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CLASSIS ONTARIO, INC.Emmanuel Reformed Church, Whity, Ontario

MINUTES OF THE FALL STATED SESSION OF CLASSIS March 23, 2019 AT 8:30 A.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER The Classis was called to order by its chair, Elder Gildo Vieira at 8:45 a.m. He invitedour host pastor, Mr Jacob London, to come and lead us in worship.

Worship Service was led by Mr. Jacob London, who is the interim minister atEmmanuel Reformed Church.

We led the worship time with the hymn, “The Church’s One Foundation.” After an openingprayer, he read from John 17:1-5 and 24. His theme is that “Christ alone is Glorious.” He aloneis the One Treasure of treasures. Only the gloyr of Jesus can satisfy the soul of the believer. This lends to the encouragementfor the mission of the Church. This is what Jesus prays for in verse 24 – that we see His glory. We see this glory by faith in the reading of the Word, the celebration of the Sacraments, thepreaching as well as things unseen. We will see Him face to face in the days to come – that is, His grace and truth (John 1:14)Now He reveals Himself in prayer with the eternal union and communion with the glorified Son. As the Father loves the Son, so the Son loves His church. This is how we are edified and built inthe faith. Our duty is to live and die in this comfort. He had three points of application: 1. We have all come from various places to serve the church, but let us come with the mindthat the church is no better served than with a presentation of the glory of Jesus Christ. Let uscome to these decision with this on the forefront of our minds how we can show ourcongregations the glory of our Saviour. 2. Let us remember that it is out love for Jesus Christ and out of fixation upon his glory thatwe are received into our offices. Let remember that as pastors and elder we are to do all thingsto the glory of Jesus Christ. 3. Let us come and be refreshed in the knowledge that even with troubles in our church anddenominations, that Christ has prayed and continues to pray for you, dear saint. He, right now,has taken up his place before the Father, praying for the church. He prays right now for us inheaven for this Classis meeting. May we do Him well. May we catch a glimpse of His glory,and may we go home rejoicing in the knowledge of Christ our Saviour.

We ended the worship with the hymn, “More Love To Thee.”

2. THE ROLL CALL: The following Churches were represented by:Brantford Rev. Stephen Shaffer Elder Lyn HallemaCambridge Without Installed Pastor Elder Bill Bonvanie

ElderChatham Rev. Barry Wynveen Elder Henry Dekker

Classis of Ontario Page 2019 - 1

Drayton Rev. Daniel De Vries Elder Dirk DekkerRev. Duane Vanderlaan Elder John Ottens

Grimsby Elder Dennis WernerGuelph Without Installed Pastor Elder Art Bouwman

Elder Hamilton Without Installed Pastor Elder Ron Godwaldt

Elder Robert KruizingaKingsville Without Installed Pastor Elder Rick Vriesen

ElderMississauga New Hope Rev. Ricardo Gouvea Elder Christine WoudenbergSt. Catharines Rev Art VanSlageren ElderStevensville Without Installed Pastor Elder

ElderStoney Creek ElderThorold, Grace Rev. Les Boyd Elder Randy BarnesToronto LaSenda del Amor Rev. Alberto Salazar Elder Toronto, New Life Rev. Ceny Tavares Elder Xerma Palmares

Rev. Bruno FerreiraWainfleet Rev. Bart Keefer Elder Bob De VriesWelland Rev. Carson Culp Elder Suzanne Labbé Whitby Without Installed Pastor Elder Pat Pluister

Elder Garry WarrenWoodstock Emmanuel Rev. Peter Burrill Elder Bill Rood

Other Members of Classis Present were: Rev. Adrien Bausells, Rev. Abram Blaak, Rev.Florence Dekker, Rev. José Garreton, Rev Ken Labbé, Rev. Doug Nieuwstraten, Rev. GordonRoss, Rev. Marijke Strong (RSC), Rev. Clifford Turkstra, Rev Charles Webster Rev. WilliamWensink.

Classis Parliamentarian:Mr Carl Visser was not present

3. STATED CLERK'S REPORT ON EXCUSED AND UN-EXCUSED ABSENCESAbsent With Permission: Rev. John Arthur, Rev. Hank Bylstra, Rev. Dr. Elias Dantas, Rev. John DeGiovanni, Rev JanineDekker, Rev. Henry deKorte, Rev. Drs. Willem Kroon, Capt. Humberto Lopes, Rev. DavidVandervelde, Rev. Dr. Meine Veldman, Rev. Rev James Vellenga, Rev. Don Waterhouse, Rev.Arthur Zeilstra.

Not present due to distance: Rev Karel Hanhart.

Others Not Present: Rev. Peter De Jong, Rev. John Kapteyn, Rev. Dirk Jan Kramer, Rev. Ken Lowe, Rev. ChristiaanPlatteel, Rev. Samuel Priestly, Rev Alberto Salazar, Rev Pieter Schinkelshoek, Rev. John Strik, Rev.Art VanderMeulen, Rev. Jason Van Ankum, Rev. Ronald Van Auken, Rev. Martyn Van Essen,

Classis of Ontario 019 - 2

Rev. Jon Van Oostveen, Rev. John VerHoog, Rev. William Wensink.

The Candidates of Classis Present were:Classis Candidate, Mr Quinton Mol, Jason Pluim were not present at the meeting.

The Licensed Candidates of the Classis were:

The Stated Clerk, Rev Abram Blaak, announced that a quorum was present, and the Chairdeclared Classis duly constituted.

4. APPOINTMENTS OF SESSION COMMITTEES Appointment of Session Committees:Temporary Clerk: Rev Stephen Shaffer

Consistorial and Minute Books: Rev Les Boyd and the Elder from the Grimsby andHamilton Congregations.

They were to look at the following books:Brantford, Grimsby, Hamilton, Kingsville, Mississauga New Hope, Stevensville, StoneyCreek, Wainfleet, and Woodstock.

The task of this committee is to check the books for the following items in the Minutesof each Board of Elder and Consistory:The opening and closing prayers and signatures for both sets of books, and the asking ofthe Constitutional Question, in the Elders books - as well as very noticeableirregularities. After the books are checked, the person doing the work needs to sign anddate the book at the last set of minutes checked. If you have questions, please ask theStated Clerk.

Accounts Committee: Rev and the Elder of the Stoney Creek Congregation

President’s Report [if there is one]: Rev Les Boyd and the Elder from the ThoroldCongregation

Resolutions: Rev Carson Culp

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

Delegates for the General Synod: Elders: Ministers:Hamilton Rev. Bart KeeferStoney Creek Rev. David VanderVelde

General Synod 2019 will be held at Hope College in Holland Michigan, June 6 - 11. TheStated Clerks meetings will be held at the college as well June 4 - 6.


