ABSTRACT of the MINUTES for the WESTERN CLASSIS

Reformed Church in the United States

31st Annual Session March 1-3, 2016

Grace Reformed Church Willows, California and Special Fall Classis October 27, 2015

Trinity Reformed Church Modesto, California

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2016 WESTERN CLASSIS DIRECTORY ...... 3 Ministers ...... 3 Primarius Elders ...... 4 Secundus Elders ...... 5 Licentiate ...... 6 Students Under Care ...... 6 31st ANNUAL WESTERN CLASSIS ROLL ...... 7 INFORMATIONAL SUMMARY ...... 8 DIRECTORY OF CONGREGATIONS ...... 9 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES ...... 13 SERVICES ...... 13 ORGANIZATION ...... 14 RECEPTION OF NEW MINISTERS ...... 14 STANDING COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS ...... 14 PRESENTATION OF PERMANENT COMMITTEE REPORTS ...... 15 A. Executive Committee of Classis ...... 15 B. Missions ...... 16 C. Christian Education...... 20 D. Candidates and Credentials ...... 20 E. Interchurch Relations ...... 22 F. Publications ...... 24 G. Diaconal Ministries ...... 24 H. Heidelberg West Camp ...... 25 REPORTS OF OFFICERS ...... 27 A. President’s Report on the State of the Church ...... 27 B. Stated Clerk's Report on the Minutes ...... 33 C. Executive Committee of Synod ...... 34 D. Treasurer’s Report ...... 35 PARCOCHIAL REPORTS ...... 37 A. Rev. Valentin Alpuche ...... 37 B. Faith Reformed Church, Anderson...... 38 C. Rev. Gil Baloy...... 40 D. Rev. Hank Bowen ...... 41 E. Rev. Eric Bristley ...... 43 F. Covenant Reformed Church, Grass Valley ...... 45 H. Rev. Gruggett ...... 46 I. Rev. Jimmy John Hall ...... 48 J. Rev. Paul Henderson ...... 50 K. Rev. Michael Voytek ...... 52 L. Rev. Thomas Mayville ...... 55 M. Rev. Gary Mancilas ...... 56 N. Rev. Jonathan Merica ...... 57 O. Rev. Vernon Pollema ...... 59 P. Rev. Neale Riffert ...... 59 Q. Rev. Dennis Roe ...... 61 R. Rev. Sam Powell ...... 61 S. Rev. Gene Sawtelle ...... 63 T. Rev. Douglas Schlegel ...... 63 U. Rev. Richard Stetler ...... 65 V. Rev. Paul Treick ...... 67 W. Rev. Jim West ...... 67 X. Rev. Frank Walker ...... 68 CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS FOR ELDERS ...... 70 MEMBERSHIP AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS ...... 70 REPORTS FROM CLASSIS’ FRATERNAL DELEGATES ...... 70 ADDRESSES BY DELEGATES FROM OTHER REFORMED CHURCHES AND VISITORS ...... 71 REPORTS OF SPECIAL STUDY COMMITTEES ...... 71 A. The Doctrine of the Two Kingdoms ...... 71 B. Child Safety in the Church ...... 77 REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES ...... 79 A. Benevolences ...... 79 B. Missions ...... 80 C. Examination and Licensure ...... 81 D. Judicial ...... 81 E. Nominations ...... 82 F. Finances ...... 82 G. Excuses ...... 83 H. Minutes ...... 83 MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS AND OTHER BUSINESS ...... 85 A. Expression of Appreciation to the Host Congregation...... 85 B. Adoption of Stated Clerk’s, and Executive Committee’s Reports...... 85 C. Other Business ...... 85 D. Adoption of Standing Minutes Committee Report ...... 85 ADJOURNMENT ...... 85 A. Roll Call ...... 85 B. Devotions ...... 85 C. Close ...... 85 SPECIAL FALL CLASSIS MEETING ...... 86 SERVICES ...... 86 ORGANIZATION ...... 86 STANDING COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS ...... 86 REPORT OF SPECIAL CLASSIS COMMITTEES ...... 86 A. Appeal of Steven Boren: ...... 86 B. Appeal of Mr. Derrick Merkel: ...... 87 C. Appeal of Mrs. Angelica Sands: ...... 87 REPORTS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES ...... 87 A. Excuses Committee...... 87 B. Finances ...... 87 MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS AND OTHER BUSINESS ...... 88 A. Expression of Appreciation to Host Congregation ...... 88 ADJOURNMENT ...... 88 A. Roll Call ...... 88 B. Devotions ...... 88 C. Close ...... 88 MEMBERSHIP AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS ...... 90 NECROLOGY ...... 92 STANDING RULES OF THE WESTERN CLASSIS ...... 93 INDEX OF POSITIONS AND RESOLUTIONS ...... 95

WESTERN CLASSIS — RCUS 3

2016 WESTERN CLASSIS DIRECTORY Ministers Alpuche, Rev. Valentin Home (661) 910-2898 424 Mark St., Shafter, CA 93263 E-Mail: [email protected] Baloy, Rev. Gil Home (619) 697-0272 757 Maria Ave., Spring Valley, CA 91977 Church (619) 460-1321 E-Mail: [email protected] Bowen, Rev. Hank Home (530) 921-0258 1909 Kruger Dr., Modesto, CA 95355 Church (209) 523-3220 E-Mail: [email protected] Bristley, Rev. Eric Home (530) 591-5382 544 W. Laurel St., Willows, CA 95988 Office (530) 591-5371 E-Mail: [email protected] Gross, Rev. Lloyd Home (480) 854-3701 215 N. Power Rd. #453, Mesa, AZ 85205 E-Mail: [email protected] Gruggett, Rev. Tracy Home (661) 706-4544 7016 Rhone Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93308 Church (661) 587-3723 E-Mail: [email protected] Hall, Rev. Jimmy John Home (916) 202-5549 7326 High Point Lane, Sacrament, CA 95842 Church (916) 451-1190 E-Mail: [email protected] Henderson, Rev. Paul Home (661) 746-6998 235 James St., Shafter, CA 93263 Church (661) 746-6907 E-Mail: [email protected] Mancilas, Rev. Gary Home (530) 345-2732 #2 Woodminster Ct., Chico, CA 95926 E-Mail: [email protected] Mayville, Rev. Thomas Home (209) 502-7670 5513 Savage Ave., Riverbank, CA 95367 E-Mail: [email protected] Merica, Rev. Jonathan Home (209) 470-7174 9311 Snow Creek Circle, Stockton, CA 95212 Fax (209) 472-7941 E-Mail: [email protected] Pollema, Rev. Vernon Home (661) 589-8680 8514 Sun Harbor Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93312 E-Mail: [email protected] Powell, Rev. Sam Home (530) 701-2944 9882 Garden Hwy, Yuba City, CA 95991 Church (530) 674-8797 E-Mail: [email protected] Riffert, Rev. Neale Home (661) 886-5503 122 Willow Ridge Circle, Sherman, Texas 75092 E-Mail: [email protected] Roe, Rev. Dennis Home (530) 272-6280 17355 Alexandra Way, Grass Valley, CA 95949 Fax (530) 273-6280 E-Mail: [email protected]

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 4 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES

Sawtelle, Rev. Gene Home (530) 790-0929 1402 Stafford Way, Yuba City, CA 95991 E-Mail: [email protected] Schlegel, Rev. Douglas Home (916) 647-4600 8135 Pixley Way, Sacramento, CA 95828 E-Mail: [email protected] Stetler, Rev. Richard Home (605) 281-0678 PO Box 15, Acton, CA 93510 E-Mail: [email protected] Treick, Rev. Paul Home (209) 551-2407 4005 Masterpiece Dr., Modesto, CA 95357 E-Mail: [email protected] Voytek, Rev. Michael Home (209) 327-8150 17874 Crimson Creek Dr., Rowland Heights, CA 91748 Church (626) 820-9390 E-Mail: [email protected] Walker, Rev. Frank Home (916) 320-0548 6121 Pine Vista Way, Elk Grove, CA 95758 E-Mail: [email protected] West, Rev. Jim Home (916) 488-5569 5216 Locust Avenue, Carmichael, CA 95608 E-Mail: [email protected] Primarius Elders Combs, Mr. Craig (661) 871-0436 1768 Glenwood Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93306 E-Mail: [email protected] Crook, Mr. Mark (209) 599-6723 1633 Bainbridge Way, Ripon, CA 95357 E-Mail: [email protected] Davis, Mr. Matthew (562) 458-9793 12801 Fair Oaks Blvd., Apt. 338, Citrus Heights, CA 95610 E-Mail: [email protected] DeYoung, Mr. Jerry (209) 847-4830 10349 Rodden Rd., Oakdale, CA 95361 E-Mail: [email protected] Fellersen, Mr. Chris (916) 896-0842 8675 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Elk Grove, CA 95624 cell (916) 761-6887 E-Mail: [email protected] Gochnauer, Mr. Jim (530) 519-2283 1265 Yosemite Dr., Chico, CA 95928 E-mail: [email protected] Gross, Mr. Joe (530) 473-2712 840 J Street, Box 445, Williams, CA 95987 E-Mail: [email protected] Lynch, Mr. Larry (661) 456-8547 45726 Coventry Ct., Lancaster, CA 93534 E-Mail: [email protected]

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 WESTERN CLASSIS — RCUS 5

Mettler, Mr. Robert (562) 439-5392 123 Prospect Ave., Long Beach, CA 90803 E-Mail: [email protected] Peery, Mr. Michael (530) 347-9294 PO Box 1973, Cottonwood, CA 96022 E-Mail: [email protected] Saunders, Mr. Rodney (619) 822-6377 148 K Street, Chula Vista, CA 91911 E-Mail: [email protected] Spitzer, Mr. Ryan (661) 978-9172 5300 Muirfield, Bakersfield, CA 93306 Email: [email protected] Stewart, Mr. Greg (530) 320-6370 1487 Smith Rd., Yuba City, CA 95993 E-Mail: [email protected] Secundus Elders Bowen, Mr. Ken (530) 473-2755 837 I Street, Box 445, Williams, CA 95987 E-Mail: [email protected] Davenport, Mr. Gary (940) 300-3703 760 Twin Oaks Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91910 E-Mail: [email protected] Esparza, Mr. Carl (562) 947-0564 PO Box 5190, Whittier, CA 90607-5190 E-Mail: [email protected] Goehring, Mr. Greg (209) 334-3651 741 Willow Glenn, Lodi, CA 95242 E-Mail: [email protected] Helseth, Mr. David (916) 893-0277 420 Autumn Gold Dr., Chico, CA 95973 E-Mail: [email protected] Lagomarsino, Mr. Thomas (916) 803-2659 4425 Whitney Ave., Sacramento, CA 95821 E-Mail: [email protected] Mettler, Mr. Steve (661) 803-0398 2101 Old Farm Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93312 E-Mail: [email protected] Ochsner, Mr. James (530) 755-1691 PO Box 643, Sutter, CA 95982 E-Mail: [email protected] Reyna, Mr. Mark (661) 726-0826 559 Woodington Dr., Lancaster, CA 93535 E-Mail: [email protected] Van Houten, Mr. Earl (209) 527-2474 1904 History Way, Modesto, CA 95357 E-Mail: [email protected]

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 6 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES

Williams, Mr. Raymond (661) 746-6433 338 Golden West Ave., Shafter, CA 93263 E-Mail: [email protected] Zoetewey, Mr. Dean (209) 712-3913 13779 Wells Lane, Lodi, CA 95240 E-Mail: [email protected] Licentiate Samul, Mr. Colin (916) 719-9922 19517 Gas Point Rd., Cottonwood, CA 96022 E-Mail: [email protected]

Students Under Care Davis, Mr. Matthew (562) 458-9793 12801 Fair Oaks Blvd., Apt. 338, Citrus Heights, CA 95610 E-Mail: [email protected] Liberati, Mr. Paul (916) 897-3689 4732 Stonehurst Way, Sacramento, CA 95842 E-Mail: [email protected]

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 WESTERN CLASSIS — RCUS 7

31st ANNUAL WESTERN CLASSIS ROLL For the Classical Year beginning March 1, 2016

Minister Primarius Elder Secundus Elder Charge Vacant Michael Peery Faith, Anderson, CA Tracy Gruggett Craig Combs Steve Mettler Grace, Bakersfield, CA Lloyd Gross (Pastor Emeritus, Bakersfield) Retired, Mesa, AZ Gary Mancilas Jim Gochnauer David Helseth Covenant, Chico, CA Vacant Matthew Davis Greg Goehring Covenant, Grass Valley, CA Dennis Roe (Pastor Emeritus, Grass Valley) Retired, Grass Valley, CA Jonathan Merica (Associate Pastor, Grass Valley) Calvary Chapel, Stockton, CA Richard Stetler Larry Lynch Mark Reyna Grace, Lancaster, CA Neale Riffert (Pastor Emeritus, Lancaster) Retired, Sherman, TX Douglas Schlegel Jerry DeYoung Dean Zoetewey Providence, Lodi, CA Michael Voytek Robert Mettler Carl Esparza Rehoboth, Los Angeles, CA Hank Bowen Mark Crook Earl Van Houten Trinity, Modesto, CA Paul Treick (Pastor Emeritus, Modesto) Trinity, Modesto, CA Jimmy John Hall Chris Fellersen Thomas Lagomarsino Covenant, Sacramento, CA Frank Walker (Associate Pastor, Sacramento) City Seminary, Sacramento, CA Jim West (Pastor Emeritus, Sacramento) Sacramento, CA Guillermo Baloy Rodney Saunders Gary Davenport Covenant, San Diego, CA Paul Henderson Ryan Spitzer Raymond Williams Ebenezer, Shafter, CA Valentin Alpuche (Associate Pastor, Shafter) Valle de Gracia, Shafter, CA Vernon Pollema (Pastor Emeritus, Shafter) Retired, Bakersfield, CA Eric Bristley Joe Gross Ken Bowen Grace, Willows, CA Sam Powell Greg Stewart James Ochsner First, Yuba City, CA Gene Sawtelle (Pastor Emeritus, Yuba City) Yuba City, CA

Thomas Mayville (without charge) Riverbank, CA

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 8 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES

INFORMATIONAL SUMMARY OFFICERS President – Rev. Frank Walker Vice-President – Rev. Paul Henderson Stated Clerk – Rev. Hank Bowen Treasurer – Mr. Chris Fellersen

CLASSIS GUIDELINE FOR GIVING (per communicant member) Classis Dues $5.00 Benevolences 31.00 Diaconal 5.00 Home Missions 106.00 Publications 0.00 Home Missions Building Fund 0.00 Heidelberg West Youth Camp 5.00 TOTAL $152.00 Treasurer: Mr. Chris Fellersen 8675 Sleepy Hollow Dr., Elk Grove, CA 95624 Ph. (916) 761-6887 E-Mail: [email protected]

PERMANENT CLASSIS COMMITTEES Indicates Convener Executive Committee: F. Walker, H. Bowen, J. Gross Candidates and Credentials: D. Roe, G. Stewart (1 yr); S. Powell, R. Mettler (2 yrs); D. Schlegel, J. Hall (3 yrs) Christian Education in the Church: P. Treick, L. Lynch (1 yr); T. Mayville, K. Combs (2 yrs); G. Mancilas, M. Davis (3 yrs) Missions: R. Stetler, P. Henderson (1 yr); T. Gruggett, L. Lynch (2 yrs); R. Spitzer, D. Helseth (3 yrs) Interchurch Relations: V. Pollema, G. Baloy (1 yr); D. Schlegel, M. Crook (2 yrs); J. Merica (3 yrs) Publications: E. Bristley, J. DeYoung (1 yr); J. Merica (2 yrs); R. Mettler (3 yrs) Diaconal: P. Henderson, J. Gochnauer (1 yr); M. Voytek, R. Saunders (2yrs); N. Riffert, Deacon S. Heckman (3 yrs) Heidelberg West Youth Camp: T. Gruggett, V. Alpuche (1 yr); J. Hall, R. Williams (2 yrs); G. Stewart (3 yr.) Child Safety in Classis (Special): S. Powell, V. Alpuche, J. DeYoung, D. Yeager

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 WESTERN CLASSIS — RCUS 9

DIRECTORY OF CONGREGATIONS ANDERSON, CA - Faith Reformed Church Church Location: 3291 Rupert Rd. (off Stingy Lane) Church Mailing Address: PO Box 1973, Cottonwood, CA 96022 Church Phone: (530) 365-6874 Service Times: Sun. Sch. 9:30 AM; Worship 10:30 AM Pastor/Wife: Colin Samul / Shanna / Mele, Evangeline, Leland, Lilyanna Home Address: 19517 Gas Point Rd., Cottonwood, CA 96022 Home Phone: (916) 719-9922 E-Mail: [email protected] Church Web Page: faithrcus.org BAKERSFIELD, CA - Grace Reformed Church Church Location: 420 Columbus Street, Bakersfield (north on Union Ave. to Columbus St., east on Columbus to the church) Church Mailing Address: 420 Columbus St., Bakersfield, CA 93305 Church Phone: (661) 587-3723 Services: Worship 9:30 AM; Sun. Sch. 11:00 AM Pastor/Wife/Children: Tracy Gruggett / Michelle / Samantha, Angela, Lydia, Corissa Home Address: 7016 Rhone Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93308 Home Phone: (661) 587-3723 E-Mail: [email protected] Church Web Page: bakersfieldreformed.org CHICO, CA - Covenant Reformed Church Church Location: Meeting at 1877 Hooker Oak Ave. (Adventist Church Building: Turn East on East Ave; there will be two (2) roundabouts to Hooker Oak Ave; East Ave. will turn into Manzanita Ave. before first roundabout; proceed through first roundabout and stay on Manzanita Ave; proceed into second roundabout; turn right on Hooker Oak Ave; proceed through first stop sign; continue on to location at the Adventist Building; turn left into church parking lot. Church Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1612, Chico, CA 95927-1612 Church Phone: (530) 345-2732 Service Times: Sunday School 9:30 AM; Worship 10:30 AM Pastor/Wife: Gary Mancilas / Gloria Home Address: 2 Woodminster Ct., Chico, CA 95926 Home Phone: (530) 345-2732 E-Mail: [email protected] Church Web Page: GRASS VALLEY, CA - Covenant Reformed Church at Grass Valley Church Location: 407 W. Main St., Grass Valley, CA Church Mailing Address: 407 W. Main St., Grass Valley, CA 95945 Church Phone/Fax: (530) 273-4673, fax (530) 273-6280 Service Times: Sunday: 9:45 AM - Bible Classes; Worship 11:00 AM. Pastor/Wife: Home Address: Home Ph.: E-Mail: Church Web Page: crcgv.org

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 10 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES

LANCASTER, CA - Grace Reformed Church (Antelope Valley) Church Location: 121 Carriage Lane, Suite 111, Lancaster, CA 93534 Church Mailing Address: 121 Carriage Lane, Suite 111, Lancaster, CA 93534 Church Phone: (661) 940-4669 Service Times: Sun. Sch. 9:45 AM; Worship 10:45 AM Pastor/Wife: Richard Stetler / Heidi Home Address: 1535 Sierra Hwy., Acton, CA 93510 Home Phone: (605) 281-0678 E-Mail: [email protected] Church Web Page: lancasterreformed.com LODI, CA - Providence Reformed Church Church Location: 245 E. Vine Street, Lodi Church Mailing Address: 245 E. Vine St. Lodi, CA 95240 Church Phone: (209) 367-0552 Service Times: Sun. Sch. 9:30 AM; Worship 10:45 AM; Wed. Bible Study 7:00 pm. Pastor/Wife: Doug Schlegel / Cheryl Home Address: 8135 Pixley Way, Sacramento, CA 95828 Home Phone: (916) 690-4555 E-Mail: [email protected] Church Web Page: prclodi.com LOS ANGELES - Rehoboth Reformed Church Church Location: 13600 183rd St., Cerritos, CA at the Cerritos Elementary School. Church Phone: (626) 820-9390 Church Mail Address: 17874 Crimson Ct., Rowland Heights, CA 91748 Service Times: Worship 10:00 AM; Sun. Sch. 11:45 AM; Afternoon 1:30 PM. Pastor/Wife/Children: Michael Voytek / Rebecca / David, Timothy Home Address: 17874 Crimson Ct., Rowland Heights, CA 91748 Home Phone: (626) 820-9390 E-Mail: [email protected] Church Web Page: rehobothreformedchurch.org MODESTO, CA - Trinity Reformed Church Church Location: 960 El Terino Ave., Modesto (Briggsmore east; right on Coffee, right on E. Fairmont 2 blocks.) Church Mailing Address: 960 El Terino Ave., Modesto, CA 95350 Church Phone: (209) 523-3220 Service Times: Sun. Sch. 9:00 AM; Worship 10:00 AM; Bible Study 5:30 PM – First & Third Sundays; Hymn Sings every fifth Sunday at 5:30 PM. Pastor/Wife: Hank Bowen / Patty Home Address: 1909 Kruger Dr., Modesto, CA 95355 Cell Phone: (530) 921-0258 E-mail: [email protected] Church Web Page: trinitymodesto.org Assoc. Pastor: Jonathan Merica (See Stockton - Calvary)

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 WESTERN CLASSIS — RCUS 11

SACRAMENTO, CA – Sacramento Covenant Reformed Church Church Location: 2020 16th Avenue, Sacramento (from Hwy. 99 take 12th Ave./ Sutterville Rd. Exit. Go west to Freeport Blvd., left to 16th Ave. and left to 2020 16th Ave. From I-5 Hwy take Sutterville Exit, go east on Sutterville to Freeport Blvd., left on Freeport and right on 16th Ave. to 2020 16th Ave. Church Mailing Address: 2020 16th Ave., Sacramento, CA 95822 Church Phone: (916) 451-1190 Service Times: Sun. Sch. 9:45 AM; Worship 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM Pastor/ Wife: Jimmy John Hall / Stefani / Eliana, Adalia, Clara, Jimmy Home Address: 7326 High Point Lane, Sacramento, CA 95842 Home Phone: (916) 202-5549 E-Mail: [email protected] Assoc. Pastor/Wife/Children: Frank Walker / Christine / Jonathan. Home Address: 6121 Pine Vista Way, Elk Grove, CA 95758 Home Phone: (916) 320-0548 E-Mail: [email protected]

