BRIEF MINUTES OF CLASSIS WEST. NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION

On the evening preceding this gathering a prayer service was held with Rev. W. C. Lamain presiding. He took as text for this occasion from the 11th chapter of Hebrews the 30th verse, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.” Bringing before us that, that same God who made the walls of Jericho fall flat, is yet the Almighty God and He can remove all obstacles (walls) which satan tries to bring to hinder the churches on earth, and that it may please the Lord to grant us wisdom and understanding that it will all be accomplished to the honor of God and to the welfare of the congregation.

Article1.

The meeting was opened by Rev. J. Van Zweden at 9 o’clock A.M. Requested that we sing Psalter 220 the verses 1 and 6. Brought the needs of this meeting unto the Lord in prayer and read out of the Holy Scriptures from the book of Isaiah chapter 41 the first 20 verses. The delegates were welcomed and also Rev. Lamain whom is with us this day. Reverend Van Zweden spoke earnest words to the gathering upon the read chapter, which has as heading “Jehovah assures protection.” “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed, for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea I will help thee; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.” “For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Expresses the wish that the Lord might grant us light and wisdom in the affairs of the churches which will be brought to this meeting; that it may be to the support of each other as office-bearers, and that it may be to the honor and glory of the Most High. Herewith the meeting was declared opened.

Article 3.

The following were appointed as officers, Rev. J. Van Zweden, president, Elder Henry Derksen, vice-president and Elder R. Schelling, clerk.

Article 4.

Minutes of the last held meeting were read, approved and Signed.

Article 5.

Attention was given to the necessity of reporting all cases which are to come before classis meeting should be reported to the calling Church so that they will be reported on the agenda which is sent out.

Article 6.

One Congregation asks that we reconsider Article 7 of the Classis meeting held in 1963. The Classis explained the Article and found that it was satisfactory.

The classis was glad to hear that there was a solution to a censure case in one of the churches.

Another congregation was also given advice on other matters including a marriage case.

Regarding minutes of the classis, especially in censure cases, it was advised to be careful not to mention names. This had been done in former years, out of ignorance. There is a difference between the minutes of classis and the consistory; the latter are confidential and must be available only to the consistory. The classis advised the consistories never to give these books or copies thereof into the hands of the members of the congregation. It is evident that placing these books in the hands of individuals serves no good purpose and in many cases, though not all, these books are requested for reasons which tend to create disturbances or destruction in the church.

The classis decided to bring this matter to the next synod in order to have uniformity in the denomination.

Customary questioning as to the condition in each congregation is done. Although we have given the Lord many reasons to leave and forsake us; the Lord still remembers Zion in her low estate.

Article 17.

The calling church for our next Classis will be Rock Valley and to be held the Lord willing the first Wednesday of October, 1969 at Corsica, S.D.

Article 18.

At closing of this meeting the president reminds us of the goodness that it has pleased the Lord that we might consider the welfare of the congregations, being together in peace and unity. That the Lord’s blessing may be upon the labors of this day, acknowledging that we live in a time of darkness and that in so many things is seen the conformity to the world. That the Lord may look in mercy upon the youth and that He may remember the office-bearers and give them wisdom, courage and strength to govern, that it may be to the honor of God. Gives a special word of thanks to Rev. Lamain for having come and for his assistance in this day. Wishes that the Lord will guide, protect and bring everyone safely to their congregation and home, asks Rev. Lamain to close this meeting, who first speaks in remembrance of Moderator Rev. Hegeman who is ill at this time, Rev. G. Zwerus who passed away on the 8th of September 1968, Retired Elder John Van Surksum who passed away August 22, 1968 and also former Elder John Kiel who passed away May 17, 1968 having served one of our congregations for 37 years, after which he asks that we sing Psalter 123, the third stanze and then closed the meeting with thanksgiving.

Pres.

Clerk.

Deze tekst is geautomatiseerd gemaakt en kan nog fouten bevatten. Digibron werkt voortdurend aan correctie. Klik voor het origineel door naar de pdf. Voor opmerkingen, vragen, informatie: contact.

Op Digibron -en alle daarin opgenomen content- is het databankrecht van toepassing. Gebruiksvoorwaarden. Data protection law applies to Digibron and the content of this database. Terms of use.

Printen