Please Note: For the year 2020, the delegates will be fromElder: Ministers:Brantford Rev. Humberto LopesStevensville Rev. Barry Wynveen

General Synod 2019 will be held at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, June 11-16. The Stated Clerks meetings will be held at the college as well June 9-11.

5. RECOGNITION OF VISITORS AND GUESTSThe following attendees signed in:Rev. E.J. de Waard, Solomon Diaz (Toronto), Herman Duivesteyn (Whitby), KrynDuivesteyn (Whitby), Kevin and Tricia Groeneveld (Whitby), Lilia Gouvea(Mississauga), Christiana Labbé, David McAllister (Treasurer of Classis), PaulMenicanin (Forestview), Tim Partridge (CCCCA), Marion Van den Akker (Woodstock),Bert and Hennie Van Ittersum (Woodstock)

6. READING OF THE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS STATED SESSION BY TITLE Minutes of the Fall Stated Session of Classis held in the Fall Session 2018 of ClassisOntario held on October 27, 2018, 8:30 a.m. at the Christ Community Church, Welland,Ontario (Pages 2018-46 to 2018-68).Motion that we accept these Minutes as distributed was supported and carried.

7. READING OF THE MINUTES OF SPECIAL SESSIONS BY TITLESThe Clerk is working on the minute for the Montreal

8. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA The motion was made by the Clerk that we accept the agenda which has been mailed to all theClassis members and congregations. The motion was supported.

The motion was carried.

9. COMMUNICATIONS AND REFERRALSThere were none for this meeting that have not been dealt with by Classis Committees or the

Executive of the Classis.

10. ELECTIONS OF COMMITTEE MEMBERSThe report was given by Rev Art Van SlagerenMotion to suspend the Rules of Order to all for one name in nomination for the Stated Clerkand the Treasurer, and a space for a write in candidate for each position. The motion wassupported and carried,The motion was made that we waive the need to replace the pastor delegate for the PastoralRelations committee, was supported and carried.There is also a need to represent the Classis to the Words of Hope Ministries. At this point


REGIONALSYNOD

OFCANADA

there is no volunteer.

The motion was made to table the report until after the results are made available to theClassis.

10. PRESENTATION OF UNFINISHED BUSINESSThere is no unfinished business to be dealt with on the floor of Classis that has not been dealtwith on the Committee level.

11. REPORTS ON CLASSICAL REPRESENTATION: a. Fraternal Delegates – There were no fraternal delegates at this meeting.

b. General Synod Council – The motion was made, supported and carried that we give the permission of the floor to theRev EJ deWaard.He gave a report on the work of the General Synod Council. They are look at what the workof the General Synod will look like in this summer. How do we inform themselves, and thechurch to keep the life of gospel of Christ alive in the denomination.

c. Words of Hope Rev Les Boyd has been on the board for the past six years. He spoke for a few minutes

about the ministry and the Classis’ responsibilities toward the ministry. He asked theprayers of the churches for this ministry and its needs.

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

The Nominations Committee: The friendly motion was made to bring the Nominations Committee back to the floor.

Rev VanSlageren announced that all the names who were brought up for nomination wereelected.Motion to receive the report as a whole was supported and carried.Motion to destroy the ballots, was supported and carried.

d. Redeemer University College – Redeemer University College was unable to send a delegate to our meeting due to the

newness of their president. Instead. There is a written report on page 50-01.

e. Regional Synod Report –Marijke Strong gave the report to the Classis on behalf of the RSC. Sheshared some of the highlights of her report, and encourage the members tobe involved in the ministry of the RSC.

Regional Synod of Canada (RSC) Report to the 2019 Spring Classis Meetings

For this reason, 1 kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its


name.

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner

being,

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established

in love,

may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep

is the love of Christ,

and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness

of God.

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 3:14-20)

LEARNING CIRCLES

The purpose of RSC Learning Circles 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.

W e are starting four new Learning Circles, and pushed back launch dates to m ake more time for

spreading the word:

Small Church Ministry - Led by Andy Bossardet, RCA Coordinator for Equipping Thriving Congregations

Conflict as an Opportunity for Spiritual Formation - Led by Daniel DeVries, Chris DeVos, and

Marijke Strong

Clergy Support Group - a confidential space for clergy, offered in partnership with Shalem Mental

Health Network

Women's Leadership Collaborative - led by Jennifer Lucking, offered in partnership with the RCA

Please let us know if you are interested in joining one of these groups, or in starting a group on a different

theme. Learning Circles generally run for 6-12 months, involve studying a book or resource, and include

one video meeting per month.

LEADERSHIP

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

and church health. Available to all RCA leaders and churches, and many are financially

supported/subsidized by the regional synod.

CHURCHES LEARNING CHANGE (formerly Ridder Church Renewal):

CLC is a process of deep personal and congregational transformation, for the purpose of

missional living. Churches from all 3 of our classes are involved in it. Currently the process is

undergoing an overhaul, as "ownership" is given to each of the regions to develop the materials

in a way that fits their region best. If you would like to learn more about the impact of Churches

Learning Change, p lease speak with M arijke, Ron Opmeer, Gail Hughes, Al Plat, Doug Smith ,

David W ulkan, Bram Blaak, Duane Vanderlaan, or Pete Burrill.


JANUARY RCA LEARNING EVENT

In January, over 100 RCA leaders gathered in Phoenix, Arizona, to learn together about how to

lead through change. This event was hosted by the regional synod executives, and was attended

by 8 Canadians. The event focussed on how to help our congregations manage the anxiety of

change, how to be emotionally and spiritually healthy leaders who can help our people navigate

through crisis, how to see and change our own personal contribution to the current issues, how

to be both "defined and connected" in disagreements, and how to get unstuck in our in tractable

problems (among other th ings). The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive,

and spoke to the many ways we can apply this learning, not only in our personal lives, but in

our churches, and our denomination. For more information, p lease ask Ron Opmeer, Gail

Hughes, Lee M oltahn, Kerry Kruger, Pete Burrill, or F lo Dekker.

Revs Burrill and Dekker spoke about their impression of the conference.

TRANSFORMED & TRANSFORMING

M any of our churches are already involved in the in itiatives 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. The RCA offers resources and supports to help churches engage in

mission and ministry. S taff members also regularly offer to travel to Canada to listen to our

churches, lead workshops or host training events. P lease contact M arijke or check out

www.rca.org/transform for more information.