SAN DIEGO, CA - Covenant Reformed Church Church Location: 49 3rd Ave., Chula Vista, CA (Take I-805 South. Go west on Hwy. 54. Get off at Highland Ave. Turn left at light on Highland Ave. Turn left on 3rd Ave. We meet at the CVPOA Building on the left hand side.) Church Mailing Address: 757 Maria Ave., Spring Valley, CA 91977 Church Phone: (619) 460-1321 Service Times: Sun. Sch. 10 AM; Worship 11 AM Pastor/Wife/Children: Gil Baloy / Maricar / Ezra, Ethan Home Address: 757 Maria Ave., Spring Valley, CA 91977 Home Phone: (619) 697-0272 E-mail: [email protected] Church Web Page: covenantrcus.org SHAFTER, CA - Ebenezer Reformed Church Church Location: 235 James Street, Shafter (next door to the City Library, Fire, and Police Depts). Church Mailing Address: 235 James St., Shafter, CA 93263 Church Phone: (661) 746-6907 Service Times: Worship 10:00 AM; Fellowship 11:15 AM; Sun. Sch. 11:45 AM Pastor/Wife/Children: Paul Henderson / Tina / Silas, Melinda, Travis, Amy Home Address: 235 James St., Shafter, CA 93263 Home Phone: (661) 746-6998 E-Mail: [email protected] Assoc. Pastor: Valentin Alpuche (See Valle de Gracia) Church Web Page: ebenezerrreforemed.org SHAFTER, CA - Valle de Gracia Church Location: 235 James Street, Shafter Church Mailing Address: 235 James St., Shafter, CA 93263 Church Phone: (661) 910-2898 Service Times: Worship 6:00 PM Pastor/Wife/Children: Valentin / Betty / Moises, Jade, Matias, Grace Home Address: 424 Mark Ave., Shafter, CA 93263 Home Phone: (661) 910-2898 E-Mail: [email protected]

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 12 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES

STOCKTON, CA – Calvary Reformed Chapel Church Location: Clarion Inn, 4219 E. Waterloo Rd., Stockton Church mailing Address: P.O. Box 692426, Stockton, CA 95269 Church Phone: (209) 470-7174 Service Times: Sun. Sch. 10:00 AM; Worship 11:00 AM Mission Pastor/Wife: Jonathan Merica / Marsha Home Address: 9311 Snow Creek Circle, Stockton, CA 95212 Home Phone: (209) 472-7941 E-Mail: [email protected] Church Web Page: calvaryreformedchapel.com WILLOWS, CA - Grace Reformed Church Church Location: 148 W. Sycamore St. (corner: Butte & Sycamore – Exit Hwy 162; head east, right on Butte to Sycamore). Church mailing Address: P.O. Box 225, Willows, CA 95988 Church Phone: (530) 934-2732 Service Times: Sun. Sch. 9:00 AM (Sept. to June); Worship 10:00 AM; Sun Bible Study - 6:00 PM Pastor/Wife/Children: Eric Bristley / Kathleen / Matthew, Nathaniel Home Address: 544 W. Laurel St., Willows, CA 95988 Home Phone: (530) 591-5382 E-Mail: [email protected] Church Web Page: gracercus.org YUBA CITY, CA - First Reformed Church Church Location: From Yuba City head south on Hwy. 99 12 miles. Turn left on Wilson Rd. to Garden Hwy. 1/2 mile north of Wilson Rd. on Garden Hwy. Church Mailing Address: 9882 Garden Hwy., Yuba City, CA 95991 Church Phone: (530) 674-8797 Service Times: Sun. Sch. 9:30 AM; Worship 11:00 AM Pastor/Wife/Children: Rev. Sam Powell / Susan / Kaerie, Margaret Home Address: 9882 Garden Hwy., Yuba City, CA 95991 Home Phone: (530) 674-8797 E-Mail: [email protected] Church Web Page: reformedyubacity.org

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 WESTERN CLASSIS — RCUS 13

ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES WESTERN CLASSIS Reformed Church in the United States 31st Annual Spring Meeting March 1-3, 2016 Grace Reformed Church, Willows, California

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11).

SERVICES The Western Classis of the Reformed Church in the United States convened its 31st Annual Session at Grace Reformed Church in Willows, California on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at 1:00 PM. Rev. Eric Bristley welcomed the body. The body then lifted their voices in praise with “Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah.” Scripture was read from 2 Corinthians 4:1-2 and a devotional was presented under the theme “We Do Not Lose Heart.” The Tuesday evening worship service was held at 7:30 PM with Rev. Valentin Alpuche conducting the service. The Scripture reading was from John 3:10-21 and Rev. Jim West, of Sacramento Reformed Church, preached a sermon entitled, “The Greatness of God’s Love for a Bad World.” The Wednesday morning devotion was led by Mr. Colin Samul who opened with the singing of “And Can It Be That I Should Gain.” He then read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 and proclaimed God’s Word under the theme, “In Weakness We Are Made Strong in Christ.” He closed in prayer. The Thursday morning devotion was led by Rev. Baloy who opened with the singing of “Father, I Know That All My Life.” He then read Philippians 4:10-20 and proclaimed God’s Word under the theme, “Christian Contentment.” He closed in prayer. Elder Joe Gross closed the meeting with the reading of 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 and gave some thoughts under the theme, “Something You Say When You Have Already Said A Mouthful.” Each session was opened and closed with prayer and song to praise God and seek His blessing and guidance for this work of the Church. Following the reading of Parochial Reports, prayer was offered for the particular congregations and their pastors. At other times prayer was called for individuals and the needs of the congregations.

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 14 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES

ORGANIZATION Dr. Frank Walker, President of the Executive Committee of Western Classis, called the meeting to order at 1:20 PM on March 1, 2016. The initial roll call showed 17 pastors and 13 elder delegates present. The President declared a quorum was present and the meeting was opened for business. The Bar of the House was declared to be the first four rows of chairs. Rev. Jimmy John Hall, Rev. Richard Stetler, Elder Joe Gross and Elder Rodney Saunders were appointed as tellers for the meeting. The following men were nominated and elected to office for this Classical year: Dr. Frank Walker, President; Rev. Paul Henderson, Vice President; Rev. Hank Bowen, Stated Clerk; and Elder Chris Fellersen, Treasurer. The President appointed Rev. Gil Baloy as reporter for the Reformed Herald. The Agenda, Services, and Order of the Day were adopted including a Special Order immediately following the Wednesday morning devotion to examine Mr. Colin Samul and Mr. Yevgeni Kogay for licensure.

FRATERNAL DELEGATES AND VISITORS Fraternal delegates present were Mr. Michael Krabbendam from the Classis Pacific East of the CanRC; Rev. Wayne Fortner of the Northern Presbytery of the OPC; and Rev. Angelo Contreras of the Classis Southwest of the URCNA. Visitors included Mr. Colin Samul and Mr. Yevgeni Kogay who were examined at this meeting for licensure. Elder Gary Davenport from Covenant RCUS, San Diego, Elder Dean Zoetewey from Providence RCUS, Lodi, and Elder John Heerema from Trinity RCUS, Modesto were present and seated in the bar of the house. RECEPTION OF NEW MINISTERS There were no new ministers added this past year. STANDING COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS The President made the following appointments for the Standing Committees: A. Benevolence: Hall, Alpuche, Mancilas, DeYoung, Spitzer B. Missions: Bristley, Stetler, Gochnauer, Saunders C. Examination-Licensure: Powell, Schlegel, West, Mettler, Gross D. Judicial: Henderson, Treick, Riffert, Combs, Stewart E. Nominations: Merica, Alpuche, Davis F. Finances: Gruggett, Pollema, Crook, Fellersen G. Excuses: Baloy, Voytek, Peery, Lynch H. Minutes: Voytek, Roe, Lynch, DeYoung

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 WESTERN CLASSIS — RCUS 15

PRESENTATION AND REFERRAL OF OVERTURES, REPORTS, AND COMMUNICATIONS All pertinent overtures and materials were assigned by the Executive Committee and the Clerk distributed them to the appropriate Standing Committees. Some items from Permanent Reports, Reports of Officers, and Parochial Reports were read and if needed, acted upon or referred to the appropriate Standing Committees. The results of the Classis’ actions to the various recommendations concerning these reports are printed in this Abstract as they were adopted. PRESENTATION OF PERMANENT COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Executive Committee of Classis Honorable Western Classis Reformed Church in the United States Esteemed Brothers in Christ, Your Executive Committee accomplished the following work with three circulars in six recommendations. We also met with the Consistory of Covenant RCUS in Grass Valley at their request to advise them in several matters. Recommendation 1: We ask that the following statement be sent to the 2015 Synod for adoption: Every human being, regardless of mental or physical infirmity, is created in the image of God. It is never acceptable as a matter of medical practice or familial care to facilitate or assist an act of suicide. While an individual may refuse “heroic” medical procedures which they deem to be an artificial extension of biological life, suicide or any assistance provided to assist suicide is a violation of the law of God. The Reformed Church in the United States formally rejects any and all attempts to legalize this pernicious and immoral practice, and encourages our elected leaders to especially do all in their power to protect the disabled, the feeble, the poor and the infirm from those who would pressure them into taking their own lives [Objections were filed regarding this so no action was taken]. Recommendation 2: That the appeals of Mr. Steve Boren and Mr. Derrick Merkel be heard during the Special Western Classis Meeting to be held October 27, 2015. That the special judicial committee for both of these appeals be made up of Rev. Paul Treick- chrmn, Rev. Vernon Pollema, Elder Craig Combs, and Elder Jerry De Young. Recommendation 3: That the appeal of Ms. Angelica Sands be heard during the Special Western Classis Meeting to be held October 27, 2015. That the special judicial committee for this appeal be made up of Rev. Michael Voytek-chrmn., Rev. Paul Henderson, Rev. Neale Riffert, Elder Mark Crook, and Elder Larry Lynch. Recommendation 4: That the Special Classis meeting scheduled to start at 10:00 am on Tuesday, October 27 at Trinity Reformed Church, Modesto meet to hear only the judicial matters that have been approved, and that the exam of Yvgeny Kogay be postponed to a later time. Recommendation 5: That the election of Rev. Dennis Roe as Pastor Emeritus of Covenant Reformed Church in Grass Valley be approved per Article 34. Recommendation 6: That the following schedule for services be approved:

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 16 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES

Tues. March 1: Opening Devotion at 1:00 PM – Rev. Bristley Tues. March 1: Evening Service at 7:30 PM – Rev. West, preaching; Rev. Alpuche, conducting. Wed. March 2: Morning Devotion – Mr. Colin Samul Thurs. March 3: Morning Devotion – Rev. Baloy Thurs. March 3: Closing Devotion – Elder from Willows Herein lies an accurate summary of your Executive Committee's activities over this past year. Respectfully submitted, Dr. F. Walker (president), Rev. H. Bowen (clerk), Elder W. Johnson

Classis Action: The report was adopted.

B. Missions Esteemed Fathers and Brethren: Your committee met via email correspondence. Through this means Rev. Paul Henderson and Elder David Helseth were appointed to represent your committee for a visit to Calvary Reformed Chapel (“CRC”), Stockton. They visited CRC on January 31, 2016, and submitted a report to the committee of their findings which is captured below for your consideration. Rev. Tracy Gruggett and Elder Lynch were appointed to represent your committee for a visit to Valle de Gracia Reformed Bible Church (“VGRBC”), Shafter. They visited VGRBC on January 24, 2016 and submitted a report to the committee of their findings which is captured below for your consideration. Rev. Richard Stetler was appointed to represent your committee for a visit to Rehoboth Reformed Church (“RRC”), Cerritos, CA. Since there was no elder available for the visit, Rev. Stetler visited RRC on January 24, 2016 and submitted a report to the committee of his findings which is also captured below for your consideration. Rehoboth Reformed Church, Cerritos, CA - The following is the visitation report submitted by Rev. Stetler: I had a wonderful time of worship and fellowship with the congregation of Rehoboth Reformed Church. Rev. Mike Voytek delivered an excellent sermon continuing his series of messages from the book of Acts with an emphasis on “Standing for the Truth” — a theme which served as a backdrop for my question and answer period with the congregation. The saints at Rehoboth expressed their continued agreement to the Three Forms of Unity expressing a unity of the faith and affirming their confidence in the mutual support of one another as they work out their salvation in the fear of the Lord. They also affirmed that they see one another as co-labors in this mission work with a vision toward seeking the grace of God in growing in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and in His love for God and for one another with a hope that He will continue His hand of blessing in bringing His elect into their midst even though there may be a continued ebb and flow in the membership for 2016. Finally, the congregation expressed a commitment to being good stewards of the manifold grace of God seeking to utilize their time, talents (gifts), and tithes to the furtherance of the spreading of the gospel of Jesus Christ through the work of the ministry at Rehoboth.

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The consistory was very pleased and thankful to the Lord with their present situation for worship, especially having 24/7 access to classrooms at the Lutheran church across from the school in which they gather for Lord’s worship and fellowship. This arrangement has facilitated in providing a meeting place for Bible studies and other church activities during the week, including a Wednesday evening book study from biblically sound and Reformed books. The congregation covets our prayers for their Cerritos College ministry where the response to a Bible club that meets weekly for Bible study has been very encouraging. They also upload weekly sermons and other exhortations to Sermon Audio. The membership for Rehoboth had a net decline with one person added and eight removed (most of which were dismissed to other Orthodox churches because of moves out of the area). This year there are several regular attendees who have expressed a strong interest in becoming members (there are three currently in new members’ class). It was pointed out that there is a lot of "competition" in the area, including well known Reformed radio personaly, Michael Horton, etc. Further, the college Bible club is just beginning to bear fruit with several regular attendees coming to worship, with one becoming a member recently and three pursuing membership, as a result. Are there fewer members from the previous year? Yes - but this doesn't give us the whole story. There were more visitors last year than the previous year in worship. Though there has been some discouragement with a decline in the membership for 2015 there are encouraging signs for 2016 with fruit beginning to be seen from the Bible Studies conducted on the campus of Cerritos College. And as discouraging as it could be when visitors come and stay for a time and then leave, the saints at Rehoboth continue to express their desire to continue faithfully in the preaching and teaching of God's Word. Thank you for the opportunity to visit with the brothers and sisters at RRC. I was encouraged with the faithful proclamation of God's Word and the unity of believers amongst the congregants. It is a joy to see the Lord plundering the strong man's house and gathering His people into His kingdom. RRC is requesting support from Classis and Synod in the amount of $19,875.00 each for the 2017 fiscal year (a $2,650 reduction in support from Classis and Synod each – about a 12% reduction from last year’s amount). Valle de Gracia (Valley of Grace Reformed Bible Church), Shafter, CA - The following is the visitation report submitted by Rev. Gruggett and Elder Lynch: We enjoyed fellowship with Rev. Alpuche and his family. We also met one family that faithfully comes to their Sunday evening meetings. We interviewed Rev. Valetin Alpuche before the worship service and sat in the service itself. The service was a basic RCUS order of worship though a little scaled down. Rev. Alpuche gives catechism instruction as well as a short sermon from a scripture reading. They sing two or three hymns with his son playing the piano. Rev. Alpuche reports that the work is going well though it is challenging. He regularly has to work with folks who have charismatic assumptions. These folks don’t have an idea of what it means to commit to a church. They regularly go from one church to another. Nevertheless, two families consistently come to the worship service on Sunday evening. One of the families recently had a baby girl and she is the first child born into the congregation. None of the families are members as yet. However, one is interested in seeking membership and having their children baptized.

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 18 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES

Beyond this, Rev. Alpuche has many contacts with folks in the area. He frequently has them in his home and has Bible studies. Three days a week he meets at the church with six students for English lessons. These sessions often become times of instruction, counseling, and prayer. He is becoming known in the community. The radio broadcast also continues. He brings the Word to his audience on an AM station and receives a fair amount of calls and interaction. Through the program he gives out free literature. At present, the work does not have an internet site. He was on Facebook, but had to quit for reasons of family safety associated with Mexico. Rev. Alpuche’s ministry extends beyond the Shafter community as well. He continues to translate various works of Reformed literature into Spanish. These are used in his own ministry as well as by other Spanish speaking churches, particularly the Latin Fellowship of Reformed Churches (CLIR) in Costa Rica. He has opportunities to serve the Lancaster congregation. He has also preached at a Reformed Baptist church in Bakersfield. Financially the work is stable. During 2015 the total income was $78,570. Expenses were $68,923.98, leaving a balance of $8,304.27. Rev. Alpuche and his wife are very committed to the work, though it has been hard and discouraging at times. He is well aware that this sort of work takes patience and time. The Consistory of Ebenezer as well as the whole congregation continues to enthusiastically support the work. They voted to provide a raise in salary at the annual congregational meeting in January 2016. This work is still young and needs more time to grow. Overall, though growth is slow, we are encouraged by the effort the Alpuches have put into it. They are beginning to see some of their labors bear fruit. May the Lord continue to bless this work. Ebenezer RCUS is asking for financial support from Classis and Synod in the amount of $17,760.00 each for the 2017 fiscal year. Calvary Reformed Chapel, Stockton, CA - The following is the visitation report submitted by Rev. Henderson and Elder Helseth: On a beautiful rainy and wet Sunday morning Elder Helseth and Rev. Henderson were privileged to worship with and meet with the members of Calvary Reformed. The morning began at 10:00 am with Sunday School. Various men prayed before we began and then Rev. Merica taught on Act 15:27-41, and reminded us all about the authoritative word of God and its use then and now. We broke for a brief time of refreshment and then gathered for worship. Pastor Henderson led in worship and then preached the Word with his text being, Genesis 46:8–27, the list of the names of the children of Israel who went down to Egypt with him; reminding us all again that we all are of great worth and value only because we belong to the company of God’s chosen folk; that God deals with us and knows us and our histories personally, caring for, providing for, and directing us, as He is our God and we are His people. We truly are the “Muppims, the Huppims, and the Ard’s” of God’s covenant family (46:21)! Afterward we enjoyed a delicious potluck meal and warm fellowship with the folks of Calvary. Then after our meal, Elder Helseth addressed the congregation with absolutely wonderful words of encouragement, wisdom and grace, which they received really well! Much was discussed and appraised in their presence. Therefore, our general ‘feeling’ or overall outlook concerning this mission work of the RCUS is that they are strongly committed to the mission of this church here in Stockton; hungering and thirsting for God’s Word themselves, as well as for the thousands and thousands who inhabit the Stockton area.

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It is their ardent desire to be and remain a faithful witness to the truth of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ in this region. This was readily heard and seen in their questions, their comments, and their acceptance of the changes that are coming their way. In regards to the changes that are ahead for this body of faithful believers is a much needed change of a better location for worship. Their desire is that the Lord may grant them a new meeting place which will better suit their needs and also be more accessible for and inviting to them, as well as to the possible visitors and future members whom our God will surely send. They have responsibly assessed and counted the cost of relocating in a major metropolitan area, and they are showing themselves to be very practical as well as frugal in their search. They may have found a home in a newly built Seventh Day Adventist building! Likewise, their giving unto this work is very admirable for they have cheerfully and liberally given as God has blessed them such that they have exceeded their budgeted giving amount! This truly shows a desire to take the lead in establishing a gospel witness in this city. Where people put their hard-earned money is where their hearts are firmly set. Their three-year budget is also in order and in line with what is expected of them. The next major change for them is in regards to a change in the oversight of their congregation. Presently they have been under the faithful oversight of Covenant Reformed Church at Grass Valley, but in God’s providence they will be seeking to place themselves under the oversight of Trinity Reformed Church at Modesto. This change has been in the works for some time as Grass Valley has been experiencing difficult times such that their care could no longer be extended. At this point we must give thanks to God for Grass Valley’s commitment to the people of Calvary Reformed over these past 10-12 years. They have weathered many storms together with them over the years, and yet, here Stockton is, continuing the work. Thank you Rev. Dennis Roe, Consistory and people of Grass Valley. May God be most merciful to the folks who remain faithful and true to God’s Word, God’s glory, and the proclamation of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ up in Grass Valley! So with this we would heartily recommend that the Western Classis continue to support these brothers and sisters stationed in Stockton as they seek to see the name of Jesus Christ proclaimed and established. Recommendations: 1. That the request for classical support for Rehoboth Reformed Church in the amount of $19,875 for the 2017 Classical year be approved. 2. The Western Classis overture the 270th Synod for mission support for Rehoboth Reformed Church in the amount of $19,875 for the 2017 Fiscal year. 3. That the request for classical support for Valley of Grace Reformed Bible Church in the amount of $17,760 for the 2017 Classical year be approved. 4. The Western Classis overture the 270th Synod for mission support for Valley of Grace Reformed Bible Church in the amount of $17,760 for the 2017 fiscal year. 5. That the request for classical support for Calvary Reformed Chapel in the amount of $21,000.00 for the 2017 Classical year be approved. 6. That Western Classis overture the 270th Synod for mission support for Calvary Reformed Chapel in the amount of $21,000.00 for the 2017 fiscal years. 7. That Classis take note that the members of Covenant Reformed Church, Grass Valley, who are presently ‘members’ of the Calvary Reformed Chapel will be dismissed to the care and oversight of Trinity Reformed Church at Modesto,

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 20 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES

according to the guidelines and rules of the RCUS Constitution and under the oversight of the Western Classis Executive Committee and the Western Classis Home Missions Committee. 8. That Covenant Reformed Church, Grass Valley be publically recognized and thanked on the floor of Classis for their many years of faithful and diligent oversight, care, and love on behalf of the people of Calvary Reformed in Stockton. 9. Take Note: We thank God for the faithful service of Rev. Jonathan Merica and his wife Marsha, as well as the officers and members of Calvary Reformed who have labored over these past ten or so years to see this church flourish. 10. That the Western Classis set aside an Annual Day of Prayer for Western Classis Home Missions in the coming year and that the churches of the Western Classis be encouraged to take a special offering on that day for Rehoboth Reformed Church for purposes of increasing their building fund, which may include paying rent on facilities. Respectfully Submitted in Christ’s Service, Rev. R. Stetler (chairman), Rev. P. Henderson, Rev. T. Gruggett Elder L. Lynch, Elder D. Helseth , Elder J. Gross Classis Action: The report was referred to Standing Missions Committee.

C. Christian Education Esteemed Brethren, Your Christian Education Committee received no instructions or requests from Classis during this past classical year. Therefore, your committee was not convened nor conducted any business. Respectfully submitted, Rev. P. Treick (chairman), Rev. T. Mayville, Rev. G. Mancilas, Elder L. Lynch, Elder R.Goehring, Elder C. Combs

Classis Action: The report was taken note of.

