1. CALL TO RDER · 2018. 1. 13. · CLASSIS ONTARIO LaSenda Del Amor Church, Toronto, ON M INUTES...

CLASSIS ONTARIOLaSenda Del Amor Church, Toronto, ON

MINUTES OF THE SPRING SESSION OF CLASSIS

MARCH 5, 2017 AT 8:30 A.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER The Classis was called to order by its President Rev Clifford Turkstra at8:40 a.m. with a hands up exercise.

Worship Service was led by the praise team of LaSenda Church. We were led into prayer ofpraise to the Lord our God. We sand three songs: “O Lord, You Searched Me,” “Give Thanks”on both English and Spanish, and “O Morado ra de Sion.” Elder Kevin Amezequita read from Acts 9:1-19, which is the calling of Jesus to Saul. PastorAlberto Salazar preached on three aspects that we need to know to be good leaders. They were:

– Recover the Presence of God. We all have our ideas about God, but we need tounderstand who the Lord truly is.Recover the meaning of what it means to be a leader. Are we first of all servant of theLord, and being servant leaders to our congregations? In our leadership we need to bringothers into transformation of the body.Recover the understanding of what it means “to carry our cross.” As leaders we need tounderstand self-sacrifice and learn to pray according to the will of God.

The sermon was preached in Spanish and was translated to us by Elder Amezequita.

After the worship time, the Classis began its business.

2. THE ROLL CALL: The following Churches were represented by:Brantford Rev Abram Blaak Elder Simon de BoerCambridge Without Installed Pastor Elder Bill Bonvanie

ElderChatham Rev Barry Wynveen Elder John VermeyDrayton Rev Duane Vanderlaan Elder Brad Goldrick

Rev Daniel deVries Elder Rien NoordamGrimsby Rev John DeGiovanni Elder John De HoogGuelph Elder Carl VisserHamilton Rev Stan Seagren Elder Christine StrongKingsville Rev Ken Labbé Elder George DekkerMississauga Ebenezer Without Installed Pastor Elder Henry Decloe

ElderMississauga New Alliance Rev Ricardo Gouvea Elder Lisanias RawsanSt. Catharines Rev Art VanSlageren Elder Henry deMolStevensville Rev Michael Saville ElderStoney Creek Rev David Vandervelde Elder Agnes HymaThorold, Grace Elder Toronto LaSenda del Amor Rev Alberto Salazar Elder Kevin AmezequitaToronto, New Life Rev Ceny Tavares Elder Gildo Vieira

Classis on Ontario Minutes 2017 1

Wainfleet Rev Bart Keefer Elder Neil Van LeeuwenWelland Rev Carson Culp ElderWhitby Without Installed Pastor Elder Tony VanderLey

Elder John De JongWoodstock Emmanuel Rev Peter Burrill Elder Henry Bruines

Other Members of Classis Present were: Rev Doug Nieuwstraten, Rev José Garreton, Rev Greg Girard, Rev Humberto Lopes, Rev DougNieuwstraten, Rev Marijke Strong, Rev Clifford Turkstra, Rev Martyn Van Essen, Rev Dr MeineVeldman, Rev James Vellenga, Rev Charles Webster.

Guests of the Classis included:Adrien Bansells, Christine Labbé, Jennifer Lucking, David McAllister, Jerry Moes, Kyle Rogers,Arnold Van Ankum, Jason Van Ankum.

3. STATED CLERK'S REPORT ON EXCUSED AND UN-EXCUSED ABSENCES Absent With Permission: Rev Les Boyd, Rev Hendrik Bylstra, Rev. Dr. Elias Dantas, Rev Henry deKorte, Rev Janine Dekker,Rev. Gordon Ross, and Rev Art Zeilstra.

Not present due to distance:

Other Members of Classis Not Present:Rev John Arthur, Rev Peter DeJong, Rev Bruno Ferreira, Rev John Kapteyn, Rev Dirk Jan Kramer, Rev Will Kroon, Rev Christiaan Platteel, Rev. Samuel Priestley, Rev Pieter Schinkelshoek, RevJohn Strik, Rev Ronald Van Auken, Rev Art VanderMeulen, Rev Jon Van Oostveen, Rev DonaldWaterhouse, Rev John VerHoog, Rev William Wensink.

The Candidates of Classis:Present: Mrs. Florence DekkerNot present:

The Licensed Candidates of the Classis were:Mrs. Adriana Ostapenko was not in attendance.

The Stated Clerk, Rev Abram Blaak, announced that a quorum was present, and the Presidentdeclared Classis duly constituted. He also made mention of the fact that Rev Kenneth Lowe passedaway last month. He was a member of the Classis, and was sick most of the time that he was amember.

4. APPOINTMENTS OF SESSION COMMITTEES

Temporary Clerk: Rev Bart Keefer of Wainfleet

Consistorial and Minute Books: Rev Michael Saville and the Elder from the Stevensville


and Chatham CongregationsThey will be doing the following books:Brantford, Grimsby, Hamilton, Kingsville, Mississauga Ebenezer, Mississauga NewAlliance, Stevensville, Stoney Creek, Wainfleet, and Woodstock.AS WELL: the following churches will need to bring their books along since they were notchecked in the Fall Stated Session.

The task of this committee is to check the books for the following items in the Minutes ofeach Board of Elder and Consistory:The opening and closing prayers and signatures for both sets of books, and the asking of theConstitutional Question, in the Elders books - as well as very noticeable irregularities. Afterthe books are checked, the person doing the work needs to sign and date the book at the lastset of minutes checked. If you have questions, please ask the Stated Clerk.

Accounts Committee: Rev. Ceny Tavares and the Elder of the Toronto Vida Nova.