CHRISTIAN JUSTICE & MISSION

COMMITTEE FOR PUBLIC DIALOGUE & ABORIGINAL MINISTRIES: W e continue to work with the

CRC's Committee for Public D ialogue in response to current social concerns, as well as the

Canadian Aboriginal M inistry Committee (CAM C) of the CRC. Brian Lemessurier, of the

Athabasca Reformed Church, is our RSC representative on CAM C. CAM C supports healing and

reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

REFUGEES: W e continue to praise God for the 5 RCA churches sponsoring or supporting

refugee families in crisis. For more info, or if you or your church would like to sponsor a

refugee family, check out www.synodcanada.com and www.worldrenew.net . W e also remind

you of the RSC's recent partnership with the CRC to produce our first RCA/CRC Facebook Live

webinar, "W hat the Bible Has to Say about Refugees." This first webinar gave us a taste for

what future partnerships with the CRC in Canada could look like - in order to bring you

specifically Canadian resources and content. The webinar is at:

h ttps://www.facebook.com/crcpublicdialogue/videos/295867231211218/ . The RCA has also

offered several webinars, now including Canadian content.

MOBILIZING FOR MISSION (MfM) GRANTS/SCHOLARSHIPS

The Regional Synod of Canada is called by God to mobilize classes, churches, pastoral

leadership and laity in to mission. Our M fM fund exists for the purpose of preparing and

provisioning the people and churches of the Regional Synod of Canada for mission. M onies for


http://www.rca.org/transform

http://www.synodcanada.com

http://www.worldrenew.net

https://www.facebook.com/crcpublicdialogue/videos/295867231211218/

these grants are funded by donations from churches and individuals. Our goal is to help

transform God's call and our dreams into reality. To do this better, we have created a new M fM

form that incorporates all grant categories into one document. W e've also clarified requirements

and amounts that are available for each grant.

Over the past several years we have continued to offer grants such as: 1) community outreach at

Christ Community Church, W elland; 2) Indigenous ministries at Calling Lake, A lberta, 3) P lace

of Grace church in W innipeg, 4) Edmonton church summer children 's outreach ministry, 5)

Ridder Church Renewal scholarships, 6) pastor sabbaticals, 7) short-term educational mission

trips for pastors, 8) supporting several students in overseas mission and evangelism training.

Through the VanKuiken scholarship we also support 2 seminary students.

As you know, in 2018/2019 we decided to put new grants on hold so we can fulfill current

commitments, work with a consultant, and raise funds for the future. These changes take

considerable long-term planning, including legal consultation, so we ask for your patience and

prayer. W e pray that the overhaul will be complete by the end of 2019.

In the meantime, we hope you will prayerfully consider donating to th is important in itiative, by

adding M fM to your church budget or donating personally, so that together we can continue to

support ministry in itiatives at the local church level.

GENERAL SYNOD 2018 and 2019

At General Synod 2018, a recommendation was passed to form a "Vision 2020" Task Force to

spend two years researching possible scenarios for the future of the RCA, and to propose one

preferred scenario to General Synod 2020. Churches and classes were requested to refrain from

strategizing for the future during those two years and allow the Task Force to do its work. The

recommendation was passed by a vast majority. A t General Synod 2019, the V ision 2020 Team

will be granted up to half the time of synod to engage the delegates in prayer, discussion and

feedback around the future of the RCA.

VISION 2020 TEAM

As of M arch, the V ision 2020 team has met three times in-person, and has had several video

meetings. The group has felt the weight of their task. They have prayed and studied the

scriptures, learned how they fit together as a team (training and skill sets), defined the task,

begun scenario-planning, and divided into research groups to share the work. They have also

circulated an online survey to RCA members, about the future of the RCA. The team puts out a

news bulletin after each meeting (see: h ttps://rca.org/news/vision-2020 ). Please keep this team,

and the future of the RCA, in your prayers.

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.

As you can imagine, it has been a challenge to keep up-to-date on constantly changing news and

resources on our website (www.svnodcanada.com ). Facebook page, enewsletter and prayer


https://rca.org/news/vision-2020

http://www.svnodcanada.com

initiative. But praise God! W e now have a board member with technology expertise who can help

us do this in a professional and timely manner. P lease contact M arijke at mstrong(a)reformed-

church.com if you would like to post news or be added to the enewsletter list. Pulpit vacancies

and job opportunities may also be shared via our website or enewsletter.

HARASSMENT POLICIES AND TRAINING

On June 11, 2018, General Synod approved a recommendation to affirm the RCA's

tfwearespeaking statement, which calls for an end to harassment, abuse, and sexual violence

against women and girls. Synod also approved recommendations instructing the GSC to develop

and implement sexual harassment policies and training and urging classes to put sexual

harassment training in place by General Synod 2019. Synod encouraged pastors to preach on the

topic of sexual harassment; to care for victims of harassment, abuse, and sexual violence; and to

form study groups to study this topic in their churches. You can read more at www.rca.org .

In response to General Synod's urging, the Regional Synod of Canada has created a new RSC

harassment policy, and is recommending policy templates to the churches and classes, as well as

harassment training opportunities. You can find out more at www.svnodcanada.com/safe-

churches .

Churches, pastors, check out that email for your congregation!

PASTORAL PENSION & 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.

W ith gratitude and hope,

Respectfully submitted by: Marijke Strong, executive secretary.

On behalf of the RSC board

LEARNING CIRCLES:

SMALL CHURCHES WITH BIG HEARTS

Starting April, 2019 Led by Andy Bossardet [email protected]

CONFLICT AS OPPORTUNITY FOR SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Starting April, 2019

Led by Daniel DeVries, Chris DeVos, and Marijke Strong

WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP COLLABORATIVE

Starting April 10, 2019 Led by Jennifer Lucking

iennifer(a)restorationscanada.org

CLERGY SUPPORT GROUP

Starting April, 2019 In partnership with Shalem Mental Health Network: Contact: TBA


http://www.rca.org

http://www.svnodcanada.com/safe-churches

http://www.svnodcanada.com/safe-churches

mailto:[email protected]

Rev Strong also spoke about the role of the 20/20 Vision for the General Synod. She isasking for prayer for the group as they seek the truth of God’s word.

After some discussion and questions, Rev. Shaffer led the Classis in a time of prayer.

The motion was made, seconded, and carried to receive the report.

f. Ecumenical Report – There was no ecumenical report this time.

g. Seminaries Reports – There was no report from either Seminary.

h. Countryside Camp and Conference Centre AssociationMr Tim Partridge gave the report. He read to us the new mission statement for theCCCCA. He gave thanks to the churches for their prayers for his healing, and for theministry of the camp. The work of the camp is bring children and guests to bring theminto the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and to find the encouragement from the localchurches.The Camp does have a goal of building a new building to house guests, and worshipcentre. This is necessary since the Board of Health is saying that all the food served atcamp needs to be made at the camp - that will become the focus of the Centre Hall.The Camp is still looking for 6-7 male counsellors for this coming summer.The Classis expressed its joy for Tim’s work with the Camp for the past 20 years.

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

i. Others –There were no other reports.

At this time we took a 20 minutes break for coffee and goodies.

13. REPORTS OF CLASSIS COMMITTEES: A. General Finance Committee

The Classis was referred to the fact that the Committee report is at the end of themeeting.

B. The Executive Committee:The Executive Committee Report was given by Elder Gildo Vieira.. Rev VanSlagerentook the chair while the elder gave his report.