D. Candidates and Credentials Esteemed Fathers and Brothers, Over this past year, our committee oversaw the instruction of students-under-care: Messrs. Matthew Davis and Colin Samul. We also worked with Mr. Yevgeni Kogay as he prepared to be re-examined by the Classis. Members of the committee met with these men face-to-face and we met as a committee via conference call. Mr. Davis reports that 2015 proved to be a year filled with many blessings and gifts. His wife is now a full-time employee of Kaiser Hospital in Roseville and that this position provides sufficiently for them. Due to this employment and the scholarship granted by City Seminary, there is no request for financial assistance from the Western Classis. Mr. Davis filled the pulpit in CRC Grass Valley 15 times and once in Faith Reformed Church in Anderson. He has also had opportunity to participate in the Chapel Program of City Seminary. These responsibilities have increased with the retirement of Pastor Roe, and he asks for your prayers for this year as he enters into his third year of Seminary education. In 2015 he regularly taught Sunday School covering prayer, and the

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 WESTERN CLASSIS — RCUS 21 book of Hosea which is ongoing. He also held a bi-weekly prayer meeting and devotional going through the Psalms. Presently, Mr. Davis has approximately two years of education remaining, and hopes to be able to graduate in 2017. He received certificates in New Testament Language and Literature, Apologetics, Practical Theology and Systematic Theology through the seminary Certificate Program. Mr. Davis is the only elder in the congregation on a weekly basis. He continues in the governance and oversight of the congregation in partnership with the pastor and elder serving in the Stockton congregation. He appeals to us to pray for the congregation and his labors in it. Regarding Mr. Samul, he reports that this past year has been one of the most eventful time periods since he began to pursue a call to ministry almost nine years ago. He has been travelling up to Faith Reformed in Anderson almost every other week to provide pulpit supply since the Spring of 2014. He has greatly enjoyed his time with the saints there and this has been a great opportunity to refine his preaching skills while developing a relationship with the congregation. This has also given him greater assurance of the internal call. This experience has increased his love for preaching and the desire to serve the people of God. In May of this past year his employer (SolarCity) asked him to start working 9-10 hours a day, including working on weekends. This made the prospect of school and helping out at Anderson untenable. After a time of thinking that he would be required to put his schooling on hold, the Consistory at Faith Reformed Church responded by offering to pay him a salary so that he could finish school and complete an internship. Even though this would constitute a 50% pay cut, he was compelled to pursue this opportunity. In July, he began working full-time as a paid intern and moved his membership to First Reformed Church of Yuba City to begin interning under Rev. Sam Powell. In the past eight months Rev. Powell has met with him once a week for mentoring, engaged in catechizing the youth, participated in visitation, taught Sunday School, led worship (almost twice a month), and preached about once a month. During his time at First Reformed he also traveled up to Anderson twice a month for pulpit supply while finishing his classes. At the end of December he officially completed his coursework with City Seminary and as of the middle of March, 2016, he will have completed the internship required by the Seminary and Classis. Mr. Samul requests to be examined for licensure at the 31st annual meeting of Classis. Mr. Samul has submitted a theological paper, exegetical paper, and a written sermon to the Committee, and the Committee has found them satisfactory. The Committee will also be administering written language examinations before the Classis meets. These five documents will be available for your review at this Classis meeting. Regarding Mr. Kogay, he has been laboring at Covenant Reformed in Sacramento and preparing to complete his examinations for licensure at this Classis meeting. As of this writing, Westminster Biblical Missions has petitioned for an R-1 visa for Mr. Kogay. A meeting was held with a representative of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on February 3, 2016 with Revs. Hall and Schlegel in attendance along with Mr. Kogay. There is every indication that a positive report will be submitted by the DHS representative, but it may take up to two or three months before a ruling is given. Your committee therefore makes the following recommendations: Recommendation 1: That Mr. Colin Samul be examined by the 31st session of the Western Classis in the following areas:

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 22 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES

Prolegomena – 20 minutes (Schlegel) Theology Proper – 20 minutes (Schlegel) Anthropology – 20 minutes (Powell) Questions from the floor Christology – 20 minutes (Schlegel) Soteriology – 20 minutes (Powell) Ecclesiology – 20 minutes (Roe) Eschatology – 20 minutes (Roe) Questions from the floor Apologetics – 20 minutes (Bowen) Historical Philosophy – 20 minutes (Roe) Church History – 20 minutes (Powell) Questions from the floor English Bible – 20 minutes (Schlegel) Hermeneutics – 20 minutes (Schlegel) RCUS Standards – 20 minutes (Mettler) Practica – 20 minutes (Powell) Questions from the floor Recommendation 2: That Mr. Yevgeni Kogay be examined by the 31st session of the Western Classis in the following areas: Theology Proper – 20 minutes (Schlegel) Apologetics – 20 minutes (Bowen) Historical Philosophy – 20 minutes (Roe) Church History – 20 minutes (Powell) Questions from the floor English Bible – 20 minutes (Schlegel) Hermeneutics – 20 minutes (Schlegel) RCUS Standards – 20 minutes (Mettler) Practica – 20 minutes (Powell) Questions from the floor Respectfully submitted, Rev. D. Schlegel (chairman), Rev. D. Roe, Sam Powell Elder R. Mettler, Elder B. Williams, Elder G. Stewart

Classis Action: The Report was adopted.

E. Interchurch Relations Esteemed Brothers in Christ, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ” (2 Cor. 5:20). Your Committee counts it a great honor to go in the name of King Jesus to His churches. It is our joyful privilege to bring your Christian love and greetings to the saints in other parts of His holy Realm. The following is a brief summary of those churches, their locations, and the dates of their meetings. Those pastors who are generally “good to go” were invited again this year. Alas, schedule conflicts and the like proved to be a major obstacle for them. In like manner, my

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 WESTERN CLASSIS — RCUS 23 mother’s passing last March 4th hindered my being at our Classis meeting. Nevertheless, God is merciful in strengthening the heart of His people to be able to move on. 1. Rev. Gil Baloy attended the Spring Meeting, March 10-11, 2015, of the Classis Southwest U.S. (URCNA), held at the Escondido United Reformed Church, located on 1864 N. Broadway, Escondido, California 92026. 2. Rev. Gil Baloy went to the Fall Meeting, September 15-16, 2015, of the Classis Southwest U.S. (URCNA), which took place at First United Reformed Church, located on 6159 Riverside Drive, Chino, California 91710. 3. Rev. Gil Baloy traveled to the Fall Meeting, September 18-19, 2015, of the Presbytery of Northern California & Nevada (OPC), conducted at Oak Hill OPC, located on 14892 Peaceful Valley Road, Sonora, California 95370. 4. Rev. Gil Baloy visited the Fall Meeting, October 16-17, 2015, of the Presbytery of Southern California (OPC), held at Branch of Hope OPC, located on 2370 W. Carson Street, Torrance, California 90505. 5. A letter of greeting was sent to the Classis Pacific Northwest U.S. (URCNA) for its Fall Meeting, October 20-21, 2015, held at the Fairfield Inn located on 1788 Washington Street North, Twin Falls, Idaho 83404. 6. A letter of greeting was sent to the Pacific Coast Presbytery (RPCNA), for its Fall Meeting, (emailed October 2, 2015) held at the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Los Angeles located on 3557 Fletcher Drive, Los Angeles, California 90065. 7. As was stated in the previous year’s report, Rev. Gil Baloy endeavored to attend a Classis Meeting of Classis Pacific East (CanRC) with the assistance of its RCUS Liason Rev. Abel C. Pol, minister of the Chilliwack Reformed Church. On the occasion of two stated meetings, Rev. Baloy was hindered by a wedding he officiated in his church and the graduation of one of his sons from Border Patrol School. One tentative Classis Meeting in December was canceled which he was ready to attend. What was the fruit of my labors? The clerks and the presidents of each of the three churches that were visited personally assure me that every effort would be made to send an observer to our meeting! When the clerk of one body in Southern California learned that our meeting was in Willows, he informed me that their Northern counterpart may be called upon to represent them both. Also, the clerk of Classis Pacific Northwest (URCNA) indicated he is working to schedule one of its pastors to visit us as well. Why do we make the effort that we do to meet our brothers from other presbyteries and classes? Because, as our beloved Heidelberg Catechism teaches, we are all “a chosen communion in the unity of the true faith” (Q/A #54). What a wonderful privilege is ours to develop and deepen the “communion of saints” with those with whom we may never have such opportunity until glory. Respectfully Submitted, Rev. G. Baloy, (chairman), Rev. D. Schlegel, Rev. V. Pollema Elder M. Crook, Elder K. Snow

Classis Action: The report was taken note of.

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 24 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES

F. Publications Esteemed Fathers and Brethren, “The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it” (Psalm 68:11, KJV). Your Committee continues to work on the History of the Western Classis as its primary project this past year. Although a final document is not yet available, work was done on editing the manuscript and seeking to provide missing parts. At present the document now includes some introductory material on the Reformed Church in the U.S. Previous material is divided into two major sections. Part one deals with the history of the Classis itself, a summary of its labors, and a list of its officers. Part two deals with congregational histories and is somewhat incomplete. The existing histories include Bakersfield (Grace), Chico (Covenant), Grass Valley (Covenant), Lancaster (Grace), Lodi (Providence), Los Angeles (Rehoboth), Modesto (Trinity), San Diego (Covenant), Shafter (Ebenezer), Stockton (Calvary), Willows (Grace), and Yuba City (First). Additional history of Sacramento (Covenant) has been culled from a celebration of their anniversary a few years back, but needs to be edited further. Still missing is a history for the Anderson church. Photos of churches, pastors, and Classis as a whole are being compiled which were taken over the past ten years for the Reformed Herald. If you have photos or other items you would like to contribute please contact our chairman. Our plan is to publish the work through Amazon as a print-on-demand document and also make it available in Adobe PDF. Please pray for us as we seek to complete the work in 2016. Another matter that deserves our attention is the limited availability of a previous publication, Discerning Christ’s Body: Requirement for Participation in the Lord’s Supper and a Refutation of Paedocommunion (2006). We recommend that Classis grant permission to make this work available also through Amazon print-on-demand and Kindle books. Recommendation: That the Publications Committee make available past and future publications of the Western Classis using electronic and print-on-demand means. Respectfully submitted, Rev. E. Bristley (chairman),Rev. J. Merica , Elder J. DeYoung, Elder R. Mettler

Classis Action: The recommendation passed and the report was adopted.

G. Diaconal Ministries Esteemed Brothers and Fellow Servants in Jesus Christ, Your committee received a request for aid from Rev. Richard Stetler as he and his wife Heidi struggled much with some heavy infirmities of the flesh. Monies came into the Diaconal Guideline funds and the Treasurer distributed them in the amount of $600.00 per month up to December 2015. Further inquiry was made by Elder Gochnauer in regards to the needs of the Stetlers and continuing this aid into the new year; it was determined that there was sufficient need and funds; therefore, we directed the Classis Treasurer to continue support in the amount

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 WESTERN CLASSIS — RCUS 25 of $600.00 per month for Rev. Stetler and his wife until the 2016 Western Classis meeting so that this need could be further evaluated at that time. May our gracious Lord continue to extend His blessings upon us as we seek to labor for His kingdom and His glory, and for the spiritual and physical well-being of the families of the Western Classis - Reformed Church United States! We extend much thanks to our Classis Treasurer, Mr. Chris Fellersen for his timely and compassionate care in assessing and distributing the funds of the Diaconal Guideline as the needs arise. Respectfully submitted, Rev. P. Henderson (chairman), Rev. M. Voytek, Rev. N. Riffert, Elder R. Saunders, ElderJ. Gochnauer

Classis Action: The report was taken note of.

H. Heidelberg West Camp Esteemed Fathers and Brethren, This year’s camp was the second year that Rev. Tracy Gruggett served as Camp Director. Overall the camp went well. We had 60 campers and about 21 staff volunteers, including ministers, counselors, and cooks. This number was up from 2014. Our camp theme was “Defending the Faith.” Mr. Chris Hekman did a good job as Activities Director. We were short handed in instructors, leaving some teachers doing double duty. Financially, due to the increase in camp fees, the camp did well. We brought in more than was spent and managed to reduce the fund-debt amount by about $1,500.00. We propose that the theme of Camp 2016 be: (Only) One Direction: Jesus’ Basic Principles for Kingdom-Minded Youth (Matthew 5-7). The title of this is a play off the name of a popular band called One Direction. Here we will focus on the true one direction, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Way but His way is the only direction we should follow to live an abundant life. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provides our covenant youth with the right direction for living a kingdom-focused life. Thus, the lessons will be taken from Matthew 5-7. Rev. Gruggett intends to be Camp Director for 2016. However, while thankful of the honor of serving in this capacity, he would like to relinquish the job to someone more qualified. Therefore, he informs Classis of his intent to step down after this year. Classis will need to appoint a new Camp Director for 2017 if this happens. Your committee wishes to thank all those involved in making the Heidelberg Youth Camp a fun and edifying time for our covenant youth. Thanks go out to all of the counselors who volunteered their time and efforts. Thanks to Chris Hekman for his good work as Activities Director. Thanks to Rev. Paul Henderson for all his good work behind the scenes helping to get the camp in order. Thanks go to the kitchen crew—folks from Bakersfield—especially to Warren and Carol Hall who served great food, which is no small part of the camp experience. And thank you ministers for your faithful teaching of God’s Word. What follows is the financial report for the year.

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 26 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES

Beginning balance: 1/01/2015 ($3,464.25) Income: 2015 2014 Guidelines received through 12/31/2015 $2,654.85 $2,755.00 Camp Fee 2015 $7,615.00 $4,799.00 Special offering $805.00 0.00 Total income: $11,074.85 $7,554.00 Total Funds available $7,610.60 Expenses: Sierra Christian Camp (incl deposit for 2016) $7,065.00 $5,160.00 Food $2,179.19 $2,095.62 Rev. Tracy Gruggett camp items $161.13 $275.62 Rev. Paul Henderson camp items $115.00 $80.00 Misc. 0.00 $986.15 Total expenses: $9,520.32 $8,597.39 Ending Balance 12/31/2015 ($1,909.72) ($3,464.25) Some observations about these numbers. 1. We generated a significantly larger amount of income than in the previous years, an increase of $3,520.85 from 2014. Thanks to the Lord! This was largely due to the camp fee increase and there being more campers this year. In addition, one church gave to the fund from a special offering. Guideline income was about the same as the previous year. 2. Setting the deficit aside for a second, the income for the year was greater than the expenses by $1,554.53. This is the first surplus in years, canceled by the deficit to be sure, but surplus none the less. 3. The worrisome deficit was significantly reduced by $1,554.53 ($3,464.25 minus $1,909.72). This is encouraging. Given this income and expense scenario, and given the remaining deficit of $1,909.72 we should keep the guideline and fee amounts the same as last year. This should cover all expenses and eliminate the deficit. If so, then we could reduce the guideline for the next year. Therefore, we put before the body the following recommendation for 2016: Recommendations: 1. That guidelines for Heidelberg West Youth Camp 2016 be set at $5.00 per communicant member. 2. That the camper fee for Heidelberg West Youth Camp 2016 be set at $125.00 per camper only. Options for Classis to consider: A. In light of the overall deficit ($3,464.25), Classis may need to consider whether to have the camp at all for a year or two. Keep the guidelines going in order to pay back the debt. B. Go ahead with camp for 2016 keeping the guideline at $5.00. We should, however, raise the fee again. We raised it last year from $100.00 to $110.00 based on 55 prospective campers. Our actual number was 42. We do not know what the number of campers will be like this year, but our sense is that 2015 was an off year. Our numbers in

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 WESTERN CLASSIS — RCUS 27 the past few years have been around 55. So maybe we can shoot for 50 prospective campers. If we set the fee to $125.00 it will amount to $6,250.00. With this amount we will break even for the year given that we should spend less for equipment. C. There is also the question of the camp fund being in deficit. It should be understood that camp 2015 has been paid for, partly by guidelines and fees, and the rest out of the Classis’ General Fund. Therefore, the camp fund owes the general fund $3,464.25. This amount is the accumulation of several years of deficit spending. We can begin to pay off the deficit through an increase in guidelines and camp fees but this does not seem wise. The guideline is high as it is. On the other hand, raising the camper fee may have a negative impact, i.e., less campers. Therefore, it may be wise to allocate money from the General Fund to the camp fund. This would zero out the deficit. Respectfully submitted, Rev. T. Gruggett (chairman), Rev. V. Alpuche, Rev. J. Hall Elder R. Williams, Elder M. Davis, Elder G. Stewarts

Classis Action: Recommendations 1 and 2 were passed and Recommendation 3 was referred to Standing Nominations. The report was adopted.

REPORTS OF OFFICERS A. President’s Report on the State of the Church Esteemed Fathers and Brethren: The purpose of the President’s Report is to summarize “the state of the Church” (Art. 81). This is done by evaluating the various reports presented to Classis. However, I must admit to being rather nonplused by some activities of the pastors of the Western Classis. One, for example, mentioned that he had set himself on fire! Another reported that his congregation now has a 20-guage shotgun in the office and armed guards in the back pews. And a third graded his own sermons. His average is a good B+, although at least one message achieved a commendable A+ and another rated a solid F. I’m confident that the Bible did not have such things in mind when God’s spokesmen declared that we are a peculiar people (Deut. 14:2; Titus 2:14; 1 Pet. 2:9), but advertisements of our eccentricities at least bring a little chuckle to those who read them, proving once again that our beloved RCUS does not lack for character (or characters!). On a more serious note, your reports testify to the marvelous grace of God. They express a profound gratitude to God for his covenantal faithfulness to his people. The marks of the church are evident in our congregations. Committee reports demonstrate a love for and commitment to the Word of God as our ultimate authority. Even our “retired” ministers are anything but superannuated; as the Sabbath Psalm says, They shall still bring forth fruit in old age (Ps. 92:14). The Preaching of the Gospel I’m glad to report once again that the preaching of the Word of God is faithfully carried out in our congregations through Lord’s Day sermons, Sunday School instruction, Bible studies, catechetical classes and membership classes. Without a doubt, our uncompromising commitment to the truth of God’s Word and the doctrines it teaches is

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 28 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES our greatest strength. I say this with humility, knowing that none of us (least of all myself) has done anything to deserve our gracious Lord’s merciful kindness. To advance the kingdom of our Savior, the pastors of the Western Classis have been and continue to be involved in many different kinds of labors. Some serve on the faculty and/or boards of Heidelberg Seminary and/or City Seminary. Others labor with Westminster Biblical Missions. Pastor Schlegel will miss the first day of this year’s Classis meeting due to a trip to Eastern Europe (he was under the mistaken notion that our meeting was scheduled to take place next week). Pastor Bowen has also contacted an organization called Reformation2Germany, which seeks to plant churches in Germany that are modeled after the sixteenth-century Palatinate church. The leaders of this organization were unaware that an emigrant version of the Palatinate church still exists. Here at home, Pastor Hall expresses a desire to engage in a church planting effort in Reno. And finally, several of you mentioned that you are writing books on various topics or, as is the case with Pastor Alpuche, translating Reformed literature into the Spanish language. As I read your reports, I was also impressed with the number of churches that now use SermonAudio.com as a means of communicating the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Your sermons are available to anyone who has an internet connection, anywhere in the world, at any time. In fact, they’re available instantly. Sermons preached in Sacramento, for example, are often online before we lock the doors to go home, thanks to the diligence of one of our deacons. The positive side of this is obvious. For very little money our ministries are much bigger than they used to be. In some cases, there may be more people listening online than attending our services. But there’s also a negative side to SermonAudio.com, viz., it provides no way to contact listeners. We can’t invite them to church because we have no idea who they are. Thus, we cannot expect a superabundance of visitors from this service alone. Perhaps its efficacy can be improved somewhat by cross-linking it to our church websites and other social media. I’m not suggesting that we give up using SermonAudio.com. Far from it! I can’t tell you how many times members of the Sacramento church have expressed their appreciation for the fact they can hear their own pastors whenever they have to miss a service due to illness, travel or some other providential hindrance. But I am recommending that we make good use of methods that actually put us in contact with others. Let me give you two examples of what I mean:  To a large degree, SermonAudio.com has eclipsed radio ministries. This is no doubt due to its cheaper cost and easier access. But radio ministries, by offering free CDs and literature, have the advantage of obtaining contact information for those who call in. Pastor Alpuche reports great success with this. He writes, “The Lord has truly blessed our radio ministry. We are giving away Reformed booklets to our audience, and they call me every Sunday asking for them.”  On the other hand, there’s no substitute for actually going out to where the people are. The apostle Paul preached anywhere — in marketplaces and synagogues and along riverbanks. One of our congregations has adopted this strategy and has invaded a local college. As a result, it now hosts six Bible studies, which give Pastor Voytek “many opportunities to counsel and pray with” the students. “The increasing number of students who attend our Sunday services” also encourages him. The Lord

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has blessed this outreach. Pastor Voytek notes that the average number of visitors per Lord’s Day is twelve. These are not the only examples of outreach mentioned in your reports. Evangelism is a high priority for several of our congregations. Yet, what gives me overwhelming joy is that every mention of evangelism in your reports is coupled together with prayer. Our outreach efforts must always start at the throne of grace. That’s how it must be, since we confess that God alone can transform a sinner into one of his dear children. It takes an act of sovereign mercy to bring even one person to Jesus Christ, let alone many. We should also note that the Western Classis currently has two students preparing to proclaim the glorious gospel of grace: Mr. Colin Samul and Mr. Matthew Davis. At this meeting we will examine Mr. Samul for licensure. Mr. Yevgeni Kogay, a licentiate in the OPC who seeks to transfer to the RCUS, is hoping to complete his examination as well. Further, the elders of the Sacramento church are recommending that Classis add Mr. Paul Liberati, a member of the Sacramento congregation and a student at City Seminary, to our list of students under care. The Sacraments Your reports indicate, and the Clerk’s statistics confirm, that the sacraments are properly and regularly administered in the churches of the Western Classis. The frequency of the Lord’s Supper varies between four and twelve times per year. The frequency of baptism, of course, is determined by need, as the Lord brings new converts and covenant children into our fellowships. Christian Discipline Church discipline is critical for the health of the body of Christ. Every believer needs to learn self-discipline, as the Spirit of God conforms him or her to the discipline of the gospel. The mutual admonitions and exhortations of members one to another are part of this process. Sometimes our faithfulness to Christ demands formal discipline. Your reports indicate that such discipline, though often painful, is nonetheless carried out. Our statistics show that fifteen individuals were “lost by erasure or discipline” (down from twenty-six the year before). We grieve for them at times, particularly for those who have been removed from the Lord’s Table, but we never grieve for them without hope. Instead, we cast ourselves on the certain mercy of a God who is always faithful to his promises. Whenever discipline is necessary, we hope and pray for the offender’s repentance. The apostle Paul delivered the incestuous man of Corinth to Satan for the destruction of the flesh that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus (1 Cor. 5:5). Question 85 of our catechism also anticipates the possibility of restoration when it asks, “How is the Kingdom of Heaven shut and opened by Christian discipline?” Because we do not know to whom the Lord will grant repentance, we must steadfastly hold the gospel of salvation before each of them. With great joy, Pastor Gruggett testifies to God’s restorative grace. He was privileged to oversee the restoration of two individuals last year — one was a member who had been suspended, and the other was a man who had been excommunicated several years earlier. We can thank God for encouragements such as these. As pastors and elders, we always struggle with the temptation to think that we should base our actions on anticipated outcomes — if we do certain things, we can make it work. But the results in Bakersfield remind us that the Lord doesn’t call us to act based on our own prognostications, but to obey his commands and leave the results to him.