President’s Report (if Necessary): Rev Peter Burrill and the Elder of Emmanuel Woodstock

Resolutions: Rev James Vellenga

Leave of Absence: The Executive Committee -- see Stated Clerk.

Delegates for the General Synod: Elders: Ministers:Anja Noordam, Drayton Rev Abram BlaakNilton Barbosa, VN Toronto Rev John deGiovanni

At this time we need an Elder delegate, if there are any volunteers.

The 2017 General Synod will take place on the campus of Hope College in Holland,Michigan, June 8 - 14, 2017The Stated Clerks’ Meetings are being planned for June 6-8 at the College as well.

5. RECOGNITION OF VISITORS AND GUESTS

The Classis recognized the following visitors was note and their names are found above.

6. READING OF THE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS STATED SESSIONS BY TITLE

Minutes of the Fall Stated Session of Classis on October 29, 2016, 8:30 a.m. at the EbenezerReformed Church, Stoney Creek, Ontario (Pages 2016-26 to 2015-57).

Motion that we accept these Minutes as distributed and corrected was supportedand carried.

7. READING OF THE MINUTES OF SPECIAL SESSIONS BY TITLES

There are no special minutes to report.

8. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

The motion was made that we take time in small groups during our meeting to discuss the


content and implications of the changes in the BCO as recommended by OJB Committeebefore it makes its report.The motion was supported. After some discussion on the motion was carried. The sessionwill take place before the OJB Committee makes its recommendations.

Motion was made by the Clerk that we accept the agenda as amended by the Classis. Themotion to accept the agenda was supported and carried.

9. COMMUNICATIONS AND REFERRALS

There were none for this meeting that have not been dealt with by Classis Committees or theExecutive of the Classis.

10. NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE

There was no report to be given at this time. 11. PRESENTATION OF UNFINISHED BUSINESS

There was none to present to the Classis. 12. REPORTS ON CLASSICAL REPRESENTATION: a. Fraternal Delegates – There was no one present.

b. General Synod Council – There was no report

c. Words of Hope – There was no representative present at the meeting. There was a handoutgiven to the Classis members and guests. It represented the update in what is happening inthe Words of Hope ministries.

d. Redeemer University College – There was no report. e. Regional Synod Report – Rev Marijke Strong gave the report.

Regional Synod of Canada (RSC) Report to the

2017 Spring Classis Meetings

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is

at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and

ever! Amen. (Eph 3:20,21)

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up

in love, as each part does its work. (Eph 4:16)

The Lord be with you. A year flies by quickly, doesn’t it? Every day I thank God for you and for this work.

I am grateful for your love, friendship, hospitality, collegiality, honesty, support, laughter, prayer and

determination. I am also grateful to be able to witness the life-changing work of the Spirit in and through our

churches across Canada. There is much to be encouraged by. Here are some of the highlights of the past

season in our regional synod, and goals for the coming year:


COMMUNICATIONS

The purpose of RSC communications is to provide helpful and timely information and resources to RCA

churches in Canada, as well as to connect leaders and members with one another across the country.

We have done this primarily through: a completely new and frequently updated website

(www.synodcanada.com), a new Facebook page with over 100 followers where we can share the stories and

celebrations of our churches, and a quarterly enewsletter to provide updates on the news and resources of

the regional synod. We also continue to work on a video project with stories about what God is doing in

RCA churches across Canada.

Recently we collaborated with RCA staff and our ecumenical partners on public statements and resources

in response to national and international crises (e.g.: Quebec shootings). Currently we are also preparing a

“public issues” statement policy and a social media policy to set internal standards for what we will, and

will not, say and post publicly. Most nonprofit organizations have policies like these in place for public

relations. If Canadian churches or classes would like to learn more about how to prepare their own policies

on public issues and/or social media procedures, please let us know and we would be happy to share what

we have learned!

LEARNING CIRCLES

The purpose of RSC Learning Circles (“Learning Communities”) is to study topics that are important to

RCA Churches across Canada, to propose innovative solutions, and to bring leaders and members into

community across the country.

Most learning circles meet by video conference call once a month to pray, study a book or resource on their

topic, and discuss its practical application for the church. Participants have enjoyed robust conversations and

been challenged to consider new viewpoints. A common response to the experience is gratitude for being able

to meet and learn with other RCA members across the country.

Current groups include: 1) Next Generation and Emerging Leaders, 2) The Art of Neighbouring, 3) “Live

Justly,” 4) Reformed Preaching, and 5) Church Planting. After finishing Neil Cole’s book, Church 3.0, the

Church Planting group decided to split into 2 interconnected groups: one to study a more traditional model

of planting, and one to study a “post Christendom” model. At the end of their time together each Learning

Circle is asked to report to the regional synod, the classes, and their local churches about what they have

learned.

We’re excited to share that we will soon open a new Learning Circle group on the topic of Crucial

Conversations: Tools for Talking when Stakes are High. This group will be made up of interested Classis

leaders, regional synod board members, General Synod delegates, and emerging leaders. Please contact

Marijke if you’d like to learn more, or join the group.

LEADERSHIP

Synod-wide leadership development opportunities are provided for community building, personal/spiritual

growth and church health. They are available to all RCA leaders and churches, and most of them are

financially supported and subsidized by the regional synod.

RIDDER: Ridder Church Renewal is a process of deep personal and congregational change. Classes currently

involved in the Ridder process are: BC (2), CP (3), and ON (4). Over the past year, the regional synod has

attended, hosted or taught 5 Ridder leadership training/teaching events and led 3 local church Faithwalking

retreats, as well as provided coaching to several Ridder pastors. Participants speak highly of the changes they

have seen in their own lives and in their congregations through the grace of God and the power of the Holy


http://www.synodcanada.com

Spirit in this process. If you would like to learn more about the personal, spiritual and congregational impact

of Ridder, please speak with Marijke, Ron Opmeer, David Zomer, Al Plat, Doug Smith, David Wulkan,

Bram Blaak, Stan Seagren, Duane Vanderlaan, or Pete Burrill. Also look for an article by David Wulkan in

the next issue of the RCA Today about the impact of Ridder Church Renewal on church discipleship.

