CHURCH NEWS

Calls Extended:

To Rev. C. Harinck of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, by the Sioux Center, Iowa, Congregation.

To Rev. J. VanHaaren of Amersfoort, the Netherlands, by the Sunnyside, Washington, Congregation.

To Rev. W. C. Lamain of Grand Rapids, Michigan by the Giessendam-Hardinxveld, Congregation, of the Netherlands.

Calls Declined:

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

To the Sunnyside, Washington, Congregation by Rev. J. Van Haaren of Amersfoort, the Netherlands.

To the Corsica, South Dakota, Congregation by Rev. C. Harinck, of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.

To the Sioux Center, Iowa, Congregation by Rev. C. Harinck, of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.

To the Clifton, New Jersey, Congregation by Rev. J. C. Weststrate, of Meliskerke, the Netherlands.

Calls Accepted:

To the St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada Congregation by Rev. J. C. Weststrate of Meliskerke, the Netherlands.

CONDENSED REPORT OF CLASSIS WEST

The meeting of Classis West was held on Wednesday, October 3, 1973, in the Rock Valley church.

On the previous evening Rev. L. Kieboom led a prayer meeting and spoke from Genesis 49:19:, “Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last.”

The theme of his sermon was, “Gad’s experiences, a type of the militant church,” and the two thoughts for meditation were: The assailed church, The conquering church.

On Wednesday morning Rev. J. Van Zweden called the meeting to order at 9:00. Psalter 398:1–2 were sung. After reading Psalm 145 he led in prayer remembering the manifold needs of the Classis and the congregations before the Lord.

In the name of the Rock Valley church the minister extended a cordial welcome to the delegates and friends from far and near. He remarked that we all have reasons to be thankful that we are what we are. This should be a wonder to us. May we be given grace to be thankful, but also praying creatures. May our prayer be continually, “O Lord, be our High Priest, our Protector and Guide.” He noted the blessed promise spoken in Isaiah 41:10, “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.”

This is a precious promise for His servants, elders and leaders in these perilous times when dark threatening clouds are hanging over us, and the Lord is departing more and more.

He also spoke of a few blessed instances out of the life of brother elder D. Spaans of Corsica, South Dakota, who had gone to his eternal reward on the 20th of Sept.

The credentials were examined and were in order. All congregations were lawfully represented by two ministers and eight elders.

Rev. L. Kieboom was appointed president of the meeting; Rev. J. Van Zweden, vice president; Elder J. Friesema, treasurer; and Elder L. Kaat, clerk.

The minutes of the previous meeting, Oct. 4, 1972, were read, approved and signed.

A discussion followed on an instruction from Synod to Classis concerning church marriages and the showing of slides and films of mission activities in the churches. A Synodical letter has been sent to all consistories warning against worldly conformity. Classis requests Synod to find more uniformity concerning marriages in the churches and to enquire into the possibility of drawing up a form to be used by all local churches.

In behalf of American General Missions, Rev. Van Zweden gave a brief report of mission activities to date. This included the beginning of a domestic mission in a field at Baldwin, Michigan.

Instructions to consistories:

Classis instructs the consistory of Waupun concerning its question regarding office bearers and church members using fire, automobile, life and health insurance when not compulsory. An article will be written for the Banner of Truth concerning Synodical decisions thereto in the past.

At the request of the consistory of Sheboygan, Classis appointes a standing committee for the examination of certificates of ministers entering into, or departing from the Classis. They are: Elders J. Spaans, B. Harskamp and L. Kaat.

At the request of the consistory of Corsica, Classis gives approval to organize a branch of our denomination in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Three consistories, Corsica, Rock Valley and Sioux Center will work together to accomplish this. One service will be held each Lords Day, conducted by a minister or an elder.

The consistory of Sioux Center requests Classis opinion of revising the method of instruction for children in catachism. The general feeling of the assembly was that this was necessary. Classis decides to send this on to the forthcoming Synodical meeting for its discussion and decision.

The morning session was closed with a prayer of thanksgiving and all went to the parsonage for the noon meal.

The afternoon session was opened with prayer at 1:30.

The moderatorships of the ministers will remain as they are at present.

The customery questioning of the consistories according to Art. 41 of the D.C.O. followed. There are many reasons for lamentations, some reasons for joy.

The consistory of Corsica requests church visitation. Two ministers of the Classis will do so in the near future.

Delegates to the Synod which will convene in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in June 1974, D.V., are the ministers: Rev. L. Kieboom and Rev. J. Van Zweden. The Elders: H. Derksen, J. Spaans and Wm. Van Voorst. Their alternates are the Elders: L. Kaat, J. Friesema, P. De Graaf, C. Blom and J. Van Den Top.

The expenses of Classis were $145.00, which were divided proportionately.