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The Western Classis was also involved in disciplinary issues this past year. At a special fall meeting, the body heard three appeals, which resulted in each case in the reversal of actions taken by the original judicatory. Membership and Finances Membership statistics continue to be somewhat disconcerting. During the 2015 calendar year, the churches of the Western Classis lost a total of 21 communicant members. Only two congregations — San Diego and Yuba City — reported gains. These two churches added one communicant member each. This leaves us with a total communicant count at the end of the calendar year of 637, the lowest it’s been since 1999. The total baptized membership is 854. The Western Classis hasn’t seen a lower total membership since 1995, when we had about half the number of churches that we have today. The financial statistics are a mixed bag of sorts. Overall, the giving of our members increased slightly (0.01%) in 2015, for which we give God thanks. However, only about half of the churches met their guidelines to Classis. Of particular concern is the Home Missions fund. But two churches also gave to specific needs within the Classis, thus helping to offset some of our concerns. The Treasurer, Mr. Chris Fellersen, will give a full report to this body. With seven of our congregations having a communicant membership of 25 or less, finances continue to be a concern. It is particularly a concern for the Chico congregation, since Classical and Synodical funding for this work has now ceased. Pastor Mancilas, however, reports that the church’s deacons continue to fulfill their duty by “making known … the needs of the church, … [and cultivating] the spirit of liberal and cheerful giving.” Likewise, due in part to the loss of seven communicant members, the Los Angeles congregation failed to meet its budgetary expectations and had to draw from its reserves. Brethren, let us keep the temporal concerns of all of our churches, especially the smaller ones, before God in prayer! One of the overtures that the Western Classis will be asked to consider this year concerns the Article 81 questions to the elders. This overture seeks clarification as to when and under what circumstances a “yes” answer can be given to the question, “Is the temporal contract between minister and people adequate to meet his temporal needs?” That is, is a church fulfilling its financial obligation to its pastor if the pastor must rely on outside work, a wife’s income or a pension from a previous employer in order to survive? Are his needs being met if neither he nor the church can afford to make contributions to his retirement plan or if there are no provisions for his post-retirement housing? Since the Lord has ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel (1 Cor. 9:14), this is a question that we must take seriously. Special Committee Reports: The two special committees of the Western Classis will be reporting this year. The committee studying Two Kingdom Theology is finding it increasingly more difficult to wade through the volumes of literature being published on this subject, but comes with a report that it believes addresses the basic issues. One of its recommendations is to send the final report to Synod for its consideration and action. The committee on Child Safety is ready to present some of its findings, but asks for another year to complete its assignment. Retired Ministers Several retired RCUS pastors reside within the bounds of the Western Classis (viz., Gross, Pollema, Riffert, Roe, Sawtelle, Treick and West). Each of these men continues

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 WESTERN CLASSIS — RCUS 31 actively in the service of Christ, although in some cases their ability is limited by their health. Five retired pastors remind us that our race — serving the Lord Jesus in this world — will soon come to an end. Pastor West wrote, “Nevertheless, I am acutely aware that life is much shorter than before, making the urge to be productive for Christ all the more intense!” Pastor Treick faced the threat of the villainous “C-word” this past year, and thankfully reports that “no prostate cancer was found.” The trials of Pastors Roe and Riffert were more severe, requiring extensive hospital care and the very real possibility of awaking in the sweet presence of our dear Savior. Using the words of a Southern Gospel hymn, Pastor Pollema calls us to cherish the days we have left while anticipating our glorious homecoming: One day closer home; one less day ’til I see Jesus. One more day to tell somebody God’s the only One to free us. If I live to see tomorrow, when this day is past and gone, No, I don’t feel any older, but I’m one day closer home. Brothers, we press on, not hopelessly chasing after a mythical fountain of youth to save us from the unrelenting forward march of age, but rather confident that our labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58). When the Lord calls us home, he will doubtless raise up many others to pick up where we leave off. Further Comments: Before closing, I would like to make a few comments about matters of concern to the Classis that do not fit neatly under any of the preceding headings. In his report to this body, Pastor Schlegel notes that times are changing, and the first change that I noted in his report is that his Scripture quotations come from the New King James Version of the Bible. The elders of the Sacramento church are also considering the possibility of recommending a change to the local Constitution that would allow the NKJV to be used in the church’s public ministry. Over the next year, the elders will assess the needs and concerns of the congregation. Whether there’s enough support to make this change remains to be seen. Change also seems to be in store for the Grass Valley church and the Stockton mission work that it oversees. As you know, Pastor Roe retired from his pastoral position last summer. Shortly thereafter, Elder Chris Case resigned from his position on the Spiritual Council and left the congregation. This left Matthew Davis as the only local elder, although Pastor Merica and Elder Greg Goehring continued to serve on the Consistory. At the Consistory’s request, the Executive Committee met with the elders and recommended that it would be in the best interest of both works to separate, with the Stockton work coming under the oversight of the Modesto church, and the Grass Valley Consistory being augmented by the men of the Sacramento (or another) Consistory. On February 14th of this year, the members of the Stockton work voted to transfer their membership and oversight per the Executive Committee’s recommendation. The Modesto Consistory had already agreed to assume oversight. Lord willing, the members of the Stockton work will be dismissed to the care of the Modesto church in the near future. The situation in Grass Valley is more complex. The Grass Valley Consistory decided to follow the Executive Committee’s recommended course of action in regard to the Grass Valley congregation. The Consistory had also decided not to continue Pastor Mayville’s services as pulpit supply. However, before the congregation had an

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 32 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES opportunity to vote on the Consistory’s recommendation, Pastor Mayville, “at the request of Pastor Emeritus Roe,” submitted a letter to the members of the congregation offering his services as a temporary pulpit supply on a part-time, half-salary basis, with a view toward possibly making the relationship more permanent. At a congregational meeting held on February 21st, the congregation tabled the Consistory’s recommendation and adopted a motion from the floor to convene again on March 6th to consider Pastor Mayville’s offer. I mention this because concerns were expressed about the oversight and direction of the Grass Valley Consistory at the fall meeting of the Western Classis. As you can see from the foregoing, this situation presents a number of pastoral concerns, anomalies and Constitutional questions. Elder Davis requests counsel on how to proceed. The Western Classis currently has two churches with vacant pulpits. The Anderson church is looking forward to Mr. Samul passing his licensure examination with the hope of eventually calling him as its pastor. Mr. Samul believes that the church’s resources will allow him to minister there for at least eighteen months — longer, of course, if the Lord mercifully grants growth. At present Mr. Davis is teaching Sunday School and filling the pulpit in Grass Valley, with RCUS pastors administering the Lord’s Supper when requested. Without a doubt, the day in which we live is one of powerful spiritual warfare. In your reports, several of you mentioned your particular battles. Pastor Powell speaks of members of his congregation “struggling with intense chronic pain, [concerns for] elderly parents, and those whose bodies seem to be falling apart.” Yet, he also reports that the congregation remains “joyful, even in tribulation; hopeful, even in pain; rejoicing, even through tears; and always growing in the Lord.” Pastor Henderson reminds us of the great theological warfare that rages all around and encourages us to be always “on the ‘attack’ with the glorious good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ…!” All in all, the Western Classis is faithful to its task of proclaiming the glorious grace of Jesus Christ. May the sovereign King of nations see fit to crown our labors with his blessing! Christ’s servant and yours, Frank H. Walker President, Western Classis RCUS

Classis Action: The report was adopted. A motion was made to have it spread upon the Abstract of the Minutes of Classis, and to submit it to the Reformed Herald for publication

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B. Stated Clerk's Report on the Minutes Honorable Western Classis Reformed Church in the United States Esteemed Brothers in Christ, The minutes of the 30th Annual Meeting of the Western Classis were typed, indexed, and placed in a permanent binder along with all reports, overtures, and pertinent information. According to the Synod’s Committee on the Minutes of Classis, the minutes were corrected as needed. The Abstract of the minutes was sent to the RCUS Website. There were 250 copies of the Classis' Abstract printed and bound. All of the congregations of the RCUS were delivered the required number of copies. The cost of printing the Abstract and having them mailed was $751.42 or $3.00 a copy. Before Classis the directory and statistics were sent out to delegates for proofing. Then in early May, before printing, the draft of the Abstract was sent out to all of the delegates for a final proof. There were corrections returned to me. Again, I cannot emphasize how helpful it is for you to look at those items you were directly connected with to catch corrections to the Abstract that need to be made before printing. The President’s Report on the State of the Church was printed in the Abstract and in the Reformed Herald. There were four overtures with 18 requests from the Western Classis along with copies of the supporting documents for information sent to Synod for consideration. They were acted upon and reported in the Synodical Abstract of the 269th Annual Session. The other required information regarding delegate’s credentials, church directory and changes to the roll of ministers was sent to the Synod Clerk. A summary of all financial matters approved by the Classis was sent to the Treasurer. There was one change to the roll of the Western Classis. The Rev. Dennis Roe retired from the pastoral ministry. He was elected to the office of pastor-emeritus by Covenant Reformed Church in Grass Valley and this was approved by Classis through an Executive Circular. Last year your clerk sought to go an extra mile, proverbially speaking, in an effort to enhance the appearance of the Classis' Minutes book. Each church had their statistics from last year returned to them with enhanced formatting. In a perfect world, these would have been stored in a file under documents for the Classis' clerk and then used this year by simply updating the numbers and relevant information. This experiment only proved we don’t live in a perfect world. Please be sure that all reports are signed and submitted to your clerk by the end of this Classis. Your clerk each year seeks to prepare as much of the contents for the Minutes Book and the Abstract as possible before the Classis meets so that within the next weeks immediately following Classis he can publish those records of the Annual meeting. As such, your clerk again wants to express his gratitude to all the consistories that seek to get their documents submitted in a timely way and in MS Word format. Your clerk can think of nothing further to report. Respectfully submitted, Rev. Hank Bowen Stated Clerk, Western Classis, RCUS

Classis Action: The report was adopted.

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 34 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES

C. Executive Committee of Synod RE: Minutes of Synod Report Dear Brothers in Christ, In reviewing the minutes of the 269th Synod, there are some items that the Classes should take note of: 1. Classes should take note of the corrections that should be made to their minutes as adopted by the Synod (269th Abstract, pp. 84-85). 2. Both membership statistics and financial statistics should be according to the calendar year. 3. Standing rules #2 and #3 which respectively read: “The statistics of the Classes for the calendar year shall be forwarded to the Stated Clerk of Synod May 1”; “The writ of certification for delegate elders shall be forwarded to the Stated Clerk May 1.” 4. That the Stated Clerk of each Classis regularly provide the webmaster, in electronic form, an updated roll of ministers, elders, and churches following their spring Classis meeting. 5. Standing Ministerial Aid recommendation 8 (2013 Abstract page 76), that pursuant to Article 28 of the RCUS Constitution, Classes shall not consider a pastoral call letter as “adequate support” to the temporal needs of the called pastor, unless retirement is addressed and funded in the terms of the call. 6. The Treasurer’s request that the treasurers of the various churches be reminded to comply with Synod standing rule 8 with regard to designating for which fund the monies delivered to the RCUS are to be attributed. 7. Per Article 197 of the RCUS Constitution, the following amendments to the Constitution were adopted by two-thirds vote of the 269th Synod and need the concurrence of two-thirds of the Classis [So far, only one Classis has taken action: I received a communication from Covenant East Classis that at a Special Fall Classis meeting (2015) they concurred with amendments herein labeled 7a, c, and d]: a. That the notation “Articles 40-42 were removed by the 269th Synod” be placed in the RCUS Constitution in place of Articles 40-42, and that the numbering of the articles of the constitution from Article 43 on remain unchanged. b. That “Teacher of Theology” be retained as a valid Ministry of the Word. c. That Article 84 of the RCUS Constitution be amended to read as follows: An ordained minister or a licentiate shall not be received by Classis until he has presented a regular certificate of dismission from the Classis to which he belongs. The reception and installation of a minister from another denomination shall not be final until it is confirmed by Synod. Classes shall forward to Synod its actions concerning ministers from other denominations; and also provide a resume regarding the new minister. d. That Article 195 of the RCUS Constitution be amended as follows: “Marriage has been instituted by God. The Reformed Church in the United States defines “marriage” as the exclusive covenantal union of one man and one woman in which such union is a lifetime commitment. A civil government’s sanction of a union will be recognized as a legitimate marriage by The Reformed Church in the United States only to the extent that it is consistent with the definition of “marriage” found in these Articles. Legitimate sexual relations are exercised solely within marriage. Hence, sexual activities outside of marriage (referred to in the New Testament as “porneia”) including but not limited to,

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 WESTERN CLASSIS — RCUS 35 adultery, premarital sex, homosexuality, and pedophilia are inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible and the Church. (Leviticus 18-20; I Corinthians 5:1-5; 6:9-10; Ephesians 5:3-7; Heidelberg Catechism 108, 109). Further, lascivious conduct, transgender behavior, and the creation and/or distribution and/or viewing of pornography, are incompatible with the biblical witness. Every officer, employee, or volunteer of the church shall affirm their agreement with this definition of marriage and shall conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent therewith. This shall be a prerequisite, and continual condition, for these positions.” 8. No Classis action needs to take place on the following motion, but each Classis should be aware that it was postponed by the 269th Synod until the 270th Synod, partly because it came as an overture from an individual delegate rather than from a Classis: “Every human being, regardless of mental or physical infirmity, is created in the image of God. It is never acceptable as a matter of medical practice or familial care to facilitate or assist an act of suicide. While an individual may refuse “heroic” medical procedures which they deem to be an artificial extension of biological life, suicide or any assistance provided to assist suicide is a violation of the law of God. The Reformed Church in the United States formally rejects any and all attempts to legalize this pernicious and immoral practice, and encourages our elected leaders, especially to do all in their power to protect the disabled, the feeble, the poor and the infirm from those who would pressure them into taking their own lives.” [Cf. 269th Synod Abstract, page 89] 9. The Classes are reminded that the 270th Annual Session of the Synod of the RCUS is scheduled to meet May 16-19, 2016, at Grace Reformed Church, Bakersfield, CA. Respectfully submitted, David Fagrey Stated Clerk, RCUS Classis Action: The report was referred to the Standing Minutes Committee.

D. Treasurer’s Report BALANCE SHEET As of December 31, 2015 ASSETS: 12-31-15 12-31-14 CHANGE Cash 163,534.35 183,111.11 (19,576.76) TOTAL ASSETS 163,534.35 183,111.11 (19,576.76) LIABILITIES: Accounts Payable 0.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL LIABILITIES 0.00 0.00 0.00 SURPLUS (DEFICIT) 163,534.35 183.111.11 (19,576.76) TOTAL LIAB & SURPLUS 163,534.35 183,111.11 (19,576.76) FUND BALANCES: General 4,916.78 8,233.76 (3,316.98) Missions Building Fund 148,863.05 148,743.88 119.17 Missions 4,953.33 13,215.34 (8,262.01) Benevolence 4,731.06 16,382.38 (11,651.32) Diaconal 1,979.85 0.00 1,979.85 Heidelberg Camp (1,909.72) (3,464.25) 1,554.53 TOTAL FUNDS 163,534.35 183,111.11 (19.576.76)

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 36 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES

INCOME STATEMENT FOR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

INCOME CM Dues Bldg Missions Benev Diaconal Camp Total Anderson 17 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Bakersfield 117 1,287.00 0.00 11,466.00 4,095.00 585.00 1,390.00 18,823.00 Chico 15 165.00 0.00 273.25 438.25 0.00 0.00 876.50 Grass Valley 44 407.00 633.32 1,960.00 700.00 100.00 100.00 3,900.32 Lancaster 40 440.00 245.00 1,272.00 454.30 64.85 64.85 2,541.00 Lodi 21 231.00 0.00 726.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 957.00 LA 32 352.00 0.00 3,136.00 1,120.00 160.00 160.00 4,928.00 Modesto 22 242.00 320.00 2,156.00 770.00 110.00 110.00 3,708.00 Sacramento 147 1,507.00 0.00 13,426.00 4,795.00 685.00 685.00 21,098.00 San Diego 36 486.00 0.00 4,488.00 2,625.00 180.00 255.00 8,034.00 Shafter 70 770.00 2,357.00 6,860.00 2,450.00 4,550.00 350.00 17,337.00 Willows 38 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Yuba City 69 759.00 0.00 6,762.00 2,415.00 345.00 345.00 10,626.00 F&M Bank 3.82 119.17 10.59 13.13 (0.00) (0.00) 146.71 TOTAL 658 $6,649.82 $3,674.49 $52,535.84 $19,875.68 $6,779.85 $3,459.85 $92,975.53

EXPENSES STATEMENT Stated Clerk Expenses: Gratuity 2015-16 Clerk $1,000.00 Abstract and Mailing 751.42 $1,751.42 Executive Committee Expenses: Classis Meeting-March 2015 4,657.68 Classis Meeting-October 2015 2,377.35 Executive Committee Expense 283.96 Special Committee Expense 194.40 7,513.39 Inter-Church Relations Expense 701.99 Benevolences: Covenant-Chico 9,207.00 Grace-Lancaster 3,345.00 Trinity Modesto 10,200.00 Covenant-San Diego 4,995.00 Diaconal - Thomas Mayville 3,780.00 31,527.00 Diaconal Expense 4,800.00 Home Missions: Calvary – Stockton 17,500.00 Rehoboth – Los Angeles 24,954.20 Valle de Grace - Shafter 17,760.00 Committee Expense 583.65 60,797.85 Heidelberg Camp: Camp Expenses 9,520.32 Camp Fees Received (7,615.00) 1,905.32 TOTAL EXPENSES $112,552.29 INCOME FOR YEAR (19,576.76) CASH ON HAND 12-31-14 $183.111.11 CASH ON HAND 12-31-15 $163,534.35

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INCOME STATEMENT BY FUND

Missions Heidelberg FUND: General Bldg Fund Missions Benevolence Diaconal Camp Total INCOME: Giving $6,646.00 $3,555.32 $52,525.25 $19,862.55 6,779.85 3,459.85 $92,828.82 Allocated Interest 3.82 119.17 10.59 13.13 0.00 0.00 1465.71 Total Income $6,649.82 $3,674.49 $52,535.84 $19,875.68 6,779.85 $3,459.85 $92,975.53 EXPENSE: Stated Clerk 1,751.42 1,816.46 Exec. Committee 7,513.39 7,513.39 Inter Church 701.99 701.99 Benevolences 31,527.00 31,527.00 Missions 60,797.85 60,797.85 Missions Bldg 3,555.32 3,555.32 Diaconal 4,800.00 4,800.00 Heid. Camp-Net ______1,905.32 3,798.39 Total Expense 9,966.80 3,555.32 60,797.85 31,527.00 4,800.00 1,905.32 112,552.29 Income (Loss) Yr. ($3,316.98) $119.17 ($8,262.01) ($11,651.32) $1,979.85 $1,554.53 ($19,576.76) Balance 12-31-14 $8,233.76 $148,743.88 $13,215.34 $16,382.38 ($3,464.25) $183,111.11 Balance 12-31-15 $4,916.78 $148,863.05 $4,953.33 $4,731.06 $1,979.85 ($1,909.72) $163,534.35 Respectfully submitted, Chris Fellersen

Classis Action: The Treasurer, Elder Chris Fellersen, expressed concern regarding the difficult situation the Classis faces financially because too many of the Classis’ congregations are failing to pay their guidelines as passed by the Classis. The report was referred to the Standing Finances Committee. PARCOCHIAL REPORTS A. Rev. Valentin Alpuche Esteemed fathers and brothers in the faith of Jesus Christ, The Lord is always truthful and faithful to His promises in the Bible. My family and I have experienced that in many beautiful ways throughout another year! He has never left us nor forsaken us (Hebrews 13:5). As we continue to labor in our missionary place in Shafter, CA, we are more encouraged to bring the gospel to a needed Spanish-speaking population. I want to thank our good Lord for the preaching of the Word we receive Sunday after Sunday under the preaching of Rev. Paul Henderson at Ebenezer RCUS. Also, it has been a blessing to belong to a faithful reformed family which cares and prays for us constantly. Many thanks as well to the RCUS as a denomination; we know a lot of people are also praying for us, and we feel that the Lord has strengthened us through many prayers to keep doing our missionary work. In regards to our missionary work in Shafter, CA, this is my report: 1. By God’s grace since October 24, 2014, we have met every Sunday at 6 pm for a time of prayer, singing, and teaching of God’s Word. Two families have been faithfully attending every Sunday.