Executive Committee Report

to the Fall Stated Session of the Classis of Ontario,

March 23, 2019

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

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

Bill Bonvanie, Rev José Garreton, Elder Bill Kabbes, and Rev Duane VanderLaan.

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 will have met in November, January and February since our last

Stated Session. The work of the Executive from the March 13, 2019 meeting is not reflected in

this report.

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

– The Executive received word that the C.C.C.C.A. and the Countryside Reformed Church are

working on the severing a piece of property from the camp property. This is the stages of

paperwork, and surveying, etc.

5. – The Motion for the Classis Executive to deal with from page 64 in the Minutes was presented

to the Executive. It reads as follows:

To adopt in principle that the Classis instructs the Executive Committee to appoint a

writing group to flesh out the main responsibilities of each proposed team with Ontario

Classis Structure Proposal, and appropriate bylaws, for presentation at the Spring

2019 meeting of the Classis. The motion was supported and carried.

– The Executive has put a committee together for this project, and they are to report to the

Classis in this Spring Session.

6. The Executive dealt with the issue of the house of the La Senda Del Amor. The tenants refuse

to leave the property, giving the Classis some grief over the matter. The following comes

from the minutes of the Executive meeting in November:

– A technicality was noticed in the classis eviction letter where the dates were off by a few

days. As a result the 4 month process had to start all over again. Bill Bonvanie is working with

a lawyer to get this resolved.

Duane made a motion to give Bill Bonvanie authority to hire John Evland as lawyer to

represent the Classis in eviction of La Senda parsonage. Motion seconded by Bill Kabbes and

carried.


7. The Classis Executive dealt with several communications, including one from Rev Earl James,

Coordinator for African American/Black Ministries and Advocacy, Moderator of the General

Synod Council. He was seeking names to put forward as Vice President of the General Synod.

The Executive passed on the name of Simon de Boer of Brantford.

8. The Executive also voted to donate $2,000 to Kentucky Bound 2019.

9. The Executive voted to change the date of the Spring Stated Session from March 2 to March

23, 2019. This would allow the CP&D Committee to sponsor “The Leadership Factor:

Mobilizing people, Multiplying Churches,” which was set for March 9, 2019 in Niagara Falls.

10. The Executive also discussed a letter received from the B.C. Classis. Their request is that we

join them in discussing leaving the denomination. The Executive chose to respond to them by

stating that we are going to be waiting for the 20/20 discussions in the General Synod.

The issue has to do with homosexual issues in the church. Rev VanSlageren asked the

Executive to seek out a website to a speaker who is very helpful in these matters. The website

is www.centerforfaith.com. The purpose was to have a discussion on we might begin to bring

us the subject of how to care for those caught in the same sex marriage within our

congregations.

A short discussion was also held concerning whether or not to invite Dr Preston Sprinkle (the

speaker representing Centre for Faith) to Ontario for a Seminar.

11. The Executive also received several minutes from Classis Committees. According to the

number received, our committees are not meeting as they should, or are not sending their

minutes to the Stated Clerk. The Executive is urging that both of these items be corrected by

the committees as they stand today.

12. The Executive also authorised to have Jack London lead worship and bring the Word in the

Classis’ devotional time in the Spring Stated Session.

13. The Executive was informed by the CP&D that the work on the Leadership Centre in Toronto

is moving ahead. The process will work faster once the house on Maple Leaf Drive will be

available for the project.

14. The Executive has requested the OJB committee to look into changing the date for the Spring

Stated Session of Classis to the fourth Saturday of the March. The OJB is expected to report on

this request.

15. As we approach the 20/20 report in General Synod, the Executive discussed whether or not to

invite Dr. Sprinkle of the Center for Faith to speak to the Classis in the Fall, or in the Spring of

2020. A proposal was put forward that in the first quarter of the next year we work to have Dr

Sprinkle to come to Ontario. It is our hope that we will be able to view a short video concerning


http://www.centerforfaith.com.

the homosexual issue within the church.

RECOMMENDATION:

A. To Receive this Report as a whole.

The Stated Clerk

for the Executive Committee

The motion was made that we receive the report. The motion was supported. There were a couple of questions from the floor and Elder Vieira made some commentsconcerning item 10 in the report. Tim Partridge suggested we look at “your community” (that is the name of yourcity/area) foundation to find how many people in your area claim to be in same sexrelationships. (Vital signs report for community foundation.)Rev VanderLaan brought up a concern regarding the charitable status of the churchesof Classis. Rev Strong is willing to do some digging into this matter, and report to thechurches what she has found. The motion for receiving of the report was carried.

C. The Church Planning and Development Committee:The Report was given by Elder Gildo Vieira. Rev VanSlageren stayed as chair of themeeting at this point.

CP&D and CMT Report

Spring 2019

Grace and peace be with you Classis of Ontario.

The CP&D together with CMT continue its work to assist our churches on their mission andpromoting a healthy growing path to Classis of Ontario.

Ministries under current care and/or Supporting1- Light for the Nations -CMT and CPD still providing some support and guidance to

LFN new leadership

2- Kingsville Faith Reformed Church – CPD decided to support an encourage the LivingWater Ministry in Kingsville for 2019 and further assessment will take place in order toconsider further financial support

3- Church Multiplication Team· Going forward with LTC and waiting on lawyers· Report on March 9 Event


· Team Structure and Finance report

4- Financials2019 2020

Kingsville Counselling 12,000 TBD

Recommendation 1: Motion to approve the support to Kingsville “Living Water.”The motion was made and supported and carried.

Elder Vieira showed a video concerning the Multiplication conference that was held inNiagara Falls. Paul Menicanin gave a short report on his impressions and feedback ofthe meetings.Elder Vieira distributed an invitation called. Building a Discipleship Culture withPastor Chad Farrand, the brochure is being sent to the churches in a separate mailing.

Recommendation 2: Motion to approve report as presented.

Respectfully submittedGildo Vieira (Chair)This report is presented by: John Krul, John DeGiovanni, Bruno Ferreira, Kevin Amezequita,and Dave McAllister (Classis treasurer), Marijke Strong (RSC advisor), Ben Van Hoeve.

The motion was made to approve report as presented. The motion was supportedand carried. D. The Overtures and Judicial Business Committee: The report was given by Rev Art VanSlageren

Overtures and Judicial Business Report

Spring Classis 2019

Recommendations on 2018 proposed amendments to Constitution of the RCA:

1. Classes Authorized to Vote on Constitutional Amendments Adopted by General Synod (MGS 2018,

CO 18-1, pp. 257-258)

This amendment clarifies which classes may vote on the question of whether to approve a

constitutional amendment adopted by the General Synod. General Synod 2017 instructed the

Commission on Church Order (CCO) to draft this amendment to allow only classes whose

delegates were eligible to be seated at the General Synod at which the amendment was

adopted to vote on the question of whether to approve the amendment (MGS 2017, R 17-30, p.