The congregation of Corsica will be the calling church for the next meeting, to convene D.V. in Corsica on the first Wednesday in Oct., 1974. The calling letters to be sent to the various consistories by mid Aug.

The president spoke a few words in conclusion. He stated that it was a blessing there were no harsh words spoken and that we were gathered in peace with the welfare of the church at heart. He noted the low state of Zion and the perilous times at hand. He wished that the Lord would remember us and give us a blessed revival. Grant us the grace and peace of our old fathers. He wished all a safe journey homeward; requested the bretheren to sing Psalter 202: 1–3, and brought all our needs to the throne of grace in prayer.

SHORT MINUTES OF CLASSIS MID-WEST AND EAST HELD ON OCTOBER 19, 1973 AT CLIFTON, N. J.

A prayer service was held on the preceding evening, conducted by Rev. W. Suyker in the English language. The text for this sermon was Zechariah 4:6.

Article 1- Opening

The meeting was opened by Rev. W. C. Lamain, minister of the calling church of Grand Rapids. After singing Psalter 60, stanzas 1 and 2, the minister laid the needs of the congregations before the Lord in prayer and asked the Lord’s guidance, especially for this day. He read the portion of Scripture written in the prophecy of Isaiah, chapter 32. In his opening remarks he welcomed the delegates and extended a special word of welcome to Rev. A. M. Den Boer who is now pastor of the Norwich Congregation and is gathered with us for the first time. Rev. Lamain noted the perilous times, the judgments of God evidenced all over the world and, in general, the dark times in which we live. Therefore, he stressed the necessity to remember God’s servants at the throne of grace. He directed the attention of the delegates to this portion of Isaiah 32: “Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high.” He also spoke a few words in remembrance of retired Elder P. Sweetman who passed away since our last classical meeting. He expressed the hope and wish that our meeting in this day may be in love and unity; that together we may seek the welfare of Zion and our coming generation. After these remarks the meeting was declared open for business.

Article 2 - Credentials

Credentials were examined and approved as follows:

Norwich - Rev. A. M. Den Boer, Elder J. Byl

Kalamazoo - Rev. A. Elshout, Elder J. Beeke

Vineland - Elder H. De Bat, Deacon A. Van Driel

Unionville - Rev. W. Suyker, Elder T. Verhey

Grand Rapids - Rev. W. C. Lamain, Elder M. Westrate

Clifton - Elder W. Vroegindewey, Elder J. Van Der Stad

Bradford - Elder G. Van Leeuwen, Deacon A. B. Brouwer

Franklin Lakes - Rev. C. Harinck, Elder M. Vlietstra The two deacons were granted the right to vote.

Article 3 - Election of Officers

Officers were elected as follows:

President - Rev. W. C. Lamain (by turn)

Assessor - Rev. A. Elshout

Clerk - Elder J. Beeke

Treasurer - Elder R. Van Vliet

Article 4 - Minutes

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved after a minor correction.

Article 5 - Incoming Mail

We have received a request for cooperation from Den Hertog Publishers, Utrecht, Netherlands for a new edition of “Children’s History of the Bible” written by Mr.

Vreugdenhil. They desire to publish a two volume edition in the English language. It was explained that Den Hertog believes there is a demand for this book in other English speaking countries. Some correspondence between Mr. VerGrouw and others concerned in this matter was read before the delegates. The Classis decided to wait until after the next classical meeting before proceeding with this request to the Synod.

At this same time Mr. VerGrouw introduced Mr. Vreugdenhil’s book titled “Church History Book”, translated from the Holland language. He asked for permission in behalf of the Macedonia Mission Society to print this small book. The Classis gave permission but the sole right to reproduce, or republish, this book in the English language belongs under the jurisdiction of our churches.

Article 6 - Reports

1. The following report was submitted by the Macedonia Mission Society of the Netherlands Reformed Congregations:

Financial Statement

Balance as of April 30,1973 …………….. $2639.46

Received Paid Out

May 1973 $ 105.00 $ 379.46

June, 1973 600.00 139.89

July, 1973 18.00 1119.98

August, 1973 70.60 292.19

Sept., 1973 517.64 238.04

$1311.24 $2169.56

Receipts …………………………………………. $1311.24

Total …………………………………………. $3950.70

Less Disbursements ……………………. $2169.56

Balance as of Sept. 30,1973 ………… $1781.14

The following report was submitted by the Banner of Truth-Tract committee:

October 12, 1973

Year to date

Receipts

Loan …………………………………………. $500.00

Church donations* …………………………………………. 375.00

Misc. donations …………………………………………. 625.50

Total receipts …………………………………………. $1,500.50

Expense

Printing …………………………………………. $1,010.50

Postage …………………………………………. 153.36

Envelopes, etc …………………………………………. 13.77

Total disbursements …………………………………………. $1,177.63

Bank Balance $ 322.87

Approximate Distribution - Seven Tracts, 105,000 copies. *Church donations received

Bradford $ 50.00

Kalamazoo 75.00

Franklin Lakes 250.00

$375.00

2. This committee again asks our churches if they would kindly support this cause with a gift or collection. Please mail gifts or collections to:

Banner of Truth-Tract Committee.