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 38 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES

2. By God’s grace this past February 4th, I began a home bible and catechism class with a new family. They have talked to me about their interest in our reformed faith, and are considering joining our mission work in the future. 3. By God’s grace, we also continue our radio ministry. Our radio program is called “Reformando tu vida” [Reforming your life]. It is a Spanish-speaking radio program on 1100 AM, or you can listen to it online: www.manantialbakersfield.com. We broadcast every Sunday at 9 am. I am currently teaching Philippians. The Lord has truly blessed our radio ministry. We are giving away reformed booklets to our audience, and they call me every Sunday asking for them. A lot of Hispanics are listening to it, and we pray many of them may come to the reformed faith through our small radio ministry. 4. My family and I visit a Spanish-speaking family in Lancaster, CA once a month. A Hispanic member of Grace RCUS in Lancaster talked to Grace’s consistory about me coming to teach his family the gospel, and we agreed to it. 5. I continue doing some translation work of reformed books into Spanish. 6. Our Spanish translation of the Heidelberg Catechism is available through Amazon. 7. I also continue teaching free English lessons three times a week in the Ebenezer fellowship hall. I always get new students to whom I communicate the gospel every time. May our faithful covenant Lord continue to bless your daily efforts for His Kingdom! Respectfully submitted, Rev. Valentín Alpuche

Classis Action: Take note

B. Faith Reformed Church, Anderson. Esteemed Brothers in Christ: Psalms 100 “A Psalm of Thanksgiving. Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.” The Lord commands us to give thanks in all that we do and say. This past year at Faith Reformed Church has been one of thanksgiving. We are thankful for a solid group of God-centered people who are committed to spreading the Word of the Lord. The congregation used the gifts the Lord gave them to talk to and encourage each other to reach out and invite more people to fellowship with us on Sunday mornings. This has generated a good bit of interest and several visitors to the morning worship service. We have one family that will become members and two young families who plan to attend full time once we have a full time minister. We are thankful for the high standard of preaching and teaching we have received throughout the year. We were blessed with the teachings of Colin Samul, Tim Curtis, Matthew Davis and with the preaching’s of Rev. Sam Powell and Rev. Denis Roe. We were also blessed with Rev. Powell and Rev. Roe administering the Lord’s Supper to us and a great time of fellowship during their stay. It has been very exciting to watch Colin

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 WESTERN CLASSIS — RCUS 39 and Tim’s talent in preaching grow over the last couple of years. Both of these men are truly committed to faithfully teaching and preaching the Word of the Lord. We are thankful for the continued generous giving of our small congregation. We have continued to be frugal in our spending and have cut any and all excess from our budget. The members of the congregation have even taken on the burden of purchasing most, if not all of the items needed in the day to day running of the church, outside of their faithful giving. As was stated last year in my report, the congregation had decided to assist Colin with his studies with the intent of calling him to fill our pulpit full time once he had completed his training. We had been putting money aside to pay for Colin’s salary once he was able to join the church full time as the minister. Colin came to us early in the year with information that he was getting pressure from his current employer to be available more and to work more hours. In order for Colin to fulfill his obligation to his employer he would have to suspend his seminary studies for an undetermined amount of time. Once again we are thankful we had been diligent in putting money away. After taking this problem to the Lord in prayer and discussion amongst the congregation, it was unanimously voted that we start paying Colin so he could leave his employer and concentrate full time on his studies. We are thankful Colin has been able to complete his seminary studies and that he will be examined at this Classis meeting. He and his family have moved to the Anderson area and are planting roots in the community. Colin, Shanna and their family will also be joining the church and we are thankful to have Colin join the consistory giving us a plurality of elders once again. Our church family is incredibly thankful for Rev. Sam Powell, the consistory and the congregation of First Reformed Church for their continued prayer and support. We have relied heavily on the input and guidance of the First Reformed Church consistory and have asked them to continue to assist us in the oversight of our church here in Anderson. We are thankful for each congregation in the RCUS and the Classis and Synod for their dedication to maintaining the high standards which we have and for their continued support and encouragement. I am incredibly thankful for each and every member here at Faith Reformed Church. Each one has been incredibly faithful in their attendance, giving, hospitality and especially in their prayer. Every time there was a need, no matter how small or how large, it was taken care of quickly and efficiently. There is a genuine love of each other and the Lord in this congregation. The Lord tells us in Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” I am asking for continued prayer for Faith Reformed Church as we begin a new chapter with Colin and his family and as we seek to increase in growth, knowledge, guidance and in the love of our almighty Lord. Sincerely in Christ, Elder Michael Peery

Classis Action: Take note.

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 40 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES

C. Rev. Gil Baloy. Dear Fellow Pastors and Elders, I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:3-6). I have utter confidence in our God completing the salvation that He has started in us, either by the time of our going to heaven or His coming back to earth, whichever comes first. It is this good hope through grace that keeps me motivated in the ministry. What happened last year? I will attempt to present a brief yet accurate account of what I did. It starts with the Lord’s Day. There are a number of “early birds” who regularly set up our rented facility for the meetings, like the Levites in the wilderness. The first event of the day is Sunday School. Classes are taught by mature Christians who lovingly and prayerfully prepare their lessons each week. Mr. Alfred White’s study in James cheered the saints! With the help of an elder exhorting in my absence on three occasions we may report that God’s Word was proclaimed all 52 weeks of the year. I preached through 2 Timothy, Jonah, Titus and Philemon, and recently began 2 Corinthians. We always enjoy a good turnout at our Thanksgiving Day Service. Our Consistory consists of three elders and two deacons. The elders have assisted me in serving the Lord’s Table twelve times in 2015. Our most recent elder addition from the OPC is Mr. Gary Davenport. He has been a big help in building up the saints and supporting the ministry along with our other elders. The deacons continue to play a vital role in Christian stewardship and the material support of the church. The congregation joyfully witnessed the baptism of two of its covenant babies. We received one member by profession of faith. With one administrative erasure, our congregation maintains its communicant membership level at thirty-six. Presently I have one student about to be interviewed for membership, and another in the wings. We are now in the third year of the study of the Psalms on Wednesday night. It is held at a local library. Mr. Davenport’s course on Biblical Theology proved to be useful, not only for our teachers but also for other students, to enhance their appreciation of the progressive historical unfolding of redemption. Last year, my wife Maricar embarked on a weekly one-and-a-half-hour class for the toddlers and their mothers. At least one mother and daughter from the community have joined the group. We are thankful for the visitors God sends our way. Some are vacationers from other churches. Others stay for a spell and then move on. So far, two recent comers continue to attend. I say we average upwards of a dozen regular visitors. Special occasions help foster unity and brotherly love: like our New Year’s Fellowship, the Overnighter-Fishing Expedition-Lobster Dinner Memorial Day at Rosarito Beach, Mexico, the Thanksgiving Dinner, and Ezra Baloy’s Send-Off Party when he left for Border Patrol School in New Mexico. The Fall wedding of Lisa and Alex Nuss turned out to be the hit event of the year! There were other opportunities to give the Word. On March 28th I preached to a full house of relatives and friends at my mother’s memorial service in Glen Abbey, Bonita, CA. Maricar’s older brother Junior Enriquez in the Philippines passed away on the same day, March 4th, as my mom. God allowed us to disciple him for Christ in his final months in this life. On September 25th I officiated the funeral service of my cousin Mrs. Alice

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Medina. Then on December 19th the Lord granted me a special privilege to preach at the memorial service of Fernando Castro. “Nano,” as he was fondly called, was a twelve- year-old autistic boy who died in his sleep in a home fire. Two younger siblings are slowly recovering from burns over most of their bodies at the UCSD Burn Unit. God grants us opportunities to touch the lives of hurting souls with the gospel. This was the 12th year of my providing a Sunday morning scriptural devotion at a local convalescent center. I am grateful for an extended break by two elders substituting in my place. We still conduct a monthly “open air ministry” of publicly preaching and witnessing at the world-renown Balboa Park next door to the San Diego Zoo. On the other Sunday afternoons and evenings at least one elder and I hold home Bible studies in different parts of the city. As far as overseas missions, I have not been to the Philippines for almost two years. I anticipate making a family trip this year. The RCUS has been invited by the Pearl of the Orient Covenant Reformed Church (POCRC) to conduct a conference for 80-120 Evangelical ministers in Malolos, Bulacan, the first capital of the Philippine Republic. I remain an active member of the Foreign Ministries Committee (RCUS). I am still the chairman of the Inter-Church Relations Committee inviting fraternal delegates to our Classis meeting and making sure we are regularly represented in their meetings. What a blessing it is to be used by God in His people’s lives. I am especially humbled to witness the hand of God at work in our congregation. There is much work ahead of us this year. Please pray for us, as we do for you. Our help comes from the Lord who alone redeems us from our sins by His righteousness and precious blood. Soli Deo Gloria! In Calvary love, Rev. Gil Baloy

Classis Action: Take note. Elder Mark Crook led the body in prayer.

D. Rev. Hank Bowen Beloved Brothers, The year of our Lord 2015 was a year of seeking to reach out into our community and call the lost to salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ. We moved from studying evangelism to going out into the highways and byways and inviting people to church. While there has not been the hoped for result of visitors coming through the doors, the congregation is to be commended for being faithful. The reality to doing the hard work of evangelism is that it begins with prayer as our dependence upon God to bring forth fruit from our labors is ever before us. To this end, Rev. Treick leads a time of prayer every Lord's Day at 8:45 before services where those who are present beseech the Lord to help Trinity be faithful in preaching the gospel and for our membership to grow. There were two times this year that invitations to attend a special friendship service were taken to the neighborhood. The first included an Easter morning breakfast before service. This attracted a couple of visitors from the neighborhood along with a few who came by invitation from members. The website continues to be the one avenue that produces results. One family was faithful in attendance this past year as a result of first listening to sermons off of the

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 42 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES website. Realizing the importance of this, there is work underway to make the website and other social media avenues an even greater means to take the message of the gospel of grace outside our doors. The goal is to coordinate all of these social media avenues into a cohesive project. Sermon audio continues to receive a great deal of attention from hearers around the world. Trinity sermons, likewise, continue to be heard twice a week on Grace Radio, a new station with limited range in Modesto. The addition of Trinity Prays, a Facebook outreach with a Bible verse each day has also added to the visibility of Trinity so that this continuous activity jumps the Trinity website to the top of the search engines for people looking for a Reformed Church in the Modesto area. The use of YouTube in this coming year is also planned. In January of 2015 we had twenty-two communicant members. One member was dismissed and another excommunicated after a year of the Spiritual Council seeking to meet and work with the individual to no avail. That places the current communicant membership at twenty. There was one covenant baptism. In light of the low numbers the challenge to increase the Trinity membership roll is ever before us to be diligent in inviting people to church. One of the amazing blessings this year was how God so generously supported the ministry of Trinity through the cheerful giving of His people. We are thankful for the support of the Western Classis and Synod this past year, and will continue to need this added support at a reduced rate. The congregation is to be commended for their labor of love in keeping the building and grounds looking immaculate. Many have stepped up to the plate and given much of their time, talents and treasures. Several have opened their homes for Ladies' Fellowship, and there is a good spirit of fellowship. The congregation also stepped up when asked to host a Special Classis meeting this past October and performed flawlessly in facilitating the meeting. I preached 48 times at Trinity, once in Lodi and once in Rogers, Arkansas. Series were done on 1 Thessalonians 1-2, The Seven Sayings of the Cross, Ephesians 5, and the Five Solas of the Reformation. The Sunday School continued working through the Heidelberg Catechism. There are no children in Sunday School or Confirmation with the exception of some occasional Sundays when families visited with children. On two Sunday evenings a month a Bible Study was held primarily going through the Gospel of John. The Lord's Supper was administered four times. I also have a fairly busy load on the denominational level serving as the Western Classis Clerk, and as the chairman of the RCUS Missions Committee. I had opportunity during a visit to Heidelberg this year to establish a contact with Reformation2Germany, which is an endeavor to bring the Reformation back to Germany by planting confessional, Reformed churches. The Reformed Theological Seminary is also housed in the church in Heidelberg and seeks to train men to plant Reformed churches in Germany. A deep debt of gratitude is to be directed to our Pastor Emeritus for the many times Rev. Treick steps in and fills in when I am away or fall ill. His presence and contribution to studies and conversations are always a great source of encouragement to me. The officers of Trinity are to be highly commended for their care and diligence. In particular we are thankful for the labor of Deacon Derek Reis who assumed the position as treasurer and has introduced some new approaches to line item funds that have proven very effective.

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In closing, the future of Trinity Reformed Church is in the hands our sovereign God who calls us to be diligent in planting and watering the seed of the gospel in our community. There is nowhere else that we would desire our future to be. In Christ's service, Rev. Hank Bowen

Classis Action: Take note.

E. Rev. Eric Bristley Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation—Psalm 111:1. Christ, our Head, has continued to pray for and strengthen us at Grace Reformed Church during this past year. We are encouraged by His promise, I will build My church, for neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase (Matt. 16:18; 1 Cor. 3:7). For it is by the power of Christ’s Spirit that we are able to serve Him, Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant (2 Cor. 3:5–6). We have continued in the worship of God and Christian fellowship every Lord’s Day during this past year. As we have met for morning worship and evening Fellowship and Bible study, there has been growing joy in mutual encouragement. Special services were held on Good Friday, Easter, Reformation Sunday, and Christmas, as well as our monthly celebration of the Lord’s Supper. The elders continue to help lead in worship and guard the Lord’s Table to maintain the purity of the church. My preaching ministry Sunday mornings continues to focus on the book of Hebrews, with additional messages on selected Psalms, and on the Upper Room discourse on Communion Sundays. For Reformation Day I preached at Providence Reformed RCUS at Rock Springs, WY. Sermons are now available on Sermonaudio.com Our Sunday morning Christian education program has continued with a Primary Class for our growing number of little “lambs” taught by Angela Gross. The Youth and Adult Class has been studying principles from Proverbs, team-taught by Elder Gross and myself. I taught a summer seminar on defending and commending the Christian faith, seeking to help our members gain confidence in sharing the gospel with non-Christians, and wisely answering questions and objections. All these classes continue to be well attended. Our monthly Men’s “Covenant Keepers” Fellowship, under the leadership of Elder Gross, has been focusing on the attributes of God, and it continues to be a great blessing for the men. We are planning soon to reignite our “Women of Grace” Bible fellowship time as well. Grace Reformed also conducts quarterly Sunday afternoon services at the Willows Care Center, a local nursing home. Our Sunday evening fellowship continues to be a rich time of singing, corporate prayer, and meditation on God’s Word. Elder Bowen has led us in song and ministered to the saints with wise encouragement, and Elder Gross led our time of prayer. We are deeply thankful to the Lord for so many answered prayers in many areas of need especially in regard to rain and snow. Earlier in 2015, I finished a study on the book of Job examining the biblical view of affliction and ways believers can comfort those who

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 44 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES suffer. Since then I have been teaching a survey of Romans which is designed to deepen our understanding of the gospel of God and Reformed soteriology. Our elders and deacons continue to promote the peace, purity, and unity of the church as they serve in the Spiritual Council and Consistory. God has blessed us with godly faithful men who use their gifts to lead the congregation. Our meetings have been times of good fellowship and working through issues together. Family visitation continues to be an area in need of improvement, however, which we strongly intend to work on this coming year. Our consistory continues to maintain a scholarship fund for those families needing help in affording Christian education. Plans for building renovations have been discussed further by the consistory, with a decision to have our architect draw up the detailed plans so we can get estimates on costs for different phases of the renovation. A number of improvements to our facility have been made which include a new communion table and baptismal font made by a local craftsman, a repainting of the Fellowship Hall, and removing one and a half tons of extra furniture and items from throughout the building. In August I had the joy of baptizing Amelia van Tol as a new covenant child of the church. We suffered membership loss, however, when a couple of our younger families decided to attend the Evangelical Free Church in a neighboring town. In November we experienced a great loss. One of our beloved members, Ted Van Tol, passed into glory suddenly while working on the dairy. He was a former elder and beloved teacher of the young peoples’ class for many years. He was very faithful in his testimony to Christ, and we continue to miss him greatly. Members of the congregation came alongside the family in various ways of consolation, and continue to do so. One of our challenges as a congregation is that we are relatively spread out, covering a 40-mile radius from Orland to Williams. Recently a few families have moved to the town of Willows which will provide more opportunity for more local witness. In other areas of ministry, I have served on the special committee of the Western Classis to examine the Two Kingdom doctrine. I also serve as chairman of the Classis Publications Committee which is working on the History of the Western Classis. I was appointed to serve on the Synodical Committee to evaluate cremation last Spring. Serving as RCUS archivist, I have been collecting materials on our history and doctrine for the archives, which have been moved to a new room. I continued to teach at City Seminary in Sacramento this year, with three courses—Christian Worldview, Missions and Evangelism, and Christian Education. I continue to encourage support of RCUS Missions and Middle East Reformed Fellowship (MERF), and I serve on the board of Westminster Biblical Missions. We are grateful to the Lord Jesus Christ who daily bears our burdens and gives us hearts to care for one another. For this reason I join with the apostle Paul in remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father (1 Thess. 1:3). We look forward to how He will guide and lead us in the coming year to grow in the faith. For Christ’s glorious kingdom, Rev. Eric D. Bristley

Classis Action: Take note.

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 WESTERN CLASSIS — RCUS 45

F. Covenant Reformed Church, Grass Valley Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ (Galatians 4:3–7). 2015 was a year filled with challenges and blessings in accordance with God’s providence and His blessings to us as His people. We were saddened by the departure of our sister Barbara Nelson, and the announcement from Pastor Roe as he retired from the pulpit in Grass Valley and began focusing on Missions full time. The Church saw her membership decline with the departure of four families, and has rejoiced in the faithful attendance of new families and those who returned to membership in 2015 as did the Ivey family. While there has been much change, our God has remained faithful and blessed us with every blessing, both in our spiritual walk and our commitment to see the gospel continue to be proclaimed in Grass Valley, and Nevada County. The pulpit was well served through the first part of the year by Pastor Roe who taught a series on the Gospel of Matthew, and following his retirement, by Elder Davis who taught a series on the Epistle to the Galatians, and Rev. Thomas Mayville. The Lord’s Table was presented monthly on the first Sunday of each month, and was over seen by Pastor Roe, and following his retirement by Rev. Thomas Mayville. The congregation celebrated the Lord’s Table twelve times in 2015. Currently the Spiritual Council is calling upon a local minister to serve the Lord’s Table on a monthly basis. I taught a 12 week Sunday School series on prayer at the request of the congregation. I am currently teaching through the book of Hosea in Sunday School. This has been a blessing to those in attendance and I am greatly encouraged by the level of interaction which has increased in the classes. Presently I have been blessed to continue to teach through the Epistle of Galatians, and see the blessing of regular pulpit supply in the preparation and delivery of the gospel. May God bless my humble abilities as I continue to lead the congregation in the coming year. There were three areas of discipline which the Spiritual Council dealt with in 2015 all of which were appealed to the Western Classis: a. Mrs. Angelica Sands was found to be no longer in good and regular standing in the church. Her appeal was upheld by the Western Classis and her standing in the church was restored, and she has been transferred by letter of transfer to First Reformed Church in Yuba City. As of this report she has not been received by the church and, as such, she remains under the authority of CRCGV. b. Elder Derrick Merkel was found to be no longer in good and regular standing in the church. His appeal was upheld by the Western Classis and he is presently a member in good and regular standing in the congregation of CRCGV. c. Mr. Steven Boren had been judicially erased from the roles of CRCGV in 2013 following being found no longer in good and regular standing. His appeal was upheld by the Western Classis and resulted in the overturning of his judicial erasure. There was a public announcement of this reversal to the congregation and Mr. Boren was recorded to have been administratively erased in October of 2015.

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 46 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES

It is my prayer to continue to serve the congregation as I continue to complete my seminary education. We (Daniella, my wife and I) have made the decision to move to the Rocklin area which will allow us to be closer to a majority of the congregation. We are currently beginning a bi-weekly prayer meeting at the church and looking for opportunities to share the gospel in and around the Grass Valley area. I give thanks to the Lord for His many blessings over this past year. While the circumstances are challenging we continue to receive encouragement in new visitors, those asking to join with us in membership, and many dedicated faithful believers who attend regularly. Please keep the work in Grass Valley and Stockton in prayer, and the families and communities of each as we face upcoming changes. Please pray for new families, men and women to join with us in serving God and growing His Church. Most of all please pray fervently for us as your Elders, and Pastors. Above all give thanks for the blessing of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus, through whom we have access to the throne room of grace, the blessings of mercy and confidence for the future. May the Lord be pleased to bless each and every one of you in the coming year, provide more than you ask in every area of your lives and most of all, glorify Himself through us by filling us with hope, love, mercy and grace as we continue to serve Him as we work in His kingdom. Respectfully submitted, Elder Matthew Davis

Classis Action: Take note. Elder Craig Combs led the body in prayer.

G. Rev. Gross Rev. Pollema gave an oral report on the health of Rev. Lloyd Gross.

Classis Action: Take note.

H. Rev. Gruggett Esteemed Fathers and Brethren, Blessed be the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. Herein is an account of my labors and some thoughts on the state of congregation in Bakersfield. Labors: I preached the Word of God most Sundays. In the first quarter of the year I finished preaching a serious through Philippians. I also preached through several other books of the Bible: Nahum, Malachi, Galatians, and the Beatitudes from Matthew’s Gospel which I finished in January of this year. For two months of the year I was relieved from teaching adult Sunday School in order to teach the high school Sunday class where I taught lessons on “Predestination,” “Finding the Will of God,” and “Personal Identity.” In the adult Sunday School, I taught various series on “Responding to Sickness,” “Prayer,” the “Miracles of Jesus,” and other topics including a sermon and a lesson on the topic of Biblical marriage just after the decision of the Supreme Court. The Lord’s Supper was administered four times and church discipline was administered in the form of restoration. One member was readmitted to the Lord’s Supper after being suspended. Another member was restored to full fellowship having been

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 WESTERN CLASSIS — RCUS 47 excommunicated (prior to my coming to GRC). I got a call from an OPC pastor in Utah who had been shepherding this young man. The pastor informed me that this brother was renouncing Mormonism and wanted to come back to the church and was asking to be readmitted. I was blown away, as were his parents. This brother was restored in absentia and transferred to the OPC church. Three covenant youth were confirmed in May after three years of instruction. I held catechism classes on Wednesday evenings during the school year. I taught two different sessions of membership classes. I visited the sick and convalescent and with an Elder administered the Lord’s Supper to one faithful member in a nursing facility. I married one couple in January, and conducted one funeral in June. I met with one couple on several occasions for counseling, as well as met with individuals for counseling. I made about 20 visits to the Kern County Mission where we have a member staying in rehab. At the behest of some of the ladies, we got a women’s Bible study going which meets twice a month on Tuesday mornings. Finally, I lead a book discussion group with six men throughout the year. We read all of John Frame’s Systematic Theology. Right now we are reading Turretin’s Institutes, which, to be honest, is taxing and not very fruitful. But these guys want to keep going. On Father’s Day (June 21) Deacon Sean Roe passed away. Sean was a good friend and his death has been hard. He was also our treasurer and computer programmer. He did the church’s finances on a separate computer which he encrypted and no one has been able to get into it. So for several months we went without financial reports. We chose a new treasurer, who assumed the job without complaint and has done an excellent job in getting our financial house in order. We saw a total of four adults come into membership through profession of faith for which we give thanks to God. One of these involved an adult baptism. This brother had been baptized as a boy in a Oneness Pentecostal Church in Lamont. He later disavowed the modalism but was never baptized properly. So we baptized him in the name of Triune God. No, this does not make us Anabaptists. While we gained four new adult members, we saw eight depart through transfer or death. Our efforts to relocate resulted in frustration. We have, for about two years, been trying to purchase a three-acre piece of land in a prime spot for a church. Though the prospect of purchasing this land at one time looked very promising, the owner is just not willing to part with his land. So we are still looking. What is available is expensive or not in a good spot. Evaluation: The people are eager to hear the preaching. I would give my sermons a B+ overall. Some sermons I will give an A, and some C’s and D’s. I give one an A+ and one gets a solid F. This is just my judgment based on a human scale. God is able to do with the message far more than I know. There is enough consistency that I think the congregation is pleased with the preaching. I think it is probably that part of my ministry they appreciate most. The church experiences good harmony. There is plenty of joy and laughter. We are a very friendly congregation in my opinion. However, it is strange and sometimes frustrates me that only about a third of the congregation comes to our twice a month fellowship luncheons. I mean, many don’t come even once. Yet come missions-fest day or confirmation day, (the traditional celebration meals) the whole church comes out in force. Per permission from the Elders, I held a meeting with most of the young families of the congregation. Basically these were families with school age children in the home.