REFORMED LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE (RLI): As you may know, RLI is a project of the Reformed

Collaborative, a partnership between the RCA and CRC for ministry innovation and leadership development.

Ontario is one of 6 RLI regions. In our region I am partnered with a CRC co-leader to walk alongside several

local churches and organizations that feel called to create more effective leadership development strategies

in ministry areas where they feel “stuck”. Our current RCA participants include the Welland, Hamilton and

Woodstock churches, as well as Camp Shalom. The initiative is an 18-month network process that involves

coaching, resourcing, strategy sessions and collaborative gatherings to help churches and ministries innovate

leadership change in their setting.

CROSS-CANADA CLASSIS CONNECTIONS: This past year the regional synod worked with leaders

from each of our three Canadian classes (Ontario, BC, and Canadian Prairies) to connect classis executive

leaders by video conference call. So far, we have done this twice. The purpose is to meet with one another

relationally, hear about the joys and challenges in each of our classes, collaborate together, and pray for one

another.

CHRISTIAN JUSTICE & MISSION

HUMAN TRAFFICKING OUTREACH: Jennifer Lucking continues to represent our Canadian churches

with passion and excellence in the field of human trafficking outreach. She regularly speaks at churches and

conferences on the topic of slavery, human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. Jennifer also

represents us to a number of ecumenical groups (Canadian Council of Churches, CRC Centre for Public

Dialogue and Office for Social Justice) and is on the Board of Directors of Restorations Second Stage Homes,

which is working to open a long-term care home in Southern Ontario for victims and survivors of sex

trafficking. Some highlights of Jennifer’s work over the past year include:

!

The "Live Justly" Learning Circle (based on the book of the same name published by Micah

Challenge and World Renew Canada) is almost half way through. With participants from B.C. and

Ontario, we have stimulating and challenging video calls every month while making our way through

the 10 chapters.

! In partnership with Defend Dignity (Christian & Missionary Alliance), Jennifer is working on a

curriculum for those who work with youth to raise awareness and understanding of sexual

exploitation. This curriculum, with new uniquely Canadian video, should be available by fall 2017.

! Jennifer is preparing for several trips to Ottawa in the spring. As part of her roles with CRCPD and

the CCC’s Commission on Justice and Peace, these visits to the nation's capital will include

collaboration around justice issues and possible visits with government officials at Parliament

Hill.

In the future the regional synod will continue working with Jennifer to consider how we can extend her role

into a broader justice mobilization position that encompasses other current topics such as refugee support,

indigenous justice, climate justice, disability concerns, and related issues raised by RCA churches.

COMMITTEE FOR PUBLIC DIALOGUE & ABORIGINAL MINISTRIES: We continue to work

closely with the CRC’s Committee for Public Dialogue on our response to current social concerns. We also


thank Maria Toews, who has completed her work with Athabasca Reformed Church in their outreach ministry

in Calling Lake and is moving on to new adventures. Maria also represented the RSC on the Canadian

Aboriginal Ministry Committee of the CRC. As the Athabasca church discerns a new hire in this role, the

regional synod will hold open the CAMC position and look forward to working with the new person once

hired. CAMC supports healing and reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

REFUGEES: It is a joy and an inspiration to know that 5 of our Canadian RCA churches are sponsoring or

supporting refugee families in crisis. Check February’s issue of the RCA Today for an article on Canadian

churches involved in refugee support. If you are interested in learning more, or if you or your church would

like to sponsor a refugee family, check out www.synodcanada.com and www.worldrenew.net.

TRANSFORMED & TRANSFORMING

Many of our Canadian churches are already deeply involved in the initiatives of Transformed and

Transforming, the RCA’s 15-year vision for mission and ministry. That vision includes 3 priorities: 1)

Cultivating Transformation in Christ, 2) Equipping Emerging Leaders of Today and Tomorrow, 3)

Engaging in Christ’s Kingdom Mission.

Our denomination offers excellent resources and supports to help churches (even Canadian churches!) engage

in mission and ministry. I’m delighted to say that over the past year many RCA staff members have offered

to travel to Canada to listen to our churches, lead workshops or host training/resourcing events. Please contact

Marijke or check out www.rca.org/transform for more information.

PASTORAL FINANCIAL AND BENEFIT SUPPORTS

Our RSC Pension & Benefits board continues to work with the RCA’s Board of Benefits Services with a

special consideration of Canadian Law, as we negotiate for fair pension and benefit packages for Canadian

RCA pastors and their families. One consideration for the coming year is a possible Critical Illness addition

to the benefits package. If you haven’t yet been approached by Marijke for your input on this topic, you will

be soon.

We also continue to work with the RCA on a major Lilly grant to the regional synods to facilitate emergency

financial assistance to pastors, as well as budgeting and generosity skills training for congregations.

ALL-CANADA EVENT IN 2018

The regional synod is pleased to share that in collaboration with the classes, we are planning a synod-wide

All Canada event in Spring, 2018. This will be for pastors and members, for the purpose of worshiping and

praying together, deepening community in our churches across the country, learning and training on vital and

timely topics, and planning collaborative ministries for the glory of God and the sake of the world. Stay tuned

for more information!