162). The amendment was then adopted by the 2018 General Synod.


Rules and Amendments of The Government of the Reformed Church in America and Disciplinary

Procedures.

Sec 2. (p. 75)

a. Amendments to the Government, the Disciplinary and Judicial Procedures, the Formularies, and the

Liturgy and the Directory for Worship shall be made only upon adoption by the General Synod at a

stated meeting, with recommendation to the classes for approval.

b. At least two-thirds of the classes shall approve a proposed amendment in order to secure its adoption.

Only classes whose delegates were eligible to be seated at the General Synod at which the amendment

was adopted are eligible to vote on the recommendation for approval.

c. If an amendment is approved by the classes, the General Synod, at its discretion, may pass a final

declarative resolution on the amendment. When the declarative action has taken place, the amendment

shall become effective.

Since this is consistent with The By-Laws of the General Synod (1. Art 1. Sec. 1), and addresses the

concern presented at General Synod 2017,

We recommend the approval of the proposed amendment. The motion was made,supported and carried.

2. Regional Synod Formation, Combination, and Disbanding of Classes, and Transfer of

Churches from One Classis to Another (MGS 2018, CO 18-2, pp. 259-260)

Following amendments declared effective in 2017 regarding the regional synod’s power to

create, combine, and disband classes, and transfer churches between classes, a question was

raised whether ambiguities in the wording made it impossible for a regional synod to meet the standard

set forth in the initial amendments. This amendment better defined who are the

“parties” with whom a regional synod must communicate its intentions.

To provide protection for classes and consistories, the amendments require consultations about

proposed changes to occur at a regular session of the consistory (BCO Chapter 1, Part I, Article 4,

Section 2 [2018 edition, p. 20]) or a stated or special session of the classis where a quorum is present

that meets the requirements of a quorum of a stated session of classis (BCO Chapter 1, Part II, Article 4,

Section 1 [2018 edition, p. 31]). The commission recognized that a special session of a classis only

requires three ministers and three elders. The special session quorum is a significant minority of the

composition of the classis, which could result in the lack of information to all members and delegates

and a lack of input from all members and delegates about this potential consequential change, hence the

greater quorum requirement if the matter is discussed at a special session. The commission recognizes

that a process that happens in a slower, deliberate fashion with adequate time to discuss and reflect on

the implications of a proposed change, along with a process that fits into the schedule of the assembly

that would be most affected by the change, better protects those assemblies (consistory and/or classis).

Chapter 1, Part III, Article 2, Section 3

Sec. 3. The regional synod shall, after reasonable and timely consultation with all parties involved,

form, combine, or disband classes. The regional synod, after reasonable and timely consultation with all

parties involved, may also transfer churches from one classis to another within its bounds.


Sec. 3. The regional synod shall, after consultation with the classes and consistories involved, form,

combine, or disband classes. All consultations required in this section shall occur at a regular session of

each consistory (BCO Chapter 1, Part I, Article 4, Section 2) or a stated or special session of each

classis where a quorum is present that meets the requirements of a quorum of a stated session of the

classis (BCO Chapter 1, Part II, Article 4, Section 1).

Sec. 4. The regional synod, after consultation with the classes and the consistory involved, may transfer

a church from one classis to another classis within its bounds. All consultations required in this section

shall occur at a regular session of each consistory (BCO Chapter 1, Part I, Article 4, Section 2) or a

stated or special session of each classis where a quorum is present that meets

the requirements of a quorum of a stated session of the classis (BCO Chapter 1, Part II, Article 4,

Section 1).

[Remaining section renumbered.]

This proposal takes the original section 3 and divides it into two parts for greater clarity while

conveying the intent of the section,

We recommend the approval of the proposed amendment. The motion wassupported and carried.

3. Consistory Responsibility of Costs Borne by Minister when Source of Minister’s Insurance is

Spouse’s Employer-Sponsored Benefit Plan (MGS 2018, CO 18-3, pp. 261- 262)

The General Synod instructed the CCO to craft amendments to the BCO which require a consistory to

compensate a minister who elects to obtain health/medical insurance through a spouse. The amendment

ensures the spirit of the promises and obligations made to the minister by the consistory in the call

document (Formulary No. 5) are rightly fulfilled when the minister is not expected to bear the financial

burden of health/medical insurance premiums by whatever means health/medical insurance may be

obtained.

The amendment requires a consistory to compensate the minister for the required employee

contribution for a spouse’s employer-sponsored plan. This compensation is limited—a consistory is

only required to contribute up to the premium costs of the Reformed Benefits Association (RBA) plan

that meets the minimum standards as determined annually by the Board of Benefits Services.

To demonstrate how this amendment would work, here are some examples:

• The minister’s spouse’s employer-sponsored plan for a family requires an employee contribution of

$600 a month in 2018. The premium cost of the RBA plan meeting the minimum standards in 2018 is

$1,727 a month. The consistory would be responsible to compensate the minister $600 a month.

• The minister’s spouse’s employer-sponsored plan for a family requires an employee contribution of

$1,900 a month. The consistory would then only be required to pay $1,727, the cost of the RBA plan. If

the minister chose the employer plan, the balance of $173 would fall to the minister’s spouse unless the

consistory opts to provide additional compensation.

• The minister’s spouse’s plan has no required employee contribution. The consistory would not be

required to make any additional compensation to the minister.

In either the first or the third example, the consistory may choose to take the funds that it would have


spent on medical insurance and use them as additional compensation to the minister or a contribution to

an account, such as a health savings account if one is available. However, there would be no

requirement to do so if the amount that is compensated to the minister meets the required threshold. The

calculations would need to be adjusted each year. If the required contribution for the employer’s plan

becomes more expensive than the RBA plan, the consistory and the minister would need to discuss

what option will best serve them moving forward.

In addition, several editorial changes were made. First, the current asterisk and footnote is

eliminated. The definition that has been in the footnote is now incorporated within the text itself.

Second, a new rubric is added stating that the signatures of the consistory and the classis

leaders need to be part of the call form documents. The Formulary states that signatures are

recorded, but the Formulary doesn’t have a provision for signatures.

Formulary No. 5 (p. 134)

… As long as you continue to be the minister of this church, we also promise to pay the stipulated

contributions to the Reformed Church retirement plan and provide benefits including group life

insurance, long-term disability insurance, and medical insurance for you and your immediate family*

—which means those dependents eligible for family medical insurance according to the insurance plan

documents of the Reformed Benefits Association. Such insurance coverages shall meet or exceed the

minimum standards stipulated by the Board of Benefits Services.

If you and your immediate family elect medical coverage through your spouse’s employer-sponsored

group plan, we promise will not be required to provide medical insurance to compensate you for any

medical premium costs incurred by your immediate family, up to the premium cost of the Reformed

Benefits Association plan meeting the minimum standards stipulated for the year compensated.