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There were about ten families there to discuss the church. They have been giving their input on matters over the years. So I wanted to hear them out in a formal way. Public Worship is faithfully attended by the congregation. Little new here to report except that I added a second scripture, and later in the year we added a fourth hymn. Finding a natural location in the worship order for this hymn, however, is a little difficult. Right now we sing two hymns consecutively at the beginning of the service. I continue to use new hymns and songs in about half of the worship services. On one occasion we did one song with a piano, guitar, and violin. We intend to do the same in the future. I would like to introduce a section into the worship service of confession of sin with a declaration of pardon. This is quite common in Reformed circles, and was part of Calvin’s and Bucer’s liturgies. But we don’t practice this in RCUS. Any input on this subject would be greatly appreciated. I mentioned above that we gained four new adults through profession of faith. We are very thankful for this. However, we lost eight adults through transfer and death. This continues a negative trend of losing more than we have gained which has been going on for more than five years. I think people are feeling the weight of it. At the congregational meeting this January one Elder expressed his opinion that we are going to run this horse in the ground in 20 years. There will be no Grace Reformed Church for your children and grandchildren. In my congregational report to the congregation, I communicated the following thoughts: “This overall negative trend I could chalk up to the ebb and flow of routine church life, but I am worried that it really signifies decline for the congregation. That will be an unpopular judgment and perhaps discouraging. But if it is accurate, it would be irresponsible for me not to mention this concern and for you to merely dismiss it.” The congregation needs to hear this and many want this kind of alarm sounded. Financially, the congregation ended okay. Our total giving was about the same, but we spent about $15,000.00 more than we took in. No one is really worried about it since this was largely due to paying off guidelines from 2014 and paying up our EDD taxes. We contributed to Valley of Grace Reformed Bible Church per our commitment. We have committed ourselves to another two years of contribution of $1,350.00 a month starting in July. The Consistory has put together a budget for 2016 which will result in a shortfall if giving does not increase. Finally, my wife and I have been strapped financial largely because of the cost of Christian school. I asked the congregation for a raise, and they graciously granted it. Well, this report is supposed to be brief. So I will halt this excessive flow of words. While there are some worries, there is much to be thankful for. It is my prayer that the Lord of the Church will glorify His name through His people of Grace Reformed Church in Bakersfield in 2016. Respectfully Submitted, Rev. Tracy Gruggett

Classis Action: Take note.

I. Rev. Jimmy John Hall Fellow Ministers and Elders of the Western Classis, In Isaiah 52 the Lord speaks about a very great blessing. Verse 7 says, How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 WESTERN CLASSIS — RCUS 49 publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! From mountains around Jerusalem a messenger could be seen. Those people brought forth the message of the gospel of peace that God reigns. Praise God that at Covenant Reformed Church those messengers are numerous who share in the work of the Kingdom of God! By the grace of God through Jesus Christ and the power of the Spirit of Truth, Rev. Hall has been busy preaching, teaching, and doing outreach bringing the message of the gospel of Good News. Preaching: Over the past year Rev. Hall preached from the Gospel of Luke, the Epistle to the Colossians, the Psalms, the Book of Judges, the Epistle to the Romans, and preached occasional sermons from other places in the Scriptures. In total there have been approximately 65 sermons. Furthermore, Mr. Yevgeni Kogay has been preaching at least once per month at Covenant Reformed Church and other Churches in the area to help sharpen his skills to prepare and preach the Good News. Over the last year Rev. Hall has begun to compare preaching to the production of wine grapes. Wine grapes are at their best when they are stressed out. Sermon preparation seems to be very similar; not that any pastor is ever at their best, but some of the most gracious comments have been privately said about the preaching during a week of stress and ensuing doubt about the final product – bottle shock for sure. May God continue to work in Rev. Hall an even greater understanding and mastery of His Word for the sake of the dear saints in Sacramento, CA. Teaching: In addition to the call to preach the gospel is the responsibility to teach the gospel. Over the last year, Rev. Hall has been teaching through the Epistle to the Romans. Currently, there are about 10 to 15 people in attendance at the Hall home for the Bible Study. In order to effectively teach, materials have been placed on the YouVersion Bible app, emailing teaching outlines for advanced preparation, and making materials available at the residence for any new guests. Furthermore, Rev. Hall is already planning for the next Bible Study when Romans is finished, the Book of Ezekiel. In addition to the Hall’s Bible Study, there are at least four other Bible Studies in members’ homes; a young men’s group, another studying the Gospel of Matthew, another studying the Old Testament historical books, and two ladies Bible Studies. Praise God for such willing sacrifices of valuable time and energy. Covenant Reformed Church also organized a ‘Winter Conference’ for the study of the issue called ‘Two- Kingdoms/Natural Law.’ Dr. Cornel Venema from Mid-America Theological Seminary was the guest speaker. For the most part everybody was well pleased. The Lord willing, Covenant Reformed Church will sponsor another event in 2017 and continue to have a presence in its member’s neighborhoods. Another part of the responsibility to teach is the catechizing of the young people in the faith. The number of young people has grown slightly by three, giving the catechism class a total of 12. The young people continue to be energetic and mentally sharp in class and diligent to finish their work in the work book and memorization of the catechism. Lastly, Rev. Hall has held two membership classes during the year and Dr. Walker also taught another member’s class. May God add to each Bible Study new people, more homes for the study of His Word, more Church sponsored events, and hide His Word in the young peoples’ hearts. Outreach: The outreach has been taken seriously by members of Covenant Reformed Church. One person organized an outreach team. As a result, there have been

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 50 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES at least three times where there has been local outreach. Also, Rev. Hall and five other people have been meeting monthly to pray together about people we are bringing to Christ. At first the number of potential people was three but has grown to about twenty- five people. Also, with other members of the church, Rev. Hall has been handing out Bibles with other materials at the highway exit ramp to 99 South. In order to grab peoples’ attention, Rev. Hall made a cardboard sign that says, “Need the Bible?” Together we have distributed about 300 Bibles with tracts and some Three Forms of Unity. Lastly, discussion has begun about a possible church plant in Reno, NV. Statistics: Over the last year Covenant Reformed Church has seen some new members and other members lost. The loss of membership had in part to do with moving to a new area. So, Covenant Reformed Church has received eight new people by profession of faith and one person by transfer, totaling nine people. We have lost six members to dismissal, two people to erasure, and one person to death, adding together eight people. Also, there have been eight covenant children baptized and a total of twelve times the Lord’s Supper has been given. Conclusion: Preaching, teaching, outreach, and opening the Hall home to our church family has been wonderful and kept Rev. Hall busy over the last year. It has been so wonderful to see the church work together and care for one another in various ways. There are so many people at Covenant Reformed Church so willing to be part of the number of messengers of God to tell others about Christ. May our Great God and Savior continue to grow the church, bless the preaching and teaching with sound doctrine and practice by the strength of Christ. Respectfully, In Christ, My Lord and My God, Rev. Jimmy John Hall

Classis Action: Take note. Elder Joe Gross led the body in prayer.

J. Rev. Paul Henderson Esteemed Fathers and Brothers of the Lord Jesus Christ, We now have an armed member or two stationed in the back pews. I have a 20 gauge shotgun in my office/study. We have a 9” hardball and ‘Zombie Foam Dart Gun’ by the pulpit! We have a special verbal alert system just in case there is trouble spotted by the pastor during the worship service, should a ‘stranger’ bring it! We are really and truly preparing for what? At our Annual meeting we had a 45 minute lively discussion about this entire matter. We have a dear Elder who is down for the time being, though he was elected to another three year term as he expressed his ardent desire to continue serving his Lord and Savior. We have many sick, and at times, infirmed seasoned citizens in our midst. We have a bunch of newlyweds that are getting adjusted to their new marital status and callings. We have two pastors working in the same town – in the same building – yelling across to each other – praying once in a while—having coffee or lunch together here and there – encouraging and scaring each other as often as we can—probably frustrating one another a bit and finally, two pastors working with somewhat different things, with different people, so to speak, yet hoping for the same result!

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Moreover we have a State, a Nation and a crazy old world that is ever seeking to promote utter foolishness, godlessness, and a fascist like control over us! Obey us or face the consequences! We are ever surrounded by a false church that gets its messages and directions directly from God and sings and worships with that good ole modern musical show-beat that truly engages and entertains the modern souls and feet of its gatherers. We have an unholy tolerance of the evils of a false and ugly religion in Islam where we are supposed to hug it until we are satisfied and content with its evil and wicked Sharia laws! Love me! Love us or die you stinking infidel is the cry! And not just from the followers of this false faith but from its nefarious supporters in this country! What is a Christian, a family, a church to do? The French Field Marshall Ferdinand Foch said: “Mon centre cede. Ma droite recule. Situation excellente! J”attaque!” or “My center is giving way. My right is retreating. Situation excellent! I shall attack.” Yes dear brothers, we must always be on the “attack” with the glorious good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ against the gates of hell which are always busy seeking to withstand this gospel march! For trusting in man, (especially our elected officials) whoever they may be, will never get it done! Our hope, our trust and our only comfort comes from trusting in our gracious Lord and seeking first His righteousness and His kingdom. Therefore, as I look back over this year, I am once again truly thankful that He has given me the privilege and extreme blessing to do His bidding via the preaching and teaching of the holy gospel, truly thankful that He has set me as one of His lively stones in the spiritual house or temple that He is building in this the day of my sojourning. This past year I have completed a series of sermons through Galatians. I have been enjoying a series of sermons on the “History of Jacob,” Genesis 28-47, along with an assortment of sermons dealing with the various trials and tribulations of living in these perilous times. The Catechism/Confirmation classes continue on pace, and they are always filled with much pertinent discussion and thought provoking instruction. The Sunday School classes continue to be held each Sunday with a strong, vibrant group always in attendance, the average age being 68 yrs. old! Now to get a further flavor of what the year was like at Ebenezer and to account for the labors of the pastor, I set before you the many things that the Lord has done for us this past year as well as the mercies that our Lord showered upon us, our families, and our friends. We are all truly thankful for the many successful surgeries and treatments, help during the many bouts with sinuses, the eyes, the hip, the hearts, the back and sensitive nerves, etc. We are thankful that Dolly K. returned home after four months of being in various facilities! For the grace that was all-sufficient in times of pain and suffering and the loss of mobility! For the strength and comfort we received in the face of death and grief! I was called upon to preside over three funerals this year, two of which were non-members. For worship every month with our sisters in the Shafter Rest Home! What a blessing! For Rev. Alpuche’s Sunday School lessons and for all our Sunday School teachers. For the daily privilege of praying for one another! For new jobs, and the keeping of old ones: Crops planted, cultivated, cared for and harvested! For the joy and the blessing in the baptism of a new covenant child - Miss Payton M. Parsons! For the blessing and joy in the birth of a new covenant child - Miss Oliva J.

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Kirschenmann! For the graduations of some, as well as the marriages between brothers and sisters in the Lord! Clint and Stacey Kirschenmann / Zane and Jenna Velasquez! For the reaffirmation of faith and the gaining of a new member in Mrs. Stacey K.! For the means to be financially stable and a helper of those in need. For the grace to support and carry on the mission of Valle de Gracia! For our pianists: Tina, Marianne and Vivian—by the way, Vivian is officially retired after 65 plus years of playing for everything!! For monthly potluck meals and the every Sunday snacks, the coffee set up, and all this made ready by the dynamic duo of Sunny and Raymond Williams! For all of the meals and flowers, cards and notes sent to those in need, and the decorations! For a Sweetheart Banquet sponsored by our younger folk and for our famous Rev. Crooners! For Virginia Bender and her labors as she led the Church Family Singers! For being enabled to host the 30th Annual Meeting of the Western Classis! For Heidelberg Church Camp Week! For our July Ice-Cream Social and hosting David Voytek and hearing about his trip to Nepal! For Rev. Robert Grossmann preaching here again! For Mission Fest Service - Rev. Lee Johnson and family, and the Omaha Mission work! For the Special Classis meeting to handle some serious judicial complaints! For our Reformation Celebration and Ice-Bucket challenges. For the Christmas gathering of the Church Ladies at the Parsonage! For the beautiful Church Family Christmas Eve Celebration and a host of new pianists! For our faithful elderly and older saints and the blessed outlook or prospect they have as they seek to finish the race before them, ever leading the charge for us all, and for all of the “For Family Happenings” which are too numerous to mention. This in a “nut-shell” gives my brothers a little insight into the spiritual and physical well-being of the saints here at Ebenezer Reformed Church at Shafter, and into the labors of this pastor. Thank you all, and each and every member of your churches for the labors rendered unto the Lord and His folk, as well as for the prayers offered on behalf of the gospel ministry throughout California and beyond! Respectfully Submitted, Rev. Paul H. Henderson

Classis Action: Take note.

K. Rev. Michael Voytek Esteemed Fathers and Brothers in Christ, Like it or not, there is no perfect church here on earth. Praise God that through the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ, the Father looks upon us as perfect and at the same time the Holy Spirit is in the process of perfecting (sanctifying) us. We look forward to the completion of His work in glory. Now as the church militant, we wage warfare against the world, the flesh, and the Devil until Christ returns. The Apostle Paul was not ignorant of these challenges for he wrote; Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God… For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus

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Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed -- always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you ….Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Cor. 4:12, 6-14, 16-18). There is an old saying that there are two ways of evaluating a glass half filled with liquid; it is either half empty or half full. Let’s begin with the positive, noting the variety of ways in which God has richly blessed Rehoboth Reformed Church. We completed another year as a self-governing church and have been blessed by the faithful service of the elders and deacon. They continue to grow in wisdom and experience as they faithfully serve the Lord and His beloved people. Please pray for these men and their families. Also pray that the Lord will raise up more officers to serve His beloved church. We have settled into our meeting location at the Cerritos Elementary School and our new office across the street at Concordia Lutheran Church. We also have the use of classrooms and the multipurpose room there as needed. For example, last year we used a classroom for our Wednesday book study and are planning to use the multipurpose room to host the members of the Synod Home Missions Committee when they gather in Los Angeles later in February. This blessing has been in answer to many prayers over a number of years. Another encouraging blessing from the Lord was the participation in activities and ministries beyond the gathering for public worship on the Lord’s Day. These include the Wednesday evening book study and the weekly fellowship meal. Furthermore, I am especially grateful to the Lord for raising up elder Carl Esparza to assist in leading the worship service and to teach the Canons of Dort last year and the Heidelberg Catechism this new year. We have been richly blessed. Through our church website, the use of advertising through Google and sermonaudio.com as well as the services of a couple other web companies, our visibility as a church has greatly increased. This is evident in the increase in first time visitors. Please pray that the Lord will continue to bring in new visitors and to incorporate them into the membership of the church. I reminded the congregation in our annual congregational meeting in January that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has called us, His beloved people, to be His witnesses throughout the whole world (Acts 1:8). Besides the website, sermonaudio.com and invitation cards, we have attempted to shine the light of Christ at Cerritos College. In 2014 we helped establish a Christian club called “Living Well Bible Club” and the Lord is greatly blessing this effort. We are currently conducting six outreach Bible studies as well as distributing Bibles, gospel tracts, and Heidelberg Catechisms. We have also had many opportunities to counsel and pray with those we meet on campus and are encouraged by the increasing number of students who attend our Sunday services. Just

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 54 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES two weeks ago we received our first new member through this outreach and presently have three individuals reached by this ministry attending membership classes. Please continue to pray for these efforts to impact the Cerritos community and beyond with the life changing gospel of our Lord Jesus. There are a number of other areas that I could mention in which we can discern the Lord’s hand of blessing during the past year, but instead I would like to turn my attention to the challenges that we at Rehoboth face as we continue to serve the Lord in this new year. In 2015, the Lord of the harvest saw fit to vigorously prune the vineyard that it might bring forth more fruit. For example, in the membership statistics we saw a net loss of seven communicant members. Among these, four of these members moved out of the area and thus could not attend Rehoboth and two others chose to join a church some distance away to encourage a close family member in his Christian walk. Also, in the financial statistics you will note that we did not meet our budget expectations of income and had to use reserves in order to balance the budget. These two areas are in need of serious and concerted prayer. At the same time it should be noted that the average number of visitors is 12 per Sunday. Part of the purposes of the parochial report is to answer the question of whether the church maintains the three marks of the true church as delineated in the Belgic Confession (Article 29). I am happy to report, and the elders can confirm, that those marks are faithfully maintained. Concerning the first mark (the preaching of the pure doctrine of the gospel), it has been my desire and goal to be faithful in the proclamation of the whole counsel of God as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. By God's grace, I have almost completed a sermon series from the book of Acts. During the Sunday School hour, besides the faithful labor of two members who teach the younger children and youth, elder Carl Esparza completed a study in 2 Corinthians and will begin a series in the book of Hebrews. We also began a Wednesday night book study and completed the book “Knowing God” by J.I. Packer in December. We recently started studying the book “Trust God Even When Life Hurts” by Jerry Bridges. These studies have been enthusiastically received. We have two young people attending our current confirmation class and we are looking forward to the addition of a third in the future. Concerning the second and third marks of the true church, I am pleased to report that they are being faithfully maintained as well. The Lord’s Supper was celebrated six times last year. The elders faithfully guard the Lord’s Table through the interview of those visitors who request to join with us and will follow that up by sending a notice of participation to the visitor’s church. They function as shepherds among the flock and guardians of the gospel. In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to express appreciation for the faithful support and prayers of the members and officers of the churches of the Western Classis. As you well know, the mission work in Los Angeles has been struggling to establish itself as a church for a number of years. It is because of the Lord’s blessing and the patience and faithful support and encouragement of the churches and individual members of the RCUS that have made it possible to enable us to keep preaching, praying, and plugging away. Your fellow bondservant in Christ, Rev. Michael Voytek

Classis Action: Take note.

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L. Rev. Thomas Mayville Beloved brothers of the Western Classis, I am so very thankful for the love you, your wives, and your congregations have shown to me and Carolyn again these last 12 months. We thank you for your continued encouragement and prayers about our future. Via this report, we also want to express our deep gratitude to all the members of your churches for providing funds for our health insurance (Samaritan’s Ministries) these last 12 months. We do rejoice that these last 12 months have been better than the previous Classical years in several ways. In our Heavenly Father’s gracious and loving providence, there has been no open door for me to labor full time in ministerial work for the church of Christ while continuing to live near Modesto. However, the Great Shepherd of the Sheep has given me many opportunities to continue in the service of the Church with direct denominational work. I have preached a total of 24 times since last Classis. I was very blessed to lead worship and preach every other week for eight months at Covenant Reformed, Grass Valley (administering the Lord’s Supper monthly). Our Lord also gave me opportunities to lead worship and preach at the RCUS churches in Willows four times and Stockton once. Also, I led worship and preached at the Modesto OPC four times. I had hoped that the Grass Valley Consistory by this time would accept my offer to serve as an interim pastor for one year at half time and half salary. By the time this report is read to you at Classis I will know whether or not that will happen. At Calvary Reformed, Stockton, I have continued to seek to be a blessing to the congregation under the oversight of Rev. Merica and Elder Goehring. I have had several opportunities to counsel and performed two weddings in 2015. For Classis, I was a member of the Christian Education Committee which had no work. For the Synod, I served on the Kenya Subcommittee of the FMC including planning a one month mission trip to Kenya with Rev. Roe, visiting the Reformed Fellowship Church of Kenya congregations. My job search since last February has included many applications and interviews. In the fall I was working five part time jobs. I thank God for providing part time work in foreign missions two days per week at Westminster Biblical Missions. Presently I am also working three eight hour days per week at Home Depot and one day per week driving for Uber. The Foreign Ministries Committee will be recommending to Synod my becoming the new Missions Coordinator two days per week. I ask for your support at Synod for this work. I have been and continue to pray that our Lord and Savior will open a door for me so that I may continue in the pastoral ministry of the RCUS in California as either a full time pastor or part time associate pastor. Please continue to pray with us about these matters, and as always your advice and counsel are most welcome. I would like to offer my services to Western Classis Consistories for pulpit supply whenever needed. Dear brothers, our income is still about half of our 2013 income. Last year, I requested $315.00 per month in diaconal aid for our $360.00 per month health insurance. For this Classical year, I humbly request $290.00 per month until or unless I obtain full time pastoral work with health insurance before March 2017. If that happens I will notify the treasurer and Diaconal Committee that I no longer need help. May the will of Christ Jesus be done in and through your fellow Elder and Minister. Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which . . .that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak - Colossians 4:2-4.

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In His service, Rev. Thomas Mayville Classis Action: Rev. Henderson read the report. The report was referred to Standing Benevolence. Elder DeYoung led the body in prayer.