EMERGING ADULTS, EMERGING LEADERS

We have also increased our emphasis on learning how to engage and support Emerging Leaders in the work

of the church. Each year the regional synod sends a youth delegate to General Synod. We are also encouraged

by the positive conversations coming out of our Next Generation learning circle (made up of emerging

adults), and are considering a “Youth Council” or “Emerging Adult Council” ad hoc committee as a next step

moving forward.

In order to increase our learning on this topic, several board members and one youth delegate also recently

attended an RCA training event in Florida on the topic of Emerging Adult ministries, taught by Steve Argue

of Fuller Seminary. We look forward to learning more with and from the Emerging Adults of our Canadian

churches!


http://www.synodcanada.com

http://www.worldrenew.net

http://www.rca.org/transform

MOBILIZING FOR MISSION (MfM) GRANTS/SCHOLARSHIPS

What is MfM? The Regional Synod of Canada is called by God to mobilize the classes, churches, pastoral

leadership and laity into mission. Our Mobilizing for Mission (MfM) fund exists for the purpose of preparing

and provisioning the people and churches of the Regional Synod of Canada for mission. Monies for these

grants are funded by donations from churches and individuals in the regional synod. Our goal is to help

transform God’s call and our dreams into reality.

Generally, MfM grants fall under the following categories: Leadership and Discipleship Initiative Grants,

Pastor Sabbatical Grants, Synod-Wide Mission Initiative Grants, Short Term Mission Grants, Local

Congregation Outreach Initiative Grants, Revitalization Grants, Strategic Planning and Visioning Grants,

Ministry Mobilization Grants, and Multiplication (New Church Development) Grants.

Within the past year we have continued, or newly initiated, grants for the following people, churches and

events: 1) community outreach at Christ Community Church, Welland; 2) Aboriginal ministries at Calling

Lake, Alberta, 3) Finding Freedom and Re:Act programs (addictions & complex trauma) at Place of Grace

church in Winnipeg, 4) Edmonton church summer children’s outreach ministry, 5) Ridder Church Renewal

scholarships, 6) a pastor sabbatical, 7) short-term educational mission trip for a pastor and his wife, 8)

supporting a student in overseas mission and evangelism training. We are also in collaboration with two other

churches about outreach initiative proposals in their neighbourhoods. And through the VanKuiken scholarship

we are supporting 2 seminary students who have discerned a call to pastoral ministry.

Praise God! We are encouraged and energized by the number of individuals and churches feeling called by

the Spirit to start new ministry initiatives across Canada. That said, the Mobilizing for Mission fund doesn’t

exist without individuals and churches making financial contributions to assist with these efforts. We do need

your help! Our grants are based on the conviction that we are called to “equip the saints for the work of

ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Eph 4:12), but that this can’t happen without our support for

one another in covenant community: “if one member suffers; all suffer together with it, [and] if one member

is honored, all rejoice together with it” (1 Cor 12:26b). We hope you will prayerfully consider adding

Mobilizing for Mission to your church budget, or donating personally.

SPECIAL TOPICS FOR THE FUTURE

As we continue into 2017, the regional synod will be focusing a number of strategic theme areas, including:

! Mobilizing for Mission: with focus on increasing our generosity, broadening our scope, and

emphasising T&T

! Revitalization: asking how we can more deeply support the work of church renewal (incl: Ridder

Church Renewal)

! Multiplication: considering how we can work with classes to support and finance new church

developments

! Emerging Adults: encouraging, mentoring, supporting, working alongside Next Generation and

Emerging Leaders

! Covenant Community: creating space for conversation re: how to be the covenant family of

God in divisive times

Thanks be to God for the work of the Spirit in and through our Canadian RCA churches. We continue to pray

for you and desire to walk alongside you. Please also pray for us, and let us know if there is anything we can

do to better support you!


Respectfully submitted by:

Marijke Strong, executive secretary

On behalf of the RSC board

Rev Strong gave a report on what is happening in the Synod. She told the story of the Placeof Grace in Winnipeg, and gave us reasons for hope that God is not only at work in Hischurch, but is also able with willing people to change the church to become a body that isat work in His world.She ended her report with the reading from Ephesians 3. God is the One Who makes allthings new, and the Synod is there to help us in that work of newness.The motion was made to receive the report was supported and carried.

f. Ecumenical Report – There was no report.

g. Western Theological Seminary – Rev Blaak did not go to the Board meetings due to his wife’s illness. From the reports thathe has read, the Seminary is going strong with a growing student population, both inresidence and in long distance learning sectors.Finances for both the building project and the student endowment funds are going well. Theplan is to start moving books out of the current library into storage. The plan calls for thosewho are in the main hall level of the seminary to move into the library building until theproject is finished. Once the new addition is finished, which will include new libraryfacilities, as well as offices, the old library building will be taken down.He explained his excitement about the student endowment funds. These monies are beingraised to help students with their expenses while they are studying. That these funds arecoming in so well, which now stands at $ 8.8 million, is a blessing from the Lord.The motion was made to receive the report was supported and carried.

Note: after the report was made, Rev Blaak received new that the Building Fund hasreceived another 2 million dollar pledge. This brings the Seminary ever so much closer toits goals.

h. Countryside Camp and Conference Centre Association. Rev David VanderVelde gave the report on this mission.He reported that things are going well, and was concerned about the level of the RCAsupport to the camp. The Board is going to work on that issue. The theme this year is“Expect Great Things.” He also spoke about the special program on April 28 at 7 p.m.which are meant to raise funds for the “Stand in the Gap” program of the Camp. Theprogram will feature Bob Cates with clean comedy and juggler at the Forward BaptistChurch, 455 Meyers Road in Cambridge.Rev VanderVelde reminded us that each church has camp representatives. If yourcongregation does not have one, have the consistory appoint one so that the congregation isable to hear the vision of the Camp. The second thing he noted is that they are looking forpeople with different interests and expertise to help serve on the Board. If there is someonein the church who is good with finances, or fund raising, or a prayer leadership, please send


their name (with their permission) to Rev David VanderVelde.The motion was made to receive the report was supported and carried.

i. Others – There were other reports.