In addition we promise to provide a minimum of one week and a stipend equal to, not less than, the

equivalent of 1/52 of the minimum cash salary established by the classis for a study program mutually

agreed upon by you and us for your professional development, for each year in service with our

congregation. By mutual agreement this time and money may be accumulated to a maximum equivalent

of four years of service.

We hereby bind ourselves and our successors for the performance of all the foregoing by the

underwritten signatures of the consistory members to this instrument. May the Lord incline your heart

to a cheerful acceptance of this call and send you to us in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of

peace.

Done in consistory and subscribed with our names this ___ day of

__________________, 20___.

Attested by

___________________________________________________

Supervisor of the call

[Signature lines for all consistory members and the required classis officers must

be inserted—see BCO Chapter 1, Part I, Article 2, Section 3 regarding signatures


of consistory members and BCO Chapter 1, Part II, Article 15, Section 7 regarding

the requirement for classis approval of a call prior to the call being submitted to

the minister.]

(Note that in making its revisions, the CCO removed the present footnote regarding “immediate

family.” p.135)

We recommend the approval of the proposed amendment. The motion wassupported and carried.

The executive Committee asked the OJB to place a recommendation in our report for a change to our

Classis rules of order. Article II Classis Sessions 13. “The Classis shall meet in Stated Session twice

yearly; (1) on the 1 Saturday of March;st

We recommend changing that to read: on the 4 Saturday of March.th

This will give an additional 3 weeks for committees to prepare their reports for Classis.

This will be the first reading, with the second reading in the Fall.

The motion was made, supported and carried.

The Stated Clerk made mention that there might be repercussion if there be snow of the Classis

date. The OJB will look into this matter since our Rules states

Motion: to accept the report.

Committee members: Rev. Barry Wynveen, Elder Bill Bonvanie, Elder Bill Easby, Rev. Art

VanSlageren

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

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

Pastoral Relations Committee report

for Spring Classis 2019

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord!

This is just a brief report to the Classis to let you know PRC has not met formally as a committee as we

have been waiting to hear about the amalgamation of committees within the Classis. We have not heard

about or participated in those discussions so we are not certain about where they stand but I am sure

that we will hear more at Classis.

We have attended Stevensville Reformed church to dissolve the relationship between the church and

her pastor Rev. Michael Saville and Rev. Bart Keefer has been appointed to supervise them as they

search for a new pastor. The search is well under way and we thank God for the work that He is doing


to bring them together with their new pastor. We are down one pastor with Michael’s move but we trust

that this will get worked out with the amalgamation discussions.

We have had some conversation also with La Senda del Amor as they continue to press forward in

ministry.

We have also had some conversation with New Hope in Mississauga to help them iron out some

staffing questions as they also press forward and grow in the context of coming together as one church.

We are also working with Bert Van Ittersum towards ordination into specialized ministry and we will

keep the Classis updated as this develops.

Recommendation: that the Classis accept the membership of the Rev EJ deWaard into theClassis of Ontario. The motion was made, supported and carried. Rev deWaard read theDeclaration for Ministers of the Word and Sacrament. He was asked to tell us about himselfand his ministry hopes for the future. The motion was made that the Executive create a mechanism for those churches who cannot

afford to compensate classis-appointed pulpit supply pastors for their mileage and preaching

stipend. The motion was supported and carried.

Recommendation: Please accept this brief report as a whole.

On behalf of PRC,Pete BurrillMembers: Lisannias Ransan, Alejandro Romero, Harry Moes, Bart Keefer.

The motion was made to receive the report. Questions were raised about the mileage and compensation which churches are

expected to pay when they have pulpit supply. This has become a hardship, especially forchurches who are small. The Executive will create provisions to help the churches in thismatter. The motion was made that the Classis create a mechanism to help compensate for those whohave difficulties in mileage and compensation for Classis pulpit supply. The motion wassupported and carried.The motion to receive the report was supported and carried.

F. The Student Care and Examinations Committee:The report was given by Rev Les Boyd.

Candidate Care and Examination Committee

Report to Classis of Ontario – Spring 2019 Stated Session

12 February 2019


This committee has met twice since the fall stated session of classis.

First on 29 November 2018, we gathered to hear Bert Van Ittersum’s request to become an ordained

minister in the classis of Ontario. His situation is a little complicated, but we established some steps

with him that could move him in that direction.

Second, on 5 February 2019 we met to listen to Jacob London’s grace-filled story of conversion and

call into ministry. Jacob has been serving under contract at Emmanuel Whitby for the last few years.

In this time, we also received request to begin the process with Daniel Robles, a member of Light for

the Nations Montreal, who is currently pastoring another church that meets in the same building.

Two students remain in our care. Mr. Quinton Mol is enrolled at Western Theological Seminary and has

been interning at Corinth Reformed in the Grand Rapids area. Mr. Jason Pluim is studying at McMaster

Divinity School and is interning with Forestview in Grimsby. We are working to set up some in-

committee examinations with both in the coming months.

Recommendations:

R1- That this report be received by the Classis.

Current committee members: Rev. Les Boyd (Chair), Rev. Ken Labbé (Clerk), Rev. Bram Blaak

(Exec), Mr. Henry Bruines, Rev. Barry Wynveen, Mr. Herb Hystek, and Mr. Sergio DeVasconcelles.

The motion was made, supported and carried to receive the report.

G. The Discipleship Committee:The Committee has no report.

H. The Christian Social Action Committee:The Committee has no report.

I. Special and Ad-hoc Committee:The report was given by Rev Art VanSlageren.The Classis Committees Restructuring Team

Classis Restructure Team

Report to Classis

February 20, 2019

Background

At its October 27, 2019 meeting, the classis received a proposal to restructure the classis into a more

streamlined and integrative structure.

Classis of Ontario 19 - 20

The following motion was passed: "To adopt in principle the Ontario Classis Structure Proposal, and

instruct the Executive Committee to appoint a writing group to flesh out the main responsibilities of

each proposed team with appropriate bylaws, for presentation at the Spring 2019 meeting of the

Classis."

Ontario Classis Structure Proposal

Coordination Team

President

Vice President

Clerk

Treasurer

4 Team Chairs (or reps)

Operations Team Care Team Development Team Multiplication Team

Finance Pastoral Relations CPD CPD

OJB Candidate Care Discipleship

Nominations

Work to date

The Executive Committee appointed John DeGiovanni, Ken Labbe, Olga Shaffer, Art VanSlageren,

David Vandervelde and Gildo Vieira as the writing group.

As the group began to form, it was felt that the timeline for the project was too aggressive. To do the

work well and to offer opportunities for feedback throughout, it was felt that a target of Fall 2019 was

more reasonable. The Classis Restructure Team is working toward having the finalized proposal ready

for the Fall 2019 meeting for ratification.