M. Rev. Gary Mancilas Esteemed Brethren, The saints of Covenant Reformed Church (CRC) would have the delegates of the 31st Annual Session of the Western Classis to know that “they continue steadfast in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayer;” and they send their greetings to you and their prayers for the honorable work of the Reformed Church in the United States. They are profoundly thankful to be members of this organic glorious Body of Christ. As the pastor of CRC, it is my duty and honor to give the following account of my labors and of the spiritual and temporal condition of the charge: PASTOR’S LABORS: Again, my pastoral charge is entered upon with the expectations of God’s blessings for His church. Endeavoring to discharge my pastoral duties, proper attention has been given to keeping the church records, to teaching the men’s Bible studies and catechism class, and to providing for the adult Sunday School class, personal visitations and counseling sessions. In my forty-eight Lord’s Days sermons, the preaching of the gospel focused mainly on the Law\Gospel and the Ten Commandments. Denominationally, I was appointed to the Western Classis Christian Education in the Church Committee and to the Synod Diaconal Ministries Committee. SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF THE CHARGE: I declare that CRC is fulfilling its purpose of glorifying God in the Body of Christ and is worthy to be called the true Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. The doctrines of the gospel are preached in their purity, agreeably to the Word of God, careful attention is given to the instruction of the youth for confirmation, in faithfully providing spiritual nurture for the congregation, elder’s visitation is performed and Christian discipline is exercised according to the Constitution, and the sacraments of Holy Baptism and the Lord's Supper are properly administered in accordance with the Confessions and the Constitution. Elders David Helseth and Jim Gochnauer faithfully assist and support the pastor in the spiritual affairs of the Church. The members have received their pastor and officers and have highly esteemed them in love for their work’s sake. The congregation continues to observe the RCUS Day of Prayer and Fasting in January, the Annual Day of Prayer for Home and Foreign Missions in September, the Western Classis Annual Day of Prayer for missions as scheduled, and regular special prayer meetings for home and foreign mission works, including all the work of the church. TEMPORAL CONDITION OF THE CHARGE: That the church may be edified, Deacons Scott McAfee and Chris Hekman attend to the temporal affairs of the congregation. Constitutionally, they assist and support the other officers of the congregation and promote its general welfare. The poor and needy are cared for in a responsible manner, and the charities of the church are properly dispensed. Labor is performed among the people in making known to them the needs of the church, which fosters the principle of stewardship, and thereby cultivates the spirit of liberal and

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 WESTERN CLASSIS — RCUS 57 cheerful giving. In order to continue the work in Chico it was necessary to make further adjustments to balance the 2016 budget. Regarding evangelism, using the church’s limited resources, every effort is targeted to raise awareness of our Reformed presence in the community. CONCLUSION: In appreciation, the Consistory conveys to the denomination that we are most grateful to those who have offered their love, support, concern, and prayers. In the providence of God, the financial status of the church continues to be in God’s hands, and we wait upon God to bless the church with the needed resources and church growth. Respectfully submitted in Christ, Rev. Gary Mancilas Classis Action: Take note.

N. Rev. Jonathan Merica The great task for the church in our generation is to arise by the power of God's Spirit and to call sinners to repent and believe upon Jesus Christ. Calvary Reformed Chapel in Stockton, CA welcomes this great challenge of carrying out the "Great Commission" with the anticipation that God will bring a mighty reformation of His Church as we labor together in the gospel. Our weekly church bulletin exhorts all believers to pray for a true spiritual reformation in the hearts of many in our nation, and in the Stockton area. God promises in II Chronicles 7:14, If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. By God's grace, I was privileged to preach the Word of God 49 Lord's Days at Calvary Reformed Chapel in 2015. In the morning worship services I preached through the book of Hebrews and currently am preaching through the book of Philippians. I have conducted a weekly Bible Study from the book of John. It has also been my honor and privilege upon several occasions in the past year to proclaim God's Word at Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Modesto, CA. We continue to have a time of prayer each Lord's Day before the morning Sunday School asking for the Lord's blessings upon the ministry of the Word and for the needs of our members. In the Sunday School class, I have been teaching through the book of Acts. This study in Acts encourages us to be more focused and energized to evangelize the lost. We are very grateful for the labors of Steve Mason in recording and uploading the sermons at Calvary Reformed Chapel to sermonaudio.com. These sermons are also linked to our website at www.calvaryreformedchapel.com. Pray that God will use the sermons on sermonaudio.com to bring many souls to salvation and to spread the gospel in the Stockton area. Another method of outreach is through providing good Reformed literature to visitors and members, especially the distribution of personal copies to all visitors of the Three Forms of Unity. Please pray that our Lord Jesus Christ will be pleased to pour out His grace and Spirit upon our labors for His kingdom and glory. We offer heartfelt thanksgiving to God for giving our congregation the love and unity of Christ which binds us together. It is our desire that God will grow us spiritually as well as numerically in 2016.

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What a privilege it has been to labor in missions with Westminster Biblical Missions as the Assistant Field Chairman in missions' work to Pakistan. Due to the need for me to focus upon the growth of Calvary Reformed Chapel in Stockton, CA, I have resigned from serving as Assistant Field Chairman to Pakistan. Thankfully, Rev. Thomas Mayville has taken on that position. I look forward to continuing my labors with WBM as Assistant to Rev. Dennis Roe, the General Secretary. I thank God's people for praying for the needs on the mission field in Pakistan and for giving financial gifts. Please continue to support the Lord's work in the Muslim nation of Pakistan. In 2015 Calvary Reformed Chapel became a Western Classis and Synodical mission work of the RCUS. The Western Classis missions committee graciously visited Calvary Reformed Chapel on January 31, 2016 with Rev. Paul Henderson and Elder David Helseth bringing words of encouragement and challenge to our congregation. The support of RCUS home missions has greatly assisted in our ability to "arise and build" the congregation at Calvary Reformed Chapel. It is my desire in 2016 to focus upon a city- wide outreach effort in spreading the gospel throughout the Stockton metropolitan area. On February 23-25, 2016 we look forward to the RCUS Synod Meeting in Los Angeles. Every Lord's Day, Calvary Reformed Chapel members are encouraged to pray for other RCUS mission works by including one RCUS mission work's prayer request list in the church bulletin each week. It is our prayer that the Lord will be pleased to bless our labors with much spiritual fruit. Calvary Reformed Chapel lost some members in 2015. Ron, Laura and Caleb Stevens were dismissed to a Presbyterian congregation, and Abigail Goehring was transferred to Providence Reformed Church in Lodi, CA. Mark Williams' membership was removed by administrative erasure. We offer gratitude to our gracious Lord for Robert Withee and his two sons Patrick and Kyle who have been visiting us with some regularity. The visitors who attend Calvary Reformed Chapel have discovered our congregation primarily through our web site. We are grateful to God for the saints at Covenant Reformed Church at Grass Valley, CA, who have prayed for the work of missions in Stockton and for their spiritual oversight. We know that the Lord sends times of plenty and lean times as well, but we are confident that the Lord is building His church. Since Covenant Reformed Church at Grass Valley is currently without a pastor and has only one elder, they will be seeking augmentation by elders from Sacramento Covenant Reformed Church to supply the need in Grass Valley. In light of these providences, Calvary Reformed Chapel is pleased that Trinity Reformed Church at Modesto, CA has stated a willingness to provide oversight for the congregation in Stockton, CA. Together we are laboring to further the Kingdom of God for His glory. I ask that you pray that our Lord Jesus Christ will be pleased to pour out His grace and Spirit upon our labors to grow His Kingdom. May God give us grace to bring forth fruit to honor our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Brethren, Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ . . . (Col 4:2-3). In Christ's Service for God's Glory, Rev. Jonathan Merica

Classis Action: Take note.

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O. Rev. Vernon Pollema Esteemed Brethren: This past year my ministerial labors were limited to supplying pulpits and teaching the adult Sunday School classes for the three area congregations (Grace-Lancaster, Grace-Bakersfield, Ebenezer-Shafter), and an occasional devotional for Women of Grace, Bakersfield. The majority of the preceding was done at Grace, Lancaster, a congregation which has become dear and precious. I continue to serve on the permanent committees of Classis and Synod, and remain an adjunct professor and board member of Heidelberg Theological Seminary, Sioux Falls, SD. HTS has been designated as an institution worthy of support by Synod and should be considered for special offerings by our congregations. Seminary support does not appear to be of great concern among our congregations. How sad as well as ominous. I am looking forward to attending Synod this year. There will not be the conflict with graduation exercises of grandchildren since Synod is scheduled to meet in Bakersfield. Next year is another matter, but should be the last of such conflicts. My health issues (PSA number and diabetic condition) are under control and the Lord continues to bless my wife and me with relatively excellent health. We are deeply grateful for His financial provision through the supplemental ministerial aid we receive each month due to the generous care and love of His people. In closing, some of you may be aware of the penchant (what some may consider a weakness) I have for Southern Gospel music. I leave you with the following and pray that it will bless you as it has me: Can’t believe another year has passed; can’t believe I’m one year older. Is time really moving fast, or am I just moving slower. But I have this consolation as the years go swiftly on, Knowing that with each passing day, I’m one day closer home. People save for a rainy day, but the rains come too fast. Earthly treasures just pass way; what’s done for Christ will last. So, I’m planning for my future, and it’s somewhere round God’s throne. And I know that with each passing day, that I’m one day closer home. Refrain: One day closer home; one less day ‘til I see Jesus. One more day to tell somebody God’s the only One to free us. If I live to see tomorrow, when this day is past and gone, No, I don’t feel any older, but I’m one day closer home. Respectfully submitted, Rev. Vernon Pollema Classis Action: Take note. Elder Larry Lynch led the body in prayer.

P. Rev. Neale Riffert Esteemed Brothers: Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth – Proverbs 27:1.

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It is nice to be here today—really nice! I praise God for His great grace, mercy, love, and the wonderful kindness extended to me and my family through the course of the past year. I also want to thank you for the prayers lifted up on our behalf during the tough days that we experienced through the last half of September and the months of October and November. The first part of the year I preached each Sunday, and continued with the Wednesday evening Bible Study until the work was dissolved the last Sunday in March. From April to the present we have worshiped with the saints of the Faith OPC, Garland, TX who also showed us great kindness during those tough days. I am thankful for their pastor, Chad Bond, and for the fellowship in the congregation. September 18th was a beautiful day in Texas, and I was busy in the morning doing touch up work on our house which we placed on the market trying to fulfill a planned move to California. At about noon I began to feel a sharp pain in the lower portion of my back. Thinking I overdid stooping and bending in the morning work, I went into my study to finish up some work on sermons (I was asked to preach at the Garland church on the 20th), and the day before a friend who had been worshiping within the work at Sherman, died, and the family asked if I would conduct his funeral on the 21st. The pain got progressively worse. I rested most of the afternoon until dinner, and after dinner returned to finish what I wanted to complete on the sermons. By 7:00 PM I told Mary Elizabeth I was going to shower and then rest in bed for a while. At about 9:30 that evening I was in such pain that I asked her to call 911 for an ambulance, adding that something was terribly wrong. I was taken by the paramedics to Wilson N. Jones Hospital in Sherman. I can't tell what all they did there except to say that in God's good providence the doctor was on hand and made wise decisions knowing that they did not have the equipment nor the doctors to do the surgery required, and arranged for my transport by helicopter to Baylor Heart Hospital, Plano, Texas (Plano is in the DFW metroplex) a distance of 60 miles, and twenty minutes by helicopter. With pain and discomfort it's 600 miles and six hours by helicopter. However, there was no time wasted and when I arrived at Baylor they were prepared to do immediate surgery, delayed only by my condition. My aorta must have ruptured during the flight. By the time I arrived at Baylor my body temperature had dropped to 34 degrees, I had no pulse, I was in severe shock, had no blood pressure, was severely hypothermic, and was losing blood badly. After the emergency room treatment at Wilson Jones, I was placed in another room. There Mary Elizabeth was able to call our daughters, and I spoke with each of them telling them “I was afraid I was going to die, and would not be able to speak with them tomorrow, and how much I loved them, and that I was in the hands of my Lord God.” Mary Elizabeth and Jr. stayed with me at Wilson Jones until the helicopter arrived. It arrived at 1:00 AM. As there was no room in the copter to transport them, she called a friend from our church in Sherman and asked if he were able to take her and Jr to Plano. Without hesitation he said he'd be there in about 25 minutes. They arrived at Plano about 2:30 AM. In the meantime, our daughter Naomi and her two sons (her husband John was at a Presbytery meeting) were at the hospital when I arrived, but I was rushed into the surgery theater and they had to wait for reports from the doctors and nurses, which were given to her and Mary Elizabeth throughout the night and early morning. The survival rate for an abdominal aortic aneurysm is about two percent. The report from the surgeon was more hopeful. He told Mary Elizabeth that I had a 50/50 chance, but there was a further complication in that another surgery would be necessary to

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 WESTERN CLASSIS — RCUS 61 remove my gall bladder, and they wouldn't be able to do it for another three days (I had gall stones and was bleeding from the gall bladder). The delay was in order to give my body rest from the present trauma. The plan was to leave the present incision open so they would not have to make another. Good plan. From the 19th to the 23rd of September I was kept in a semi-comatose state. I have no recollection at all until I became fully conscious on the 23rd. While in the hospital those attending to me from the surgical staff, the nursing staff, and the therapy staff were wonderful. They referred to me as the “miracle man” or the “survivor.” I also had Home Health Care for four weeks after release from the hospital. I thank God for them all and for the wisdom and skill that He supplies to men and women to help us on our way. I am thankful to my Lord, for directing my steps, praise Him for my wonderful Mary Elizabeth who by her strength and encouragement made a speedy recovery pleasant, tending to my medications, meals, sundry whims, etc. I am thankful also for my family and the assistance they provided, for the friends who prayed for me and my family. For all the prayers lifted before the throne of God on my behalf, for the cards, letters, and encouragements extended to us. I make no boast about tomorrow. If the Lord wills, I shall live and do this or that – James 4:13 (modified). It is nice being here and I attribute this solely to God through His gracious providence. Respectfully submitted Rev. Neale R. Riffert Classis Action: The report was referred to Standing Benevolence for Ministerial Aid.

Q. Rev. Dennis Roe Rev. Roe gave an oral report of his ministerial activities this year.

Classis Action: Take note.

R. Rev. Sam Powell I have struggled over this report. I started originally by quoting Ephesians 6:10-13 intending to report on the spiritual warfare in which the church is engaged. Then I looked at last year’s report and noticed that I did the exact same thing last year. Last year, I reported about those in the congregation struggling with intense chronic pain, those with elderly parents, and those whose bodies seem to be falling apart. This year, instead of improving, physical suffering seems to have gotten worse. Those who were in constant pain continue in constant pain with no end in sight. As I was reading last year’s report, I was reminded of Psalm 6: Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed. My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long? (Psalm 6:2-3 KJV). But this is not a gloomy report for when we are weak the Lord shows Himself strong. The maladies of some have given the others the opportunity to shine the light of the love of Jesus, even in the midst of darkness. So the spiritual warfare grows more intense, but the light of the gospel shines even more brightly and the communion of the saints by the power of the Holy Spirit continues to knit our hearts together in love.

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The year began with two of the saints being called into glory. John Stewart and Audrey Stricker fought the good fight of faith and their warfare ended. They now enjoy their rest in the bosom of their Father. The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, is wielded three times on Sundays. I finished the minor prophets during Sunday School and started back at the beginning, in Genesis; I continued through the book of Hebrews for the sermon Sunday mornings, and began Bible study through the Psalms each Sunday evening. I am very thankful for Rev. Sawtelle, who was able to fill the pulpit six times this past year. I missed two Sundays when I lit myself on fire burning a brush pile, and I missed several more for Synod and vacations. We also welcomed into membership the Samul family who joined with us in the summer so that Colin could complete his internship requirements for ordination. It has been a great joy mentoring Colin and getting to know his family. Colin filled the pulpit four times this past year, and periodically taught Sunday evening Bible studies, Sunday School, helped with catechizing the young people, and led the worship services. Every other Sunday he traveled to Anderson to exhort at Faith Reformed Church. The Lord’s Supper was served 12 times and three infants were baptized. There was one confirmation and two professions of faith. There was one excommunication. One ongoing struggle this past year was getting everyone together for catechism during the week. We have the same struggle with Sunday School on Sunday mornings. Everyone is so busy with so many different things that it was difficult to find a time when everyone could meet, and our children missed many Sunday School classes. I must remind the congregation that in the middle of sports seasons, hunting seasons, extracurricular activities, school and so many other things that occupy our time, there is only one command of God with regards to our children: Teach them diligently. And yet this is the command that seems to take the back seat when schedules become difficult. Another difficulty in our congregation has to do with geography. We are really spread out in every direction. From Sutter, to Browns Valley, to Greenwood, to Natomas, to Lincoln, our members come many miles. We are able to stay connected through texts, phone calls, and social media, but we miss face-to-face time. I continue to put many miles on my vehicle. I am now teaching Old Testament courses as well as Hebrew at City Seminary. I teach twice per week – Mondays and Thursdays. I serve on the Candidates and Credentials Committee, and chair the Child Safety Committee for the Western Classis. I continue to serve as the chairman of the Permanent Publications and Promotions Committee of Synod. I have not been able to do the work on these committees as I would have liked, but I did what I could. I am so thankful to God for the love and care of the congregation during Susan’s ongoing health struggles. There does not seem to be an end in sight to her constant and debilitating pain. We had some scary days in 2015, and many challenges. Please continue to pray for us. We are striving by God’s grace to make our congregation a safe place for the sheep. It is a tremendous blessing to me to watch those who came to us broken, fearful, and distrustful learn to rest in Christ. We have learned first-hand that God alone prepares a table for us in the midst of our enemies, and we take great pleasure in resting together in God’s green pastures. The congregation is joyful, even in tribulation; hopeful, even in pain; rejoicing, even through tears; and always growing in the Lord. We are learning to take our trust off of all

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 WESTERN CLASSIS — RCUS 63 creatures and place it in God alone. We are learning that this world is not our home, that we seek a heavenly kingdom, and as we travel as strangers and pilgrims we will continue to fight for the oppressed, comfort the weak, visit the sick, and lift up the fallen, all the while exhorting, admonishing and edifying one another in love. We can’t help but cry out, “How long, O Lord?” And yet we also remember that His wisdom is perfect, His goodness is boundless, and His mercy is everlasting. We will wait upon Him for salvation, knowing that His grace is sufficient for us. Respectfully submitted, Rev. Sam Powell

Classis Action: Take note. Elder Rodney Saunders led the body in prayer.

S. Rev. Gene Sawtelle Rev. Sam Powell gave an oral update on the declining health of Rev. Gene Sawtelle. Inspite of debilitating physical pain, Rev. Sawtelle still proclaims the gospel of grace in Christ when he has opportunity. He did so six times this past year in Yuba City.

Classis Action: Take note.

T. Rev. Douglas Schlegel Esteemed Fathers and Brothers, I think it is safe to say that we live in monumental times. The laws of the land and the perceptions of the people have changed with amazing speed in the last few years. This has been brought home to us with such force that at this Classis meeting we are taking the last steps to defend ourselves from the magistrate's intrusion into the divinely ordained institution of marriage. This is one example among many. The prophet Daniel also found himself suddenly in danger as well when the king began to slaughter the wise men of Babylon. But Daniel prayed to the Lord and when he received the answer, Daniel said: Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him. I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of You, for You have made known to us the king's demand (Daniel 2:20-3). The word of the Lord sustained him through many trials while striving to be faithful in a land opposed to the Lord and His word. The Lord continues to sustain His people by His word. The written and preached word must be at the center of the life of the church. It must be our light to lighten our path during our pilgrimage in this fallen world. Regarding the ministry of the Word, the ministry of the word of truth at Providence Reformed has been maintained and is received by God's people with joy. I am constantly encouraged by the insightful observations of the members of the congregation during after-service conversations. During the past year, I preached 45 times at Providence Reformed, once at Covenant Sacramento, and once at Trinity Modesto. I also proclaimed God's truth six times to the ethnic Hungarians in Sic and Barot, Romania. In February (by the time the Classis meets, I will have once again travelled to Hungary and Romania

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 64 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES on behalf of Westminster Biblical Missions). I began preaching through Galatians in January and plan to complete that task in February of this year. It has been a joy and challenge to take a relatively small portion of text each Lord's Day (usually two to four verses) and unfold the depths of the gospel of grace. I hope to preach through James when I reach the end of Galatians. Also, with encouragement from the elders, I preached what will ultimately be an 11 or 12 part series on the fundamentals of the doctrine and practice of biblical forgiveness. These sermons were usually preached on the occasion of a Lord's Supper preparation Sunday or the Sunday when we celebrated the Supper. The response has been positive and if the Sermon Audio statistics are any indication, there was interest outside of our fellowship as well. This last year also saw something new for Providence Reformed. Elder Jerry DeYoung assumed the task of teaching through the Catechism during the adult Sunday School while I focused on teaching a class on godly childrearing for the first part of the year. I then spent the latter part of the year completing the discipleship training for our one catechumen. This was the second time I taught the childrearing class. I use a curriculum of my own devising and I am considering expanding the material into a book, or at least into a form which could be used by others. It is a subject about which I am very passionate, but I am currently counting the cost of setting my hand to that particular plow. I also continue to teach a mid-week Bible Study in the Gospel of Luke. The sacraments are administered at Providence Reformed according to the Scriptures and our standards. One of the delights of serving this congregation is the seriousness with which the congregation takes their preparations for coming to the table. We are blessed to have elders who zealously and gently guard the table. Regarding the administration of Christian discipline, I am thankful that we did not have any matters of formal discipline this past year, although the effects of the very sad discipline of the previous year continue to be felt. The congregation was bruised, but it is healing. I also heartily believe that the sermon series on the biblical doctrine and practice of forgiveness has had, by God's grace, a positive effect on the discipline of private admonition. The church continues the long-term practice of what is called, "Family Activity Night" on a monthly basis and this fellowship is a great encouragement to us. We continue to use electronic means of outreach. Sermonaudio.com is a good and cost-effective means of getting the sermons "out there." Most months see 100-200 sermon downloads from all over the world, though we do not ordinarily see visitors because of it. We have seen a drop in the numbers of visitors in the last year and this is a cause for some concern. The congregation is unfailing in showing a welcoming spirit when visitors do come and it ought to be commended for this. The Consistory is determined to reach out to the surrounding neighborhood and there are a number of initiatives we are considering for the next few months. This is good and necessary. Yet, above it all, I am increasingly convinced that as a congregation and as individuals, we ought to purposefully and consciously devote ourselves to prayer for the growth and prosperity of the church. This means that we need to commit before God and one another to set aside a certain regular time to intercede and make this supplication. I am sure that there is not a member in the congregation who does not believe that the Lord is sovereign and that He hears when His people pray. Yet, in the business of life, it is easy to forget to enter into the divine throne room and actually ask. We need to ask. I continue to serve on the Board of Governors of City Seminary of Sacramento and the Board of Westminster Biblical Missions as the Field Chairman for Central and

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Eastern Europe and enthusiastically support the visions represented by these two institutions. As I gaze upon the spiritual landscape, I see much trouble on the horizon. I suspect that you see it too. But this does not mean that I (or we) ought to despair or succumb to the temptation to give up. On the contrary, the God of Daniel is our God. The Son of Man who Daniel saw in his vision has come and …to Him [is] given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed (Daniel 7:14). Respectfully Submitted, Rev. Douglas Schlegel

Classis Action: Take note.