At this time, Rev Strong led the Classis in the small group time. She explained the purpose of thediscussion so that all the members know what we are voting on when it comes to the BCO changes.The members were encouraged to join a group and discuss the changes that were going to take placein the B.C.O. if they are approved by the General Synod. The Classis was given about 30 minutesto do this work.

The Chair called for a 20 minutes break for refreshments, which the Classis gladly accepted.

13. REPORTS OF CLASSIS COMMITTEES: a. The Executive Committee:

Elder Gildo Vieira took the chair while Rev Clifford Turkstra gave the report to the Classis.

Executive Committee Report

to the Spring Stated Session of the Classis of Ontario,

March 4, 2017

1. MEMBERSHIP: The Executive Committee is Rev Clifford Turkstra (President), Elder Gildo Vieira

(Vice-President), Rev. Abram Blaak (clerk), Deacon David McAllister (treasurer), Elder Bill Bonvanie, Rev

José Garreton, Rev Duane VanderLaan and Elder Carl Visser.

2. DUTIES: The task of the Classis Executive “shall have the general superintendence of the

committees of Classis and shall make certain that the duties of the committees and the directives of Classis

are carried out. The Executive Committee shall act in any Classis matter that is not the responsibility of any

other person or committee.” (Classis Rules of Order, 61, page 17, 2008.)

3. The Executive Committee has met several times since our last Stated Session.

4. The Executive over several meetings dealt with the ministries of several churches.

– Toronto Vida Nova paid off its mortgage this year, and has been in the process of looking for

bigger facilities.

– Toronto LaSenda is still in the process of the lawsuit filed against it. There is nothing new to report

here.

– Montreal Light for the Nations has a new pastor, Rev Claydemir de Oliveira Santos. He has not

been introduced to the Classis as yet, nor taken the examinations that he needs to do before the

Classis.

– Exeter Bethel Reformed made a request that their ministry end, and on January 14, 2017 the service

was held for that purpose.

5. The Classis Executive invited Mr Mike Gafa to come and take us through his findings from the time

he had spent with the Classis in October. In his finding, he shared some information that would be

good for the Executive and the Classis to consider.

Some of these were:


The Classis needs to have clarity so we know who we are and what we are doing as a body together.

So we need to truly understand the mission of the Classis. The statement needs to be clear so that

it is understood by all. If the mission is understood, then the structures of the Classis will also be

well aligned.

The question was asked, “What is broken: the Churches or the Classis?” The only reason the

Classis exists is to help the churches do their mission. We only want and need a stronger classis so

that the churches become stronger and that leads to individual believers becoming stronger.

Mr Gafa encouraged us to adopt a mission (and vision) statement and bring the Classis into the

conversation. This would help the Classis to have a direction. Begin with a baseline with which the

Classis can begin to discuss and come to own the mission. Tohave space for us to do this in of

ultimate importance. His recommendation is to do this

work with the Classis, for this will help the Classis have clarity and a starting point to move on into

God’s future direction.

6. The Executive Committee has begun work on A Manifesto, where members of the Executives of the

RCA in Canada met in a telephone meeting. Rev Strong has led that discussion, as it relates to much

of the work that Mr Gafa had done with the Classis as well.

7. The Executive also finished a document for itself called “Covenant of Mutual Accountability.” Its

design is to hold all the of the committee members accountable to their speech and actions.

8. The Executive, as per Classis’ instructions, has been in touch with Rev. Dr. Meine Veldman about

his request for support from the Classis. Until the writing of this report, there has been no response

from him, nor the Seminary, except to say they have received our request for clarification.

9. The Executive voted to approve the moving of the Spring Classis meeting from Grace Thorold to

LaSenda Toronto due to conflict in the Pastor’s schedule.

10. The Clerk has sent out a request to all congregations for the name and email address of their

treasurer, so that the Classis Treasurer can be in contact with them if so needed.

11. The Executive received some information from the RCA as to how the Classis can look for help with

the financial aid needed for La Senda. That is currently being looked after by the Classis Treasurer..

12. RECOMMENDATIONS:

A) To Receive this Report as a whole.

The Stated Clerk

for the Executive Committee

Addendum concerning the Executive’s decisions on the closing of the Bethel Reformed Church in Exeter,

Ontario is attached.

Addendum to the Classis Executive Report

Notes concerning the closing of the Exeter Bethel Church:


Taken from the Executive Minutes of December 9, 2016.

The Church will have their last service on Saturday, December 31 . This cannot be the closing service,st

so the date will be set for January 7 or 14. The motion was made that the church has its last service on the

December 31, 2016 was made, supported and carried.

The Executive made the motion that we have the closing service at Bethel Reformed Church in Exeter on

January 14. 2017 was supported and carried.

Pastor Vellenga was installed into the church on April 12, 2002. This means he has been the installed

pastor at Bethel for 14.6 years. The Classis has said that they are responsible for compensating him for these

14.6 months. The motion was made that we pay Rev Vellenga at the current pay schedule and benefits for

14.6 months, as well as letting the Vellengas stay in the house for that period of time. The motion was

supported and carried. There was one person who opposed the motion.

Rev Vellenga also needs to know that whatever he makes financially will be deducted from the pay the

Classis he will receive.

The Membership list will be sent to the CP&D committee, and the committee needs to appoint a person who

will be the contact for the membership so that they can change membership as needed.

The Church still has about $ 1,000 when all is said and done. The Consistory has requested that these funds

be divided by the deacons and sent to the two missionaries the congregation has been supporting.

