missions Committee for Classis Hamilton and the chair of the local Youth for Christ drop-in center in Simcoe. He has served as deacon and elder.

Mr. Michael Talsma is manager of crop inputs logistics for twenty-one branches of his company which deals in crop protection products. He has served as member of the local Christian school society, including chair, and as member of the London Campus Ministry Committee, including chair. Currently he serves as secretary of the Classis Chatham Home Missions committee as well as a member of the North London church plant committee. He is a member of First London CRC. Mr. Talsma has served as an elder for numerous terms, as church treasurer, and clerk of council. Currently, he participates in the Eastern Canada leadership development network.

AGENDA ITEM 5.5: Report of the Nominating Committee

Members of the Committee: John De Jong,SylviaDe Vries, Melvin Elzinga

To Classis: In session May 17, 2006, Smithville,ON

Nominating Committee

Dear Brother Delegates,

In our committee report that follows, we use the info. sheet outline of the SC.

We recommend the following appointments for your approval:

Stated Clerk, Alternate: Hank Hultink, effective immediately, term ending Sep.2009 Dunnville, 701-4386

Classical Ministries Committee:

To serve as Secretary: Ellen Vander Werf, term ending Sep.2009 Maranatha, 934-0631

Item of information; That the name of Klaas Wieringa be added to CMC. 2008, Grimsby,945-3184

Finance Committee:

John Kikkert, second term, ending Sep.2009, Grimsby, 957-7766

Henry Zantingh, first term, ending Sep.2009, Smithville,957-3438

Student Fund Committee:

Wilma Harris, second term, ending Sep.2009, Jubilee, 945-9374

Youth Leader Support Team

Ron Mulder ,2008, Trinity, 562-7537 ,info.

Peter Nywening, 2009,Fruitland, 643-2590

Hanna Vander Wier, 2008, Wellandport,701-6359,info.

Julie Van Oord,2009,Beamsville, 563-0931

Information items:

1.Coordinator Sonya Wieringa's term ends in 2008.

2.Members Henry Kikkert and Linda Van Elburg will be leaving during 2006.

3.The names of Alida Van Dijk, Ed Slappendel and Jamie Vander Berg are to be removed from the membership.

4.Alt minister position Gerald Van Smeerdijk, advanced to 2008.

cf.May 18,2005 minutes

5. That the name of Ken Van Dyk be added to YLST; .

2008,Maranatha, 937.7014

Shalom Chaplaincy Committee ( shared with Cl.Hamilton)

Rev. Peter De Bruyne has ably served for 2 terms on the committee. The committee has requested that Peter be appointed for another three years.

Grounds. 1. His experience is needed at this time of change at Shalom

2. He has expertise in the area of geriatrics

The committee heartily recommends his appointment (2009)

To serve as Alternate: John Bezuyen, 2009, Covenant, 562-7887

The name of John VanStaalduinen on the committee is a Shalom Board appointment

Nominating Committee

To replace John DeJong who has served two terms, Rev. Greg Fluit, 2009, Smithville,957 -8959

Brock Chaplaincy Committee

Information received from the committee shows that four persons need to be appointed. Current membership remaining is as follows: Bennink 08, Burghart 08, Vander Leek 06, Winter 07, Student Rep. Jennifer Niekerk

Committee recommends that Kees Vander Leek serve a second term,2009

That the name of Rev. Greg Fluit as Ministerial Altemate,2008, Smithville 957-8959 be added (cf.Minutes May 18,2005)

Classical Abuse Response Team (CART)

To appoint Rev. Ryan Braam ,2009, Welland,732-7036,replacing Rev. Harold Winter, who wishes to terminate.

To appoint Scott Visser, 2009,Dunnville, 774-1332

To appoint Janet Janssen, 2009, Beamsville,563-7188

To appoint Coby Veenstra,2009,Jubilee,689-9597

To appoint Corinne Bulk,2009,Dunn-ville, 774- 7297

To appoint Keith Vrieswyk,2009,Jubilee,935- 7857

Synodical Home missions Committee

Rev. Walter Vander Werf, second term, 2009, Maranatha, 934-2721

At the time Classis meets, a supplemental report with recommendations will be presented to Classis. re:CMC,Brock, and CRC Pubs.

Respectfully submitted,

John De Jong

AGENDA ITEM 7: Brock University Campus Ministries Chaplain’s Report to Classis: April, 2006

Dear Members of Classis Niagara,

Suddenly a week ago, students were playing on the lawns outside the Campus Ministries’ offices. Some were playing catch with a Frisbee, others were just tossing a football back and forth. Clumps of girls in beach wear were trying to get in their first suntan of the season. Spring had finally arrived at Brock.

It is a magic season of the year on campus. There is an overall sense of relief that soon the exams and the year’s hard work will only be a distant memory. But, inevitably, there is also the sadness that comes from regrets over missed opportunities and final goodbyes that need to be said.

As far as my ministry at Brock this past year is concerned, I can only be thankful to Him who called me to this position and has blessed me so much in it. Of course, I have regrets. I regret not having had the opportunity to connect with more faculty and staff, especially the ones who so regularly attended our events, discussions and special worship services throughout the year. I regret that the student who distraught parent called me one Sunday evening to tell me he had overdosed on his medication, has not yet responded to my many e-mails and telephone calls inviting him to drop by my office. But I trust that somehow God’s Spirit will work in his life and lead him out of the darkness into the light. I regret that there are only twenty four hours in a day and not nearly enough time for all the programs and events I so wanted to organize at Brock this year.

But these and other regrets are vastly overshadowed by the many highlights I also experienced thanks to God’s grace. The most fulfilling aspect of my work continues to be the students whom I have been able to counsel and stop by from time to time to tell me how they are doing. There are also the students I have met through our “cookie-ministry”, among whom I have to mention the Muslim students on campus such as the current president of the Muslim Students’ Association (MSA). He also became the second MSA president to ask me for a letter of reference. I credit it to our good relations with the MSA that our annual Christian-Muslim dialogue a few weeks ago was such a great success. I found it very gratifying that I was able to involve so many students from Brock-Christian fellowship in the event. It was an opportunity for them to articulate what they believe to a non-Christian audience.

More often than not campus ministry is not about huge audiences, but about connecting with individuals on a very personal level. A student who has been coming to me for pre-profession of faith classes, has just been appointed editor of the student newspaper. What an amazing opportunity to be able to help him reflect on what it means to be a Christian in such an important position on campus!

After many months of negotiation and organization, I can finally look forward to my student trip to South Africa in May. It promises to be an extraordinary experience. Apart from the work in disadvantaged communities and the sightseeing trips that will include some of the most breathtaking scenery on the South African continent, students will meet political leader and people who have played a leading role in the country’s reconciliation process. By special invitation, the will even have lunch one afternoon in the official dining room of the South African Parliament.