Loveland (CO) PRC, Host of Classis West meeting held March 7, 2018
Classis West of the Protestant Reformed Churches met in Loveland, Colorado, on March 7, 2018. Thirteen ministers and seventeen elders represented the churches. Rev. Dennis Lee chaired the meeting.
After opening devotions and the constituting of Classis, routine reports of the stated clerk, classical committee, and reading sermon committee were read and approved. The church visitors also reported on their work over the last year and the presence of unity, peace, and love prevailing in the churches.
In closed session, two consistories explained their labors with impenitent members and requested that Classis approve their proceeding to the increase of censure by making a public announcement of the name. After careful deliberation, Classis advised both consistories to proceed.
With Rev. Griess accepting a call to First PRC (Grand Rapids), the now-vacant Calvary PRC requested pulpit supply from Classis. The following appointments were made: Rev. B. Huizinga – April 8 and 15; Rev. D. Lee – April 29 and May 6; Rev. J. Laning – May 13; Rev. B. Feenstra – May 20 and 27; Rev. J. Engelsma – June 10; Rev. M. De Boer – June 17; Rev. J. Marcus – July 1 and 8; Rev. A. Brummel – July 15; Rev. E. Guichelaar – July 22 and 29; Rev. S. Key – August 5 and 12; Rev. R. Kleyn – Sept. 2 and 9; Rev. N. Langerak – Sept. 16 and 23; Rev. R. Barnhill – Oct. 7 and 14; Rev. S. Regnerus – Oct. 21 and 28.
Classis approved the subsidy requests for 2019 for five churches and forwarded them on to Synod for its approval. Classis took note of the fact that Edgerton PRC is no longer requesting subsidy, and Edgerton’s pastor, Rev. De Boer, addressed a word of appreciation to the churches for the financial support provided over the years.
Classis also voted for various classical functionaries. Rev. Laning was appointed to a three-year term on the Classical Committee, and Rev. De Boer was appointed to finish the remaining two years of Rev. Griess’ term. Rev. Barnhill was appointed to a three-year term as a primus synodical deputy, Rev. Laning was appointed to a three-year term as a secundus synodical deputy, and Rev. Guichelaar was appointed to finish the remaining one year of Rev. Griess’ term as a secundus synodical deputy. Classis appointed Revs. R. Hanko, S.Key, R.Kleyn, and J.Laning as church visitors, with Revs. A. Brummel and T. Miersma as alternates.
Ministers delegated to Synod 2018 were Revs. Huizinga, Key, Kleyn, Langerak, and Laning. Alternates are Revs. Brummel, Engelsma, Guichelaar, Lee, and Marcus. Elder delegates to Synod are Glenn Feenstra (Hope), Henry Ferguson (First Edmonton), Hilgard Goosen (Immanuel), Alan Meurer (Bethel), and Jim Regnerus (Doon). Their alternates are Bob Brands (Loveland), Alden De Jong (Hull), George De Jong (Crete), David Griess (Loveland), and Jim Lenting (Crete).
Classis was able to complete its work by noon. The expenses of this meeting totaled $8,110.23.
Classis will meet next in Heritage PRC (Sioux Falls, SD) on September 26, 2018, the Lord willing.
Rev. Joshua Engelsma
Stated Clerk, Classis West