The next question is how is the Classis going to support this closure and compensation? There is about

$240,000 in the Classis’ Capital Fund. The idea was to set up any funding as a loan. The motion was made

that we take a loan from the Capital Fund to pay the expenses of Exeter closing and beyond. The motion was

supported and carried. The Executive will need to have a proposal to the Classis in our report as to how to

do this long term.

The motion was made that we sell the properties of the Exeter Congregational. The CP&D was suggesting

that there is no ministry use for the building. The motion was supported and carried. Elder Bill Bonvanie

will look after the selling of the building.

The Clerk will be in touch with Elder de Boer of Exeter, so we receive a letter from the Consistory concerning

the signing authority. Deacon Dave McAllister will be speaking to someone from Exeter later, and will

discuss this as well.

Elder Visser will look after the property contents, and to ask Rev Vellenga to look after the building so that

it remains usable. The motion was made, supported and carried that this be so.

The consistory is requesting that building be usable for funerals. The motion was made that the building can

be used in this fashion until the building is sold. The motion was supported and carried.

There is also that a person needed to make sure the snow is plowed. Elder Visser will look after this so that

when it snows it is plowed. This was authorized by the Chair.

The Stated Clerk for the Executive Committee.


The motion was made, and supported that we receive the Executive Report. Asuggestion was made that we ask the RSC deal with the issue of severance package so that there isa standard in Canada’s Classes. This could be done through an ad-hoc committee to seek ways ofsetting standards and responsibilities for the closing of a church.

Dr Veldman also stated his case as to his support request for his work. The ClassisExecutive has dealt with this issue in its meeting two days before the Classis meeting.The request was made that we send out the report of Mike Gafa, who was here the lastmeeting. The executive is working on this matter in the very near future. The Clerk willseek the wisdom of the Executive to send it out.

After the discussion the motion was carried that we receive the Executive Report.

b. The Church Planning and Development Committee:The motion was made that the CP&D be able to present their report to the Classis. Themotion was supported and carried.Elder Gildo Vieira presented the report.

Church Planning and Development

Spring 2017

To: Classis of Ontario

Grace and peace be with you Classis of Ontario.

The Church Planning and Development Committee continues its work with a willingness to assist our

churches in their missions and in new start-ups.

· Being available to provide assistance for congregations in need

· Congregational revitalization processes

· Encouraging ministerial initiatives that focus on making disciples – (New and Maturing)

Ministries under current care.

1-Light for the Nations

LFN Montreal continues its ministry under Vida Nova’s direction.

The congregation continues a period of steady growth in its membership and in maturity.

Montreal continues to be a difficult area to work. Members are rejoicing and fully engage with

Pastor Cleydemir Santos (New Pastor).

2. Welland Christ Community Church

The decision was made to close the doors of the 7 C’s Daycare. Christ Community Church is

now re-envisioning their future as they minister to people in their community.

3- Kingsville Faith Reformed Church has instituted their counselling etc. ministry in their church to the

church, the neighbourhood and ultimately to the whole Kingsville area and beyond as necessary.

They have requested prayer, financial, and advisory input from the CP&D committee and the

committee has given approval to help the initiative begin.

4- Visioning - CP&D still have $10 k available to encourage your Church to promote new ministries.

Prayer Request: CP&D would like to ask for your prayers for a potential church startup of an English

Ministry Church in Toronto. We are in very early discussions about this ministry and would

welcome your prayers as we start to discern the beginning details and first steps. We will keep the


classis updated as we learn more.

Recommendation 1 : Motion to approve the report as presented.

We continue to get oriented to this role and ask that you would pray for us that we would have

wisdom and discernment as we learn and interact with the churches.

Respectfully submitted

Gildo Vieira (Chair)

This report is presented by: John Krul, John DiGiovanni, Bruno Ferreira, Kevin Amezequita, and Dave

McAllister (Classis treasurer), Marijke Strong (RSC advisor), Ben Van Hoeve.

Elder Vieira gave information and insight on the ministry on the committee and how it isfunctioning to do its task. He asked Rev Culp to speak to the Classis concerning theministry in Welland. He was talking about success, failure and experimentation in thecongregation and how that is working out at this time.

The motion was made, and supported that we receive the CP&D Report.

c. The OJB report to the Classis.Rev Art VanSlageren presented the report.The motion was made that the OJB be able to present their report to the Classis. Themotion was supported and carried.Rev Art VanSlageren presented the report. Rev VanSlageren led the Classis in prayerfor God’s favour in our discussions.The motion was made and supported that we set aside the Rules of Order that we vote fornumber one and three by paper ballot. The motion was lost.

Overtures and Judicial Business Report

Spring Classis 2017

Recommendations on proposed amendments to the RCA constitution approved by the 2016 General

Synod:

1. Adoption of “Order for Christian Marriage” as part of the Liturgy of the Reformed Church in

America (MGS 2016, R 16-14, p. 84)

Makes “Order for Christian Liturgy” part of the Constitution of the Reformed Church in America

We recommend Approval

There was discussion about the polity of approving this section. One concern that wasraised is that the form does not comply to the marriage act of Ontario. Other concernswere raised as well, but the argument came down to what is the Synod really asking us? Does it have to do with the homosexual issue, or with liturgical purity?

After the discussion, the vote was taken and the recommendation was approved.

The motion was made to table the rest of the report until after lunch. The motionwas supported and carried.


Rev Alberto Salazar led the Classis in prayer for our meal time.

After the lunch, the Classis resumed the work with a time of prayer.

The motion was made to take the OJB report off the table for discussion.

2. Supervision of Candidates for Ministry who are Not Members of a Local Church (MGS 2016, R

16-30, pp. 157-158) Affects BCO Chapter 1, Part II, Article 11 (p. 44 of 2016 edition)


The motion was supported and approved.