Before meeting face to face, each of the team members were asked to carefully read through the

current Classis Bylaws and the "Classis" section of the Book of Church Order (BCO).

Then the team met together and went line-by-line through the Classis bylaws, charting the various

committee duties and responsibilities into the new structure. The same was done with any missing BCO

mandated duties and responsibilities. After much discussion, charting, envisioning and prayer, some of

the names and wording were updated (see below) and writing assignments were made.

Next Steps

The team is currently in the first-draft of the writing stage, and will convene together to review the

initial bylaw writing.

The teams hopes to have draft bylaws available later this Spring for review and feedback by the

Classis members and consistories. Following that feedback stage, the team will attempt to provide a

final proposal for ratification at the Fall 2019 meeting of Classis.

Please keep the team in your prayers!

Respectfully submitted,

David Vandervelde


Rev VanSlageren led the Classis in a time of prayer for the team, but also for theVandervelde family in the deaths of his father in law and a beloved church member.

The motion was supported and carried to receive the report.

i. General Finance Committee:Deacon David McAllister gave the report on behalf of the committee.

General Finance Committee of Classis of Ontario

Spring 2019 Report

1. Financial Report - the 2018 Financial Statements are submitted.

2. Ed Hettinga and Rinnie Lowe served as volunteer auditors and completed the 2018 Financial

Statement Audit. Their report has been submitted to Classis.

3. CP&D Reserve opening balance for 2019 is $688,367 after $512,000 in funding was approved

at the 2018 fall classis meeting ($442k 6yr multiplication plan, $40k multiplication team, $30k

Leadership Training Center)

Loan Updates

4. Christ Community Church of Welland’s loan of $50,000 was forwarded from the capital fund

in 2015 to be repaid over 5yrs. $10,000 remains outstanding

5. Emmanuel Reformed Church received a loan of $144,250 in Sept of 2015 and continues to

make monthly payments. $103,436 was outstanding at the end of 2018.

6. Exeter Church operating loan was paid in full from the proceeds of the church sale.

7. A one year mortgage was granted to Jim Vellenga on June 1, 2018 for $150,000 at 3.5%

interest to purchase the Exeter parsonage.

Recommendations

1. Classis approves the financial statements and Audit for 2018.

· The motion was made, supported and carried to approve.3. Classis receives this report as a whole.

GFC Members: Dave McAllister (Treasurer)

Grace Slot

Carson Culp

Marcos Lucchese

The motion was made, supported to receive this report as a whole. The motionwas carried.

Please NoteThe Financial Reports and

the Audit Report are on the pages following the Minutes


as attachments.

14. Reports Of Churches Without An Installed Minister: The Elder from Whitby (Pat Pluister) made a short report to the Classis. Elder Bonvanie gave a short report on the ministry at Countryside in Cambridge. Elder Godwaldt gave a report on the ministry in Westdale, Hamilton.

Reports of Churches with An Installed Minister:The Churches from Brantford, Chatham and Woodstock congregation were to report tothe Classis. Rev Shaffer spoke for Bethel Brantford,.

Reports of Specialized Ministries:Rev Charles Webster gave a short report on the written report which had been handedto the Classis today.

15. Report Of Session Committees:a. Consistorial Minutes and Board of Elders Minutes: Elder Ron Godwaldt gave the report.Stoney Creek and Wainfleet did not bring their books. Consistories are reminded tohighlight prayer times and constitutional question in their minutes.

Motion was made that this report for information. The motion was supported andcarried.

b. Leave of Absence: The Stated Clerk reported that our host, Mr Jacob London, asked permission to leavethe meeting early.

Motion was made that this report for information. The motion was supported andcarried.

c. Accounts:Rev Duane VanderLaan gave the report. He reported that the Classis expense for thismeeting was $ 1,479.84 for 4,636 kms.

.The motion was made, supported and carried that these expenses be approved.

d. Resolutions:The following report was given by Rev Carson Culp.


Resolutions

Be it resolved that we give thanks and we praise God for the gathering of Classis Ontario this23 day of March, 2019.rd

· We praise God for the warm welcome by the disciples of Jesus at Emmanuel ReformedChurch in Whitby, after safe travel by so many people.

· We praise God for the proclamation of His Word by Pastor Jacob London whoemphasized the significance of the Glory of Christ from the gospel of John.

Be it resolved that we pledge to work cooperatively with those elected to offices of ClassisOntario.

· We give thanks and praise to God for the return of EJ and Sharon DeWaard to Ontarioand pledge to pray for all our General Synod representatives.

· We give thanks and praise to God for the ministry of Words of Hope and for Rev. LesBoyd and an Elder(s) from his church who faithfully represented Classis Ontario fortwo terms. We bring to God our need for new representatives for the Words of Hopeministry.

Be it resolved that we give thanks and praise to God that we are part of the Regional Synod ofCanada.

· We give thanks for Marijke’s leadership, her support staff, and all Synodrepresentatives who serve faithfully to support us and further the work of Christ’schurch in Canada.

· We give thanks and praise to God for the work of the General Synod 2020 team andpledge to pray for the twelve people involved in it.

Be it resolved that we give thanks and praise for Tim Partridge’s leadership of Camp Shalomand Countryside Conference Centre.

· For his 20 years of steadfast leadership· For Board members, donors, and volunteers who have served Christ at camp faithfully.

· For Kathy Hogeveen and Dick Keunen’s leadership of prayer support for this ministry.

· For the Stand in the Gap program that helps needy children attend Camp Shalom.· For the 280-300 special needs camp attendees (the largest in Canada) who are mostly

unchurched.· For the truth that God uses all things for the god of those who love Him and are called

according to His purposes, even the change in Public Health Rules that may produceadditional revenues for the ministry.

· For the continued healing of Tim following his surgery and the revelation of Yourvision for the future of the camp ministry.


Be it resolved that we give thanks to God for the work of the Classis Executive.· We pledge to pray and work towards inviting Dr. Preston Sprinkle of the Centre for

Faith conference in Ontario.· We give thanks to God for sources of data that reflect the context of our churches and

ministries such as the vital signs report from the Community Foundation· We rejoice in the Living Water Ministry taking root in Kingsville and praise God for

what has been done and the lives being influenced including the equipping of KathyVriesen to become a qualified counselor.

· We praise God for the outcome of the Leadership Conference in Niagara Falls, forguest speakers and participants. It was a terrific day of inspiration.

· We lay before You O God the Discipleship training course and tentative plans for Juneof 2019, as the Leadership Training Centre in Toronto becomes operational.

· We praise You God that You are the One who makes all things new and we resolve tocooperate with the work of the Spirit among us.

We resolve to give thanks to God for the work of the OJB committee and those who are detailoriented and who use their gifts to advise this body on matters of significance for the well-being of all.

