Classis Michigan Classis Michigan
5th Meeting
Minutes Classis Michigan Classis Michigan
5th Meeting
MinutesMinutes
of the Fifth Meeting of
Classis Michigan
United Reformed Churches in North America
October 26,1999
Officers of the Day
Article 1
Rev. A Besteman called the meeting to order and read Galatians 5:16ff and offered prayer.
Article 2 - Presentation of Credentials and Roll Call of Delegates.
The following delegates were present.
Church / Minister Delegates / Elder Delegates
Allendale / Rev. Mark Zylstra / Mr. Dale Oosterbaan
Alto - Grace / Rev. Peter Adams / Mr. Case Vierzen
Caledonia - Trinity / Rev. Brian Vos / Mr. John Mulder
Eastmanville / Rev. Stephen De Boer / Mr. Bob Molyneux
Grand Rapids - Walker / Rev. Joel Vander Kooi / Mr. Jim Paauw
Hudsonville - Cornerstone / Rev. Tim Perkins / Mr. John Holmlund
Jenison - Bethel / Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen / Mr. Norm Krombeen
Kalamazoo - Covenant / Rev. Philip J. Vos / Mr. Gerrit Kalkman
Olive Center - Faith / Rev. W. H. Oord / Mr. Terry Rouwhorst
Wyoming - Bethany / / Mr. Frank Jones, Mr. Ed Toonstra
Article 3 - Covenant Independent Reformed Church
a. Bethel United Reformed Church introduced a motion to recommend that the Covenant Independent Reformed Church of Byron Center, Michigan be received into the federation upon approval of Synod.
b. It was reported that a letter from Bethel URC was received by the Clerk. In the letter Bethel Elders gave a favorable report of the worship services they attended at Covenant IRC.
c. The motion to receive Covenant Independent Reformed Church was - Approved.
Article 4
Elder Doug Herrema from the Covenant Independent Reformed Church is a delegate.
Article 5
The chairman declared that classis was constituted and requested first time delegates sign the Form of Subscription.
Article 6
The chairman welcomed guests and visitors. They included Rev. Casey Freswick, Rev. Clarence Werkema, Rev. Ed Knott, who were given the courtesy of the floor. Also welcomed were Rev. and Mrs. Steve McGee, Rev. Steve Poelman, Mr. Dave Vander Meer, and Mr. D. Todd Maurina.
Article 7
A special welcome is given to Rev. Tim Perkins and Rev. Mark Zylstra, new pastors to Classis Michigan.
Article 8
The Chairman appointed Rev. Mark Zylstra and Mr. Dale Oosterbaan to the Credentials Committee.
Article 9
The proposed time schedule was adopted.
Article 10
The oral report of the Clerk of Classis was approved.
Article 11
a. A letter from Mrs. Elizabeth Dykstra, CPA informing us that the Classis financial books are in good order was received for information.
b. The letter suggested that instead of annual audits, Classis would be better served by following these internal control procedures:
i. Continue to have the Classis Treasurer submit detailed treasurer's reports to Classis for approval.
ii. Use a letter on an annual basis to request that the bank mail a duplicate statement to someone other than the treasurer [e.g. the chairman]. This individual could then verify that the report submitted by the treasurer is accurate by comparing the treasurer's report with the information received from the bank.
c. A motion was made and supported to follow the suggestion in the letter.
d. The Chairman appointed the Vice-Chairman and the Clerk to work out the mechanics of the motion.
e. The Clerk was charged with the task of writing a letter of thanks to the CPA.
Article 12 - The Treasurer's Report
a. The written Treasurer's Finance Report was distributed.
b. The Treasurer reported that the bank we currently use charges a service fee for holding our accounts. The Treasurer also noted that the West Michigan Community Bank did not charge any service fees.
c. A motion was made and supported to change banks. -Approved
d. A motion was made and supported to approve the work of the Treasurer. - Approved
Article 13 - Rules of Procedure
a. Rules of Procedure III-D-8 says: "Remuneration for the treasurer shall be determined at the second regular meeting in each odd numbered year."
b. Mr. Kamstra informs the Classis that he prefers not to receive any remuneration for his work for Classis.
c. A motion is made and supported to accept with gratitude the offer of the Treasurer to continue his work without remuneration.
Article 14 - Assistant Clerk
a. A motion is made and supported to entrust the Executive Committee with the responsibility of appointing the Assistant Clerk - Defeated
b. A motion is made and supported to appoint Rev. Brian Vos to the position of Assistant Clerk. - Approved
Article 15 - Request for Colloquium Doctum
a. Bethel United Reformed Church presented a request that Classis participate in a colloquium doctum of Rev. Steve McGee, current pastor of the Covenant Independent Reformed Church of Byron Center.
b. A letter from Rev. Steve McGee requesting a colloquium Doctum was received for information.
c. A motion was made and supported to proceed with the colloquium doctum. - Approved
Article 16 - The Colloquium Doctum
a. Practica and Church Polity
i. Rev. Peter Adams examined Rev. McGee in these areas.
ii. The Chairman offered opportunity for the delegates to ask questions.
iii. A motion was made and supported to proceed - Carried
b. Confessional Knowledge and Reformed Doctrine
i. Rev. D. Vander Meulen examined Rev. McGee in these areas.
ii. The Chairman offered opportunity for questions from the delegates.
iii. A motion to proceed - Carried
c. Ethics
i. Rev. Brian Vos examined Rev. McGee in the area of Ethics.
ii. The Chairman offered opportunity for questions from the delegates.
Article 17 - Executive Session
a. A motion was made and supported that, on the basis of the Colloquium Doctum, Rev. Steve McGee be received into the fellowship of the United Reformed Churches in North America as a Minister of the Word and Sacraments.
b. Rev. Tim Perkins offered prayer.
c. The motion was Carried.
d. Executive Session was declared over.
Article 18
a. Rev. Steve McGee was informed that he sustained the colloquium Doctum and was welcomed into the URCNA as a Minister of the Word and Sacraments.
b. Rev. and Mrs. McGee are congratulated and welcomed into the federation along with their congregation.
Article 19 - Credentials' Committee Report
The Committee reported that the credentials were found in good order. There were two churches seeking advice.
Article 20
Delegates from the Covenant United Reformed Church of Kalamazoo asked and received advice and discussion on participation of the Lord's Supper.
Article 21
a. Delegates from Cornerstone asked for advice concerning Church Order Article 59.
b. A motion was made and supported to advise the consistory of Cornerstone to proceed with the exclusion of a member from their church. - Approved
Article 22
Rev. S. De Boer reminded the delegates that a member of their congregation is a seminary student seeking prayer and financial support.
Article 23
Church Order Article 26 Questions were asked of each Consistory.
Article 24 - Next Meeting
a. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 11, 2000.
b. Walker URC is the next meeting place according to the rotation.
Article 25
Concept minutes were read and approved.
Article 26
Rev. Vander Kooi closed the meeting in prayer.
Article 27
The Clerk thanked the host church for their hospitality and the Chairman for his able leadership.
Items for the Agenda should be in the hands of the Clerk no later than February 12, 2000.
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