3. Marriages Solemnized in a Church or Congregation (MGS 2016, R 16-32, p. 164)

Affects BCO Chapter 1, Part I, Article 2, Sec. 11 (p. 15 of 2016 edition)


The motion was supported and approved.4. Regional Synod Responsibilities (MGS 2016, R 16-49, p. 259)

Affects BCO Chapter 1, Part III, Article 2, Sec. 3 (p. 61 of 2016 edition)



5. Appointment of Candidates to Churches without Installed Minster or Minister under Contract

(MGS 2016, R 16-50, p. 262)

Affects BCO Chapter 1, Part II, Article 7 (p. 34 of 2016 edition)



6. Church Membership (MGS 2016, R 16-52, pp. 263-264)

Affects BCO Chapter 1, Part II, Article 10, Sec. 2 (pp. 39-40 of 2016 edition)



7. Appendix, Formulary No. 5 and Related Constitutional Provisions Applicable to Consistories

and Classes (MGS 2016, R 16-53, pp. 264-266)

Affects BCO Chapter 1, Part I, Article 2, Sec. 7 (p. 15 of 2016 edition), BCO Chapter 1, Part II,

Article 15, Sec. 3 (p. 53 of 2016 edition), and BCO Appendix, Formulary No. 5, (pp. 132-133 of

2016 edition)



We also recommend approval of all the proposed updates concerning agreement between Classis

committees responsibilities and their numerical references in the BCO.

We recommend approval of changes made to paragraph 30 concerning the Officers of Classis Ontario

Executive.

We request that the Nominations Committee seek out two elders to serve on this committee.


Finally, we recommend that this report be received as whole by the Classis.

Members of OJB Rev. Barry Wynveen and Rev. Art VanSlageren

The motion was made to receive the report as a whole was supported and carried.

d. The Pastoral Relations Committee:The report was given by Rev Peter Burrill

Spring 2017 Classis Report

Pastoral Relations Committee

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Greetings from the members of the Pastoral Relations Committee, Elders Alejandro Romero, Harry Moes

and John Keunen and Pastors Bart Keefer, Michael Saville and Pete Burrill.

The broad mandate of the Pastoral Relations Committee (PRC) can be found in Article XI of the Ontario

Classis Rules of Order, pages 27-31. Since our last Classis meeting the committee has been working to

understand our role as outlined in those rules in order to best serve you, the Classis, as we work these

things out. Here are a list of actions that have been taken as well as things that are pending as a result of

our work:

· Pending at the time of this report is the approval of the contract for student Pastor Jacob London

who is serving the Emmanuel Reformed Church of Whitby. We have not heard at the time of this

report if they have accepted PRC’s recommendation regarding the contract.

· We are also in conversation with Rev. Claydemir de Oliveura Santos who is serving Light for the

Nations in Montreal. We are determining what has to take place for Rev de Oliveura Santos to be

transferred into the Classis of Ontario.

· Pending in the transfer of Rev. Jason Van Ankum into the Classis of Ontario from the Classis of

British Columbia and, Lord willing, Rev Van Ankum will be reading the form and registering at

the Spring 2017 Classis meeting.

· An interview was conducted with Rev Jim and Annette Vellenga and the consistory of the Bethel

Reformed Church of Exeter but the committee has not yet had time to discuss the report so

recommendations may have to wait until our fall meeting.

· We have approved the request for retirement that came to us from the consistory of Bethel

Reformed Church in Brantford for the Rev Abram Blaak and will be setting up a pulpit supply list

to begin in September of 2017. We will also be appointing a supervisor for Bethel to help them

through this transition time.

· We are also working on the visitation of churches that our rules of order state must be conducted

by the PRC. We want to rebuild an atmosphere of collegiality between pastors and a renewed

sense of community between the churches of Classis Ontario and to dispel the distrust and

suspicion that has been so pervasive over the last several years.

· We have been in contact with Rev Daniel de Vries about setting him up with a mentor from the


Classis as he and his family continue to get settled in Drayton.

· We have accepted the resignation of Elder John Keunen for health reasons and pray that God

would be gracious to John and his family and grant healing to him. That means that we will need

another elder delegate to fill his place and request the nominations committee of the Classis to

send that person to us.

9 We continue to get oriented to this role and ask that you would pray for us that we would have

wisdom and discernment as we learn and interact with the churches. Respectfully submitted,

Pete Burrill, Pastoral Relations chair.

Recommendation:

That this report be received.

Rev Burrill also made the motion that we receive the transfer of Rev Jason Van Ankumfor the BC Classis and that he read the Declaration for Ministers commissioned toSpecialized Ministry. The motion was supported and carried.Rev Van Ankum will become a representative in Action Canada. Rev Burrill led usthrough the form of commissioning. Action was represented by Ron and Beth Reynolds. After the Commissioning, Rev Van Ankum read the Declaration for Ministers of Wordand Sacrament. He was then warmly welcomed into the Classis.

The motion to receive the report as a whole was supported and carried.

e. The Candidate Care and Examinations Committee:Rev David VanderVelde gave the report to the Classis.

Candidate Care and Examination Committee

Report to Classis of Ontario –

Spring 2017 Stated Session

24 January 2017

This committee has not met in person since the fall report to Classis, as there has been no pressing

business to attend to. We communicated via email to ensure that we remain on track with the

examinations for Mrs. Florence Dekker.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind the churches to pray for, be on the lookout for, and

encourage potential candidates to discern the call to ministry. Recommendations may be directed to any

of the members of CCEC as listed below for follow up.

