CLASSIS MID-WEST

A brief report of actions taken at Classis Mid-West, which was held at Kalamazoo, Michigan on April 30, 1963.

A prayer meeting was held on April 29, led by Rev. L. Kieboom. The text for his sermon was Matthew 28:18, 19, and 20. Nearly all the delegates were present for this service.

The following morning the chairman of the calling church of Grand Rapids, Rev. W. C. La-main, opened the meeting by singing Psalm 1:1. The first 9 verses of Zachariah 14 were read, followed with a word of prayer. The chairman made a few remarks on vs. 6 of this chapter, “And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark:”. The delegates were accorded a hearty welcome, with the wish, that the Lord would be in the midst for Jesus’ sake, and that he may show his good pleasure.

The credentials for the meeting was looked over and found to be in order. The two Deacons present, who were delegates, were allowed to cast their votes. Rev. L. Kieboom was chosen chairman, Elder C. Boerkoel was chosen clerk, and Rev. W. C. Lamain was chosen assessor.

The minutes of the previous Classis Mid-West meeting were read and found to be in order. A few reports were brought in the midst. A request was sent in by the former Turner Ave. consistory and read. It was decided to advise the Elders of that congregation to follow the advice given them by the consistory of The First Netherlands Reformed Congregation of Grand Rapids, which was, that they were to have a congregational meeting and to place before that meeting their desire to reunite with The First Netherlands Reformed Congregation. The consistories of Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo are ready to work with them if they so desire.

The Banner of Truth was also discussed. There was a combined meeting of the Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo consistories about the condition of the Banner of Truth. Since the Banner of Truth Administrative Committee (formerly, Young Couples Society) was dissolved, it was decided that a committee of both consistories would work on the paper. A letter of thanks will be sent to those who formerly worked on the Banner of Truth and Year Book. A financial report and conditions of the Banner of Truth was given to this new committee with the decision to forward it to the next Synod.

There was a question of Hofy Baptism discussed also. It was decided that only confessing members are allowed to present their children to be baptized and to answer the questions in the form for baptism. Also that cither father or mother, who are not confessing members, are to remain seated and not answer the questions; although, both parents are responsible for their children. Concerning the bringing up of the child; the church in its strictest sense, is only duty bound to labor with those who have joined themselves, through confession of faith, to the church. This may be a means that those who cannot share in the benefits of the church be made jealous and join themselves to the true church.

Someone asked advice on what to do with a child who is not baptized and whose parents are illegally separated from one another and remain so. The church is duty bound to use every means to bring them together.

There arc many difficulties in the church today, but the Lord has all hearts in his hand.

Among several matters that were brought up, there was one on the members who are lax in attending the services on the Lord’s Day. It was discussed that also in 1937 and 1952 these same things were considered. They advised for the church to warn such people seriously against profaning of God’s Day.

A certain case of censure was brought before the classis, but the member concerned withdrew its membership from the church and the matter was closed.

It was also reported that Rev. Lamain and Rev. Kieboom conducted church visitation in the Kalamazoo congregation and reported that there were not many problems and they lived together in peace.

There were just a few minor matters that had to be acted upon at this classis before adjournment.

The expense for the several churches was agreed upon.

Vineland, Ontario, Canada will be the calling church for the next classis.

If there are no serious matters arising, the classis will meet one year from now, but if there are matters to discuss, the classis will meet in September or October of this year.

Rev. Lamain closed the meeting by speaking a few words and commended the churches to the care of God. Rev. Lamain asked Elder C. Boer-koel to adjourn the meeting. Elder C. Boerkoel requested that Psalm 74, vs. 2 be sung and closed with prayer.

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