· For the return of EJ DeWaard and Sharon to Classis Ontario who by Your plan havecome home and by Your grace will be sustained in caring for his mother and his workin the General Synod.

· For the pastors and churches in need of pulpit supply and the integrity found in theprocess of providing an honorarium (new amount is $200) and mileage compensation.

We resolve to give thanks for candidates under the care of Classis and seek the Lord’s blessingfor each student called of God.

We resolve to give thanks for the Classis restructuring committee and their work.· For Dave and Heather Vandervelde, we pray in this time of deep ministry and grief.

· For all the committee members we pray, in their work and in their lives. Help them tofinish their work well, we pray.

We resolve to give thanks to God for the finances of Classis Ontario.· For the work of David McAllister as treasurer we give thanks, and for all finance

committee members.· For volunteer Auditors we give thanks and praise.· For the faithful gifts of God’s people, some of which flows to the Classis, we give our

thanks and praise.· And for assets that can be sold and re-invested in the creation of new ministries and

initiatives, we give our thanks and praise.


We resolve to give thanks for seasons of waiting and discernment, when churches are vacantand must contemplate their futures.

· We pray O Lord, for the miracles needed and Your calling of pastors and leaders andlay people, anointed to bring renewal where You ordain it to be so.

We resolve to give thanks and praise to God for the hospitality and graciousness of EmmanuelReformed Church, a fine lunch, and the blessing of their servant hearts.

· For informal conversations that happens when we eat together.· For concern that is expressed for one another, not out of obligation, but out of genuine

love.We resolve to give thanks to God for specialized ministries in their various forms.

· For the ministry of Charles Webster who shared with us.· For military chaplains, nursing home, hospital, and police chaplains.· For all of those we have received reports from and from those we didn’t hear from

including our retired pastors and spouses whose jobs are not complete until You callthem home.

We resolve to ensure that Consistory minutes will not be lost, nor late, nor substandard and ifthey are found to be such, then the pulpit supply mileage rate will increase exponentially.

We resolve to drive less and pray more because it’s cheaper.

We resolve to consider our words carefully when we are anxious so as to not be “stupid”.

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

16. Closing Of Classis:The Fall Stated Session of the Classis of Ontario will take place at on October 26,2019 D.V. at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Woodstock, ON. The meeting willbegin at 8:30.

The Chair asked for a motion to close the meeting. The motion was made, supportedand carried. Rev Barry Wynveen closed the meeting with a prayer and thebenediction.

Humbly Offered:

__________________________________ _________________________________ Rev Abram Blaak Elder Gildo VieiraStated Clerk Classis President (Chair)


Ontario Classis of Ontario Inc.

Statement of Operationsfor the year ended December 31, 2018

Income Budget 2018 2018 2017

General Fund

Assesments - Op Fund 251,529 251,529 243,947

Transfer to General Fund, from Capital Fund

Total General Fund 251,529 251,529 243,947

Church Plann & Dev. Fund

Assessments - CP&D 85,000 10,000

Askings - CP&D 2,834 5,648

Interest - CP&D 2,129 2,900 1,288

Total Church Plann & Dev. Fund 87,129 5,734 16,935

Capital Reseve Fund

Interest 9,385 4,755

Rec'd on Sale of Church - tsf to Cap Fund 5,000 481,903 -

5,000 491,288 4,755

Total Income 343,658 748,551 265,638

Expense

General Fund Expenses

Candidate Care & Exam 100 - 313

CP&D Expenses 200 1,314 504

Discipleship 100 - -

Executive 1,000 5,871 1,165

Finance 100 198 -

Overtures & Jud. Business 100 - -

Pastoral Relations 100 181 166

Classis Travel 4,000 2,576 4,540

Stated Clerk Remuneration 4,212 4,212 4,152

Stated Clerk Office Exp 3,000 1,181 2,375

Stated Clerk Telephone - - -

Stated Clerk Meeting Expense - - -

Treasurer Remuneration 2,508 2,508 2,472

Treasurer Office Expense 325 178 536

Discipleship - Events 2,000 4,000 2,000

Bank Charges 100 83 73

Professional Fees 500 - -

Donations (to Camp Shalom) 15,000 15,000 15,000

Insurance 1,600 1,535 1,612

Student Support Payments 5,000 5,000 5,000

General Synod Assmts 117,718 117,718 118,019

Regional Synod Assmts 89,595 90,990 96,840

Total General Fund Expenses 247,258 252,544 254,768

Church Plann & Dev Exp

Visioning & Ministry expanding initatives - - -

Christ Comm Church, Welland 30,000 30,000 30,000

Kingsville Counselling Ministry 25,000 - 25,000

CP&D Other Projects 10,000 10,000

Church Multiplication Team 30,000 3,000 -

Assessment reduction - 917

Total Church Plann & Dev Exp 95,000 43,000 55,917

Other Expenses LaSenda Rental House Exp 1,392

Total Expense 342,258 295,544 312,077

Transfer TO Capital Fund - -

Net Income (deficit) 1,400 453,006 (46,439)

General Fund (1,016) (12,212)

CP&D Fund (37,266) (38,982)

Capital Fund 491,288 4,755

453,006 (46,439)

Ontario Classis of Ontario Inc.

Balance Sheet As of December 31, 2018

ASSETS 2018 2017

Current Assets

Bank account 58,180 53,210

RBC GICs 410,000

ING Direct savings account & GICs 447,064 441,264

ING Direct, in trust for Youth Ministries 5,473 5,432

Total Cash in Bank 920,716 499,905

Accounts Receivable

GST receivable 132 337

Accounts Receivable - assessment 6,031 19,525

Accounts Receivable - -

Total Accounts Receivable 6,164 19,862

Other Assets - Capital Fund Loans

Loan Receivable, Exeter - 80,967

Loan Receivable, Jim Vellenga 148,887

Loan Receivable, 2.7% Woodstock Emmanual, due 2025 103,436 115,423

Loan Receivable, 0% Welland, due 2020 10,000 20,000

Total Other Assets 262,323 216,390 Capital Assets

Property & Buildings: Maple Leaf Drive, Toronto 500 500

: Light for the Nations, Montreal 323,392 323,392

Total Capital Assets 323,892 323,892

TOTAL ASSETS 1,513,095 1,060,049

LIABILITIES & FUNDS

Liabilities

In trust for: Men's Ministries 856 856

In trust for: Youth Ministries 5,471 5,431

6,328 6,288

Funds Balance opening 2018 income

General Fund 7,187 (1,157) = 6,030 7,187

CP&D Fund 213,621 474,746 = 688,367 213,621

Capital Building Reserve Fund 512,154 - = 512,154 512,154

Capital Asset Fund 320,799 (20,583) = 300,217 320,799

Total Funds 453,006 1,506,768 1,053,761

TOTAL LIABILITIES & FUNDS 1,513,095 1,060,049

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