CHURCH NEWS

Calls Declined:

To the Scherpenisse, the Netherlands, Congregation by the Rev. W. C. Lamain of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Calls Extended:

To Rev. A.M. Den Boer of Ridderkerk, the Netherlands, by the Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, Congregation.

MINUTES OF CLASSIS EAST AND MIDWEST

October 18, 1972

The prayer meeting was led by the Rev. W. C. Lamain, and was held in the Norwich, Ontario, church. The text for the occasion was Phil. 4:13.

As minister of the calling church, Grand Rapids, Rev. Lamain opened the meeting the next morning by reading Acts 5:12–21, after the opening song was sung. He then led in prayer.

All the delegates were welcomed. The Rev. W. Suyker of the Unionville congregation was present for the first time. May the Lord strengthen him and bless his labors. He also spoke a word to the Rev. A. Elshout who could not be present at the previous meeting. May the Lord strengthen him in his weakness. Then the delegates of the East were welcomed who were present for the first time, according to the decision of the latest Synod. The temporary chairman spoke a few words about the peace that the first Christian church had, and about the wonders and miracles that the Lord wrought in those days. May the Lord come in our midst this day, and give evidence that He will remain with us, and confirm what He has promised in Matth. 28:20, also among us.

All the delegates of the eight churches were present. The Rev. A. Elshout was elected President, Rev. C. Harinck, clerk, and Rev. M. Heerschap and Rev. W. Suyker, assessors.

A report was given on the work of the Macedonian Mission Society.

The papers regarding the coming of Rev. Suyker from the Netherlands were found to be in order.

The moderatorships were regulated. Rev. Suyker shall be moderator of Bradford, Rev. Heerschap of Norwich and Rev. Harinck of Clifton.

A request that the agenda for the Synod be sent to the churches early enough so that the consistories shall have time to discuss the matters they contain, shall be brought to the attention of the calling church, Chilliwack.

Until the next Classis permission was given to members of the Unionville congregation living in Hamilton to have meetings near their home. The consistory of Unionville shall make the arrangements temporarily.

The request of a policeman for the transfer of his membership shall be sent to the congregations concerned.

A case of appeal to consistory, classis, and synod shall be brought to Synod.

One of the consistories asked whether people coming from other churches must make public confession. In our sister churches in the Netherlands there is an agreement between them and the Old Reformed Congregations (followers of the late Rev. L. Boone) to accept each other’s certification of membership. From the other churches that have not the same doctrine as we, confession must be made either before the consistory and announced from the pulpit, or before the whole congregation, especially when they are in the prime of life. No one can object to doing so if he fully agrees with the doctrine based on the Word of God and the accepted Doctrinal Standards. Thus they also subject themselves to church discipline. It should be an honor to receive that privilege if we love the church wholeheartedly because of the truth.

As the questions of Art. 41 D.C.O. were asked, some consistories were given advice.

Franklin Lakes church shall be the calling church for the next meeting in April, 1973, D.V.

The expenses were divided proportionately among the churches represented.

The president spoke a few closing words to the delegates, commending them with their congregations to the God of all grace, after which he closed with prayer.

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