The current roster of students is:

Mrs. Florence Dekker

The current roster of licensed candidates is:

Mrs. Adriana Ostapenko

Mrs Dekker gave a short report on her studies and her enjoyment of the Gospel and how


God changes lives. She also thanked the Classis for the support and the prayers offeredon her behalf. Rev VanderVelde offered a prayer of grace on her and her ministry.

Recommendations:

R1 – That this report be received by the Classis.

Current committee members: Rev. Abram Blaak (CE), Rev. David Vandervelde (Chair), Rev.

Ken Labbé (Clerk), Mr. Henry Bruines, Rev. Barry Wynveen, Mr. Herb Hystek, Mr. Sergio

DeVasconselos

The motion that the Classis receive the report as a whole was supported andcarried.

f. The Discipleship Committee:

There was no written report from the committee to the Classis.

g. The Christian Social Action Committee:

The Committee has no report.

h. Special and Ad-hoc Committees:

i. General Finance Committee:

Deacon David McAllister gave the report on behalf of the committee.

Deacon McAllister outlined the reports that were handed out to the Classis. They were the Budget

and Financial Statement Balance Sheet and the Statement of Operations.

He congratulated Vida Nova for paying off the loans for their church building

The Address for our Treasurer is:

Mr David McAllister

17 Clement Drive, Brantford, ON N3T 6H9

email: [email protected]

The motion was made to receive the General Finance Committee report wassupported and carried.


mailto:[email protected]

14. Reports Of Churches Without A Pastor:The following reports were made:1 Rev Gouvea – Countryside Church is working to gain visibility from the road. Theyare also seeking the land transfer from Countryside Camp and Conference Centre andasked for prayers for this endeavour. He invited us to a dinner in Etobicoke for Brazilianfood. He noted that the church is growing, has more youth, teaching of HC and ReformedDoctrine.

2 Rev Gouvea – New Alliance There is a good youth ministry, but the attendance is shrinking a bit in worship. Therehave talks of merger with Ebenezer which is in the works. They have had joint meetingsof consistories. The merger will help both congregations, and they have set the deadlineof September to finish this work.

3 Ebenezer Reformed Church in Mississauga – Jose Garreton Rev Garreton spoke of the loss of the pre-school last year, but a new school has cometo fill the vacancy. The building has made some improvement of the facilities with anelevator. He also spoke of the merging of the two churches especially since there are thetwo different styles of worship.

Emmanuel Reformed Church, Whitby – no report

Reports of Churches with installed Pastor:Vida Nova: Elder Gildo Vieira noted that the church has finished paying off the buildingloan but now the church needs to sell it. They are looking for a new property since thechurch is growing so quickly.

Cpt Rev Lopes gave a short report who thanked the Classis for their prayers. He thankedus for allowing him and others to minister to the men and women of the Armed Forces.Cpt Rev Greg Girard is now stationed in Dundurn SK. There he is teaching careercourses. Since there are no RCA churches around, he is going to an Evangelical church.Att his point, people on the base are coming to him to talk to them about Jesus. He haswritten a book and now feels the great burden to write a book on the HeidelbergCatechism.He told the Classis that the chaplain branch is being forced into pluralism, and places agreat pressure to their ministry so that the chaplains stay true to the Word of God..

15. Report Of Session Committees: a. President’s Report – there was no report. b. Consistorial Minutes and Board of Elders Minutes:

The report was given by Michael Saville who reported there were some irregularities, butnoted the books were in good order otherwise.Motion was made that this report be received by the Classis. The motion wassupported and carried.


c. Leave of Absence: Rev Blaak gave the report.He reported that the Rev Carson Culp, the Elder Tony VanderLey of Whitbycongregation, Elder Lisanias Rawsan had left the meeting early.

d. Accounts:Deacon McAllister gave the report. He announced that the total cost for the meeting was $ 1,512.52. The motion was made, supported and carried that these expenses be approved.

e. Resolutions:Rev Jim Vellenga made the following resolutions for the Classis to consider:Be it resolved:That the Spring 2017 session of Classis Ontario expresses its thanks to the Rev AlbertoSalazar for the proclamation of God's word, and the worship leaders for leading us inpraise of our Lord.--and further --That we thank God for the many ways he is working through his people in ministries likePlace of Grace and Christ Community Church, Welland supported through the funds ofMobilizing for Missions, and continue to uphold these and other ministries in ourprayers, all the while keeping our eyes open to where God is calling us to minister.--and further --That we thank John and Mary VerHoog for their 23 years ministering as chaplains toretired ministers and their surviving spouses.--and further --That we thank God for the ministry of the late Rev. Kenneth Lowe.--and further --That we welcome Jason VanAnkum into Classis as a specialized minister working withAction International Ministries Canada, and continue to pray for him and his family intheir service to God.--and further --That we thank and praise God that he provided for Vida Nova to pay off their mortgage.--and further --That we thank the people of Iglesia LaSenda del Amor for their hospitality in food, drink,and a wonderful location to meet.--and finally --Above all, we thank and praise God for his amazing grace toward us in Jesus Christ, andthe many ways he graces us to minister in his name. Soli Deo Gloria.

The motion was made, supported and carried to accept these resolutions.

16. Closing Of Classis:

The Stated Clerk announced that the Fall Stated Session of the Classis of Ontario willtake place at Grace Reformed Church in Thorold on Saturday, October 28, 2017.

The President asked for a motion to close the meeting. The motion was made, supported


and carried.

Rev Turkstra led us in the closing prayer and the benediction as the Classis wasdismissed.

Humbly Offered:

_________________________________ ____________________________________Rev Clifford Turkstra, Chair Rev Abram Blaak, Stated Clerk


1. CALL TO RDER · 2018. 1. 13. · CLASSIS ONTARIO LaSenda Del Amor Church, Toronto, ON M INUTES...

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