540 Crescent St. N.E.

Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503

3. Rev. Suyker reported for the Canadian committee named to examine the credentials of ministers entering and leaving this Classis. He informed the Classis that the committee found the credentials in good order which were presented by Rev. A. M. Den Boer who accepted the call to the congregation of Norwich and was installed on July 7. At this time the president of this meeting spoke some words of encouragement to Rev. Den Boer and expressed the wish and hope of the Classis that the Lord may bless his labors in his new congregation. The members of the committee for the Canadian churches are Rev. Suyker and Elder Nieuwenhuis. The committee for the United States churches of this Classis consists of Rev. A. Elshout and Elder Boerkoel.

4. A report was given by the appointed classical committee regarding a marital problem. After hearing this report the Classis advised, with the help of the Lord, to further seek reconciliation for this father and mother.

Article 7 - Church Visitation

Church visitation took place in the following congregations: Norwich, Vineland, Unionville with Ancaster and Bradford. This evening church visitation will be held in Franklin Lakes. Matters were found to be in good ecclesiastical order.

Article 8 - Instructions Clifton

Point 1 - The consistory of Franklin Lakes proposed a discussion of the disbursements of the American General Mission Fund.

Rev. A. Elshout, secretary of the American General Mission Fund, explained the manner of some of the disbursements outside of our own mission areas. After some discussion (with an eye upon the rising costs) our Classis would like to see more of our financial support allotted to our own mission fields. This desire will be presented, or forwarded, to the next Synod.

Point 2 - How best to deal with baptized members who when coming to years of discretion do not, after a certain period of time, become confessing members:

After a long discussion, the Classis decided to proceed with the following steps regarding baptized members who delay in becoming full members:

1. The consistory must exercise church discipline by admonishing these baptized members that they should attend Confession class and become full members of the congregation.

2. Except in cases of lawful objections of conscience, when these baptized members reach the ages of 25–30 and they continue to disobey the admonishments of the consistory, their names will be removed from the church membership book.

3. The consistory should notify these baptized members of their dismissal by letter.

Point 3 - Regarding a letter (attached to the agenda) opposing abortion:

It was reported by the delegates that most of the churches have already mailed letters opposing abortion to their respective government representatives. The churches that have not done this were urged to do so.

Grand Rapids

Point 1 - The Grand Rapids consistory requests the opinion of the Classis concerning requests received from the Netherlands for financial aid for the persecuted Christians in Hungary, and also for the mentally retarded and physically handicapped of our denomination in the Netherlands:

The Classis decided to bring these requests to the next Synod.

Norwich

Point 1 - Norwich requests that the Classis consider a similar ruling as the Synod in the Netherlands has taken regarding ministers of other denominations who desire to affiliate with our denomination.

After the delegates heard the ruling of the Netherland’s Synod in this matter, it was decided to forward this point to the next Synod.

Article 9 - Customary Questioning

Three consistories were given advice on questions asked according to Article 41, D.C.O.

Also Rev. Suyker of Unionville reported that one elder and one deacon have been installed in Ancaster and that they will remain a branch of Unionville.

NOTATION: During our meeting we received a telephone call from Classis Far-West. They also have a Classical meeting today and they kindly asked the ministers of our Classis for help in the many labors in Classis Far-West. The ministers of our Classis will try to help as much as it is possible.

Article 10 - Expenses

The expenses of the Classis meeting were $1,594.93.

Article 11 - Calling Church

Kalamazoo will be the calling church for the next Classical meeting which will be held, D.V., on April 3 at 9:00 A.M. in Norwich, Canada. Rev. C. Harinck will lead the Prayer service the preceding evening commencing at 7:30 P.M.

Article 12 - Closing

In closing, Rev. Lamain suggested that the clerk write Rev. M. Heerschap, in behalf of the Classis, a letter of congratulation because he celebrated his 25th anniversary as a minister on October 13. Rev. C. Harinck closed the meeting with prayer.

President

Clerk

CORRECTIONS TO THE 1973 DENOMINATIONAL YEARBOOK

Persons having copies of the 1973 yearbook should make the following corrections on page 43 for the Corsica, South Dakota Congregation.

Clerk: Henry D. Spaans, Box 218, Stickney, South Dakota 57375 Tel. 605/732-3136.

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