U. Rev. Richard Stetler Esteemed Brothers in Christ, . . . we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:15-16). I begin this report with this passage because it seemed like I spent a lot of time at the throne of grace this past year – more than any other time as near as I can remember. It was a year where the trials came at a pace and intensity that it is only by God’s grace that Heidi and I both were able to endure them. And yet, the Lord was merciful to us and having gone through the trials we look back and thank the Lord for them, who gave us patience and strength to grow in our faith. It was also a year of trials for many members of this congregation; and yet, as we all sought the Lord at the throne of grace in our time of trouble we saw our faithful Father answer our prayers, who gave us the undeserved aid that we needed to not just endure our trials but also to grow in our faith through them. It was a sanctifying time for the congregation, learning to be patient with one another, caring for those in need, and looking to the Lord continually as we strove to maintain the unity of faith and to live at peace with one another in the Lord. We are truly blessed of the Lord for having gone through the trials of 2015, but we must also look to Lord for what He has appointed for us in 2016, continually going to the throne of grace seeking His wisdom and direction for our small congregation of believers in Christ. Let’s now look at what the Lord was pleased to allow me to accomplish as the pastor at Grace for the year 2015. I have strived to remain faithful in the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ, expounding, by the grace of God, His word every Lord’s day that the Lord in His Providence gave strength to do. I took four weeks of vacation and another four weeks away from the pulpit. In this regard the congregation demonstrated great compassion toward me and has been nothing less than an extension of God’s goodness and grace toward me and my beloved wife. I began 2015 finishing up a series of messages from 1 John. Completing this series in March, a series of messages were preached from Hosea. At the end of May I began a series on 1 Peter which we are a little over half way through. I preached two special messages: one message related to Resurrection Day, and one from Romans 5:3-5.

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Further, I taught the confirmation class during the Sunday School time. Beginning in the fall the confirmation class had five students with three of those students seeking to be confirmed in the spring of 2016. The Adult Sunday School class began a survey of the Old Testament using Rev. Treick’s book, “Our God and His People in the Old Testament” which has been taught by certain members on a rotational schedule. Since I began serving here, I have also been contributing articles to the AV Press for publication in their newspaper. During 2015, 12 articles were published. Sadly, this opportunity will no longer be available because the AV Press initiated budget cuts at the beginning of 2016. Please pray for the Lord’s wisdom and guidance as I seek out other opportunities to bring the gospel message to the people of the Antelope Valley. This year we rejoice in the Lord for adding three men to our membership rolls. However, sadly, we have also lost a few members for various reasons. We lost two families by dismission to another orthodox protestant church, one member was judicially erased and another lost by excommunication. While this has resulted in a net loss bringing our membership rolls to 37 communicant members and ten unconfirmed members, we are hopeful that the Lord will be pleased to bring new members into our midst in 2016. I have made several visitations to members of the congregation, both on a formal and informal basis. Visitations were both pastoral and for the purpose of getting to know the members of this congregation better. I also met with members and non-members for counseling on several occasions and made hospital visits to both members and non- members. By the grace of God I can, with good conscience before God and men, confess that the marks of the true church were evidenced: the pure doctrine of the gospel was preached each Lord’s day, the pure administration of the sacraments as instituted by Christ was maintained (though no baptisms were done, the Lord’s Supper was administered four times in 2015), and church discipline was exercised in the chastening of sin. On a personal note, though both Heidi and I suffered many trials in 2015 that were very discouraging, we continue to remain confident of God’s calling to serve His flock at Grace. I pray the Lord will grant me His grace as I minister to His flock and labor in the Lord proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout the Antelope Valley. Your compassionate support of Heidi and me during 2015 has been a real blessing from the Lord. Though Heidi’s health is keeping her from obtaining a job, we are hopeful that the Lord will be pleased to grant her disability. If approved it will be a tremendous benefit to us giving us some financial relief and will allow Heidi time to recover from her many health issues, as the Lord wills it. Please also keep us in your prayers concerning this approval. I am excited about what the Lord is doing and look forward to what He will be doing, seeking His grace to remain steadfast in the Lord laboring in His love, knowing that as I do so He will do great things to His glory. Respectfully submitted, Rev. Richard Stetler Classis Action: Take note. Elder Michael Peery led the body in prayer.

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V. Rev. Paul Treick Dear Brothers of the Western Classis, This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it (Ps. 118:24). We can repeat that beautiful statement every day of our lives, not just because of God’s daily providential care for us, but because every day is built on the foundation of the chief cornerstone – the Lord Jesus Christ – “rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious.” He is not only the foundation of the church, but of all of life. To all “who believe, He is precious” (I Pet. 2:1). Because Christ is Savior and Lord, each day that God gives me is precious, and a day of rejoicing. That day will never end. The past year was one of ups and downs health-wise. After a series of tests and a grueling biopsy, no prostate cancer was found, for which I am thankful. I just need to be very careful how I treat my back. Other than that Karen, my loving wife, and I are enjoying good health in retirement. I was able to preach five times, conduct Sunday School and Bible Study a few times, and conduct one funeral for my father-in-law in Michigan. I have done some writing and reformatted the entire Old Testament Teacher’s Manual for use in the Congo. They are presently translating it into French for use in their churches and schools. I am leading a prayer group for fifteen minutes each Sunday morning before our Sunday School. I have enjoyed just worshiping in the pew and sitting under the ministry of Rev. Bowen. I did not make it to the annual meeting of the Reformed Faith and Life radio administration meeting last fall, as it came right in the middle of some medical procedures, but I continue to serve on that Synodical committee. This past year I read just about all I care to on the Two-Kingdom theology which is before this Classis. Maybe it is just because I’m getting older, but I far more enjoy reading the older Reformed theologians. Through our Consistory I have requested Ministerial Aid via the Classis and Synod. Once again, I am so thankful to the good folks throughout the RCUS for their loving care for retired pastors. This financial aid is very welcomed and needed these days. Once again, it is the coming of my Lord and Savior to redeem His people that makes my day, and makes each day a joy to live and serve. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes (Ps. 118:23). Respectfully submitted, Rev. Paul Treick

Classis Action: Take note.

W. Rev. Jim West Dear Fathers and Brothers in the Faith, While my preaching workload was light this past Classical year, preaching a total of six times, this was complemented by my ongoing labors at City Seminary, where I taught Christian Ethics, Preaching and Worship, plus counseling the students, as well as some of the members of Covenant Reformed Church. I think I have succeeded in keeping a low profile at Covenant Reformed so that the people might grow under the preaching and teaching ministry of Pastor Jimmy Hall.

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I have also busied myself with quite a lot of reading. I belong to two book clubs, one a biography book club and another is a practical theology book club. We all read an assigned book and then agree to meet to discuss its contents (usually four to six weeks later). I also finished writing a book called PROFESSING THE CHRIST OF THE REFORMED FAITH, with a view to its possible publication. The book focuses upon the distinctives of the Reformed Faith, particularly as they are understood by the Reformed Church in the United States. Thus, all the distinctives of the RCUS are spelled-out, including the creedalism of the Three Forms of Unity. The book is also written in a fairly simple style which should make it easily digestible for new members, and even as a tool for evangelism for those who are without Christ as their Lord and Savior. I hope to present it this Classical year for consideration. Some of my earlier writings are now out of print so that it is possible that I might do a rewrite of some of this material in the near term, God-willing. But the biggest and most daunting project has been the ongoing work to study the Doctrine of the Two-Kingdoms, which has turned out to be the most taxing Committee work I have ever participated in. Not without some debate (as the length of the paper is a formidable 50 plus pages) the Committee decided to present the report this year to Classis in its current form. As each year goes by and as more and more material is written on this subject, it is obvious as to why our report is as long as it is. Plus, it does not help that we have Westminster Seminary, California almost in our backyard. Thus, this doctrine is probably much more relevant for us than any other Classis in the RCUS. The Lord has graciously provided for all our temporal needs this past year so that I am thankful for the brothers in Classis and Synod for the ministerial aid. My health has been good, even though from time to time I have recurring neck problems which make it difficult to drive over long distances. Nevertheless, I am acutely aware that life is much shorter than ever before, making the urge to be productive for Christ all the more intense! May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ go with you all. Respectfully Submitted, Rev. Jim West

Classis Action: Take note.

X. Rev. Frank Walker Fathers and Brethren of the Western Classis: In September of the year 2000, I accepted the call to serve as associate pastor of Covenant Reformed Church in Sacramento. Unless I am mistaken, this means that I have served in my current position longer than any other currently active pastor of the Western Classis. The Classis has changed a lot during this time. Ministers have come and gone. A few have retired. One has moved on to glory. Likewise, the Sacramento church has changed. Our members praise God both for the past leadership of Pastor Jim West and for the present ministry of Pastor Jimmy Hall. Yet, throughout all of these changes the Lord has been faithful. Hebrews 13:8 says, Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. As you know, I was called to Sacramento primarily to teach in the seminary program. My time is divided between the church (approximately 25 percent) and the seminary (approximately 75 percent).

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Since my work in the church consists mostly of preaching three times each month, teaching the adult Sunday class, serving on the Spiritual Council and counseling members as time allows, I will let Pastor Hall report on the overall health of the congregation. Instead, I will give you only a brief summary of my labors. During the 2015 calendar year, I preached a total of thirty-nine sermons, completing a series of sermons on 2 Peter at the beginning of the year and starting a series on 1 Corinthians. I also taught the adult Sunday class a total of forty times, and held a six-week membership class in June and July. The latter half of the year was particularly busy with individuals in need of counseling. In addition, I served as President of the Western Classis, Vice- President of the Synod, a member of the Executive Committees of both Classis and Synod, and as a member of the Synodical Web Site Committee. Two additional matters of importance to the church and my ministry are worthy of a brief mention. One is the recent “retirement” of Elder Wayne Johnson from the Spiritual Council after thirty-eight years of service. We thank God for his selfless service to Jesus Christ and His people. Wayne’s retirement also means that we need to seek out at least one more elder to fill the void. Actually, the Spiritual Council is looking for both elders and deacons, and we believe that the congregation offers many good prospects for both. To help encourage our young men to step up to the plate, I am now teaching a topical study of the Biblical doctrine of a call in the adult Sunday School class. The other matter is that the Sacramento Spiritual Council is also considering amending its local Constitution by adding the New King James Version of the Bible as an acceptable translation for use in the church’s public ministry. Whether or not there is enough support for this, the elders will determine after speaking to each family as part of this year’s elder visitation. My work in the seminary continues to go well. I praise God for the high caliber of instruction that we offer, and especially for the desire of each of our professors to be true to the Word of God. We continue to have at least twenty students per semester. The one thing that I’ve noticed, which I hope has been the experience of all the professors, is that the student body as a whole is becoming increasingly more committed to theological education. Last year I taught five in-class courses, oversaw five additional courses taken via mentored study, administered the seminary’s preaching practicum, chapel and internship programs, advised students as requested and worked with the faculty and the registrar (my dear wife). In behalf of the seminary’s Board of Governors, I have submitted an overture for the Western Classis to consider and possibly forward to the Synod. While remaining under the spiritual oversight of the Sacramento Spiritual Council, which examines and approves all faculty and board appointments, the seminary recently incorporated separately from the church to protect the church from potential liability issues. With this change, however, the board humbly asks the Western Classis and the Synod of the RCUS to reaffirm the seminary’s standing. In closing, I praise God for the health and strength that He has given to me over the years. May He continue to strengthen me for whatever work lies ahead, to the glory of His great name! Respectfully submitted, Rev. Frank Walker Classis Action: Take note. Elder Matthew Davis led the body in prayer.

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CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS FOR ELDERS The President addressed the Questions of Article 81 of the Constitution to the Elder Delegates of each congregation. The answers are as follows: 1. Are the doctrines of the gospel preached in your charge in their purity, agreeably to the Word of God? All answered yes. 2. Is careful attention given to the instruction of the youth for confirmation, the reception of members into the Church, and the Christian nurture of the members? All answered yes. 3. In providing spiritual nurture for the congregation: a. Is visitation faithfully performed? All answered yes with the exceptions of Bakersfield, Grass Valley, and Sacramento who answered no, and Lodi, Los Angeles, Shafter, and Willows who said needs improvement. b. Is Christian discipline faithfully exercised according to the Constitution? All answered yes with the exception of Grass Valley who answered no. 4. Are the sacraments of Holy Baptism and the Lord’s Supper properly administered in accordance with the Constitution? All answered yes. 5. In providing for the furtherance of Christian stewardship: a. Are the apportionments for the Classis paid according to the Guidelines for Giving? All answered yes, except for Anderson, Chico, Grass Valley, Lancaster, and Lodi who answered no. b. Are these monies sent promptly to the Classis Treasurer? All answered yes except Anderson, and Grass Valley who answered no, and Willows who answered needs improvement. c. Are the apportionments for the Synod paid according to the Guidelines for Giving? All answered yes, except for Anderson, Chico, Grass Valley, and Lodi who answered no. d. Are these monies sent promptly to the Synod treasurer? All answered yes except Anderson, and Grass Valley who answered no. 6. Are the Church records properly kept? All answered yes. 7a. Is the temporal contract between minister and people fulfilled in your charge? All answered yes. 7b. Is the temporal contract between minister and people adequate to meet his temporal needs? All answered yes except Chico, and Lancaster who answered no. MEMBERSHIP AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS The Stated Clerk provided a table of statistics. It appears in the Appendix.

Classis Action: The report of Membership and Financial Statistics was adopted.

REPORTS FROM CLASSIS’ FRATERNAL DELEGATES 1. Rev. Baloy attended the Spring Meeting, March 10-11, 2015, of the Classis Southwest U.S. (URCNA), held at the Escondido United Reformed Church, located on 1864 N. Broadway, Escondido, California 92026. 2. Rev. Baloy went to the Fall Meeting, September 15-16, 2015, of the Classis Southwest U.S. (URCNA), which took place at First United Reformed Church, located on 6159 Riverside Drive, Chino, California 91710.

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3. Rev. Baloy traveled to the Fall Meeting, September 18-19, 2015, of the Presbytery of Northern California & Nevada (OPC), conducted at Oak Hill OPC, located on 14892 Peaceful Valley Road, Sonora, California 95370.

Classis Action: Take note.

ADDRESSES BY DELEGATES FROM OTHER REFORMED CHURCHES AND VISITORS Rev. Angelo Contreras from the Southwest Classis of the URCNA brought greetings and addressed the body regarding the joy of the mutual bond we share as fraternal bodies. Elder Michael Krabbendam, a fraternal delegate representing the Classis Pacific East of the CanRC brought fraternal greetings and addressed the body. Rev. Wayne Fortner brought greetings from the Presbytery of Northern California and Neveda, OPC and addressed the body.

Classis Action: Take note. REPORTS OF SPECIAL STUDY COMMITTEES A. The Doctrine of the Two Kingdoms Dear Fathers and Brothers, The 2012 Classis voted that a special committee be established to study “The Doctrine of the Two Kingdoms” and to report back in 2013 “with specific recommendations on how to respond to this teaching.” In 2014 Classis voted to continue this committee for another year, giving special emphasis to the role of the Cultural Mandate in Reformed theology. In 2015 the refurbished committee consisted of Pastors Jim West, Tracy Gruggett, Paul Treick, Eric Bristley, and elder Greg Uttinger. Most of the members of the committee, besides studying the original sources, have even sat under the instruction of the Two Kingdom (2K) principals at Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia) and Westminster Seminary (Escondido, CA). When the first committee was formed in 2012, we agreed to study the views of some of the principals of the Two Kingdom movement. Accordingly, our report places a zoom- lens on their work in order to ascertain “where they are coming from” and whether we want to explore their writings further, especially if they are spiritually injuring God’s people. Committee members were asked to study the original sources. Since this committee has been in existence for three years, a significant number of new books and articles have appeared. Additionally, we have included an historical response considering the Reformed tradition as represented by Calvin, Ursinus, the Reformed confessions, Kuyper, and Neo-Calvinism. In 2016 that additional work has been completed so that the committee is ready to move on its recommendations. The goal of this report is to summarize the 2K theology and not to distinguish the fine differences that may exist between the 2K theologians (there seem to be some). Our study is not exhaustive and cannot, due to space limitations, cover all aspects of the 2K teachings. But our work is submitted to the Western Classis as the result of many hours of study and discussion in order to provide the church with an evaluation of this teaching from the Bible, the Reformed confessions, and Reformed church history. We do not

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 72 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES claim to understand the 2K position perfectly, but we believe that the following report accurately reflects the positions of the 2K theology and provides a balanced biblical perspective that is faithful to our Reformed confessions and heritage. We do not want to give the impression that the RCUS is the sole watchdog of the Reformed Faith, but rather we seek to minister to our congregations and sister denominations of what the Lord has taught us. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS: AFFIRMING THE KINGSHIP OF JESUS CHRIST We would be remiss to say that everything that has been written by the 2K men is wrong. We believe that certain of their statements correct excesses and improper statements made by some Neo-Calvinists. However, we strongly reject their view that Two Kingdoms and Natural Law represent the authentic position of the Reformed faith in regard to the Bible, culture, ethics, and society. The 2K theology is a system of belief and interpretation that vies for the allegiance of Reformed believers. It is not a mere perspective that affects one or two doctrines, but a comprehensive approach to ethics, culture, society, and theology. Because it adds another major option for Reformed believers, it further divides the Reformed movement, thereby making it an ineffective witness to evangelical churches and our secular culture. A. Summary and Distinctives of the Two Kingdom Theology Briefly stated, the 2K theology is that God rules the secular or “common kingdom” by natural law. On the other hand, He rules the Church by the Holy Spirit through the Ten Commandments. Thus, while Christ is sovereign over all, He rules in two ways in two sharply divided realms. In addition, both the Church as an institution and Christians as individuals are not called by God to testify to the inscripturated Ten Commandments to “the secular kingdom” since it is a mixture of believers and unbelievers. Their claim is that we have no divine command to do this, since natural law is a sufficient standard for civil government as well as other institutions outside the pale of the institutional Church. They also claim that the Creation Covenant or Cultural Mandate of Genesis 1:26‒27 is so fulfilled in Christ that Christians are not called by God to “transform” society or culture. To support this view, 2K theologians rely on a new Christology that functionally separates the human and divine natures of Christ in His heavenly rule. They argue that Christ rules everything that is outside the Church as God, but not as the God-man. We believe that the most objectionable teachings of 2K theology are these: 1. It rejects “Neo-Calvinism” insofar as proponents think that the Lord does not call the Church (or individual Christians) to engage in distinctly Christian cultural and institutional transformation. 2. It teaches a strong contrast between Law and Grace so that the Gospel is disconnected from the Cultural Mandate. 3. It teaches that Christians are not called by God to transform the world via the Cultural Mandate of Gen. 1:26–28. 4. It emphasizes that Christians are but strangers and pilgrims, so that they should not emphasize cultural activities. 5. It teaches that the Great Commission and the Cultural Mandate are two different things, as Christ’s command to teach “whatsoever things I have commanded you” excludes the Cultural Mandate. 6. It teaches that the world outside of the Church is governed by the Noachian Covenant of Genesis 8 and 9, and that this Covenant does not have redemptive character and significance for the church.

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7. It believes that this teaching saves the Church from interfering with the civil magistrate in the name of dominion, and saves the secular world from self-destruction by emphasizing the preserving character and laws of the Noachian Covenant. 8. It teaches that God’s covenant with Noah and his descendants reinstates the Cultural Mandate, but at best, only in a very limited form (i.e., “be fruitful and multiply”). 9. It teaches that neither the State nor anything else outside the Church is the holy kingdom of God, and restricts the concept of the Kingdom primarily to liturgical activities. 10. It ignores the goal Christ gave to his people to transform the State, calling this “the heresy of Constantinianism.” 11. It teaches that only the Church is holy; except for the kingdom of glory, all else is profane and unholy. 12. It teaches that Christ rules everything that is outside the Church by His Godhead; He rules only the Church as the God-Man. 13. It teaches that Christ has fulfilled the first Adam’s commission so that the Church today is no longer required to obey that mandate. To try to do so may lead to justification by works. 14. It teaches that Christ has so fulfilled the Cultural Mandate so that the old creation mandate is in the main, or even totally, obsolete. Thus the “new creation” in which man exercises dominion is “the spiritual kingdom,” that is, the Church. 15. It teaches an eschatology in which the people of God are primarily characterized as suffering and waiting. 16. It teaches that the Bible and Christian theology do not address every area of moral concern. 17. It teaches that the standard that is to govern the “common kingdom” is not God’s inscripturated Law, but a sufficient natural law. 18. It asserts that the standard that governs both Christians and unbelievers in the Common Kingdom, Natural Law, is “ordinarily the same” (Living 2K, 31). 19. It teaches that the Common Kingdom is not to be instructed by an appeal to anything in God’s national covenant with Israel, including the Ten Commandments. 20. It teaches that if the State acknowledges the God of the Christian faith, she is guilty of a monstrous confusion of God’s holy kingdom and the common kingdom. It causes us grave concern that 2K proponents are not only dogmatic about their positions but give little evidence of modifying their views under criticism. This implies that theirs is not some minor theory, but a comprehensive system that is an alternative to the historic Reformed tradition. For this reason, we believe that the distinctive 2K Natural Law teachings present great potential to further divide the Reformed movement. B. Affirmations and Denials We submit the following positive statement of what we believe the Bible and our Reformed Confessions teach in regard to six key issues discussed in this report. They also include a rejection of what we believe are teachings contrary to Scripture and Confession. 1. The Cultural Mandate remains in force for all men today because it was an integral part of God’s Covenant with both Adam and Noah. We affirm that when God created Adam, He entered into a covenant of life, or works, with him as the federal head of the human race and gave him the Cultural or Dominion Mandate. This Covenant of Creation defines man’s relationship to God (religion), other people (society), and the earth (culture).

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After the Flood, God renewed this covenant with mankind through Noah, the believer. Though the command to exercise dominion is not repeated, it is not therefore revoked. That God does not repeat a command does not mean that it has been nullified. Because the command to be fruitful implies all that God mandated in Genesis 1, it is a renewal of the Creation Covenant and it reaffirmed man’s social, cultural, and religious duties. This Noachian Covenant of Peace (Isa. 54:9-10) serves redemption and augments the Adamic covenant with new provisions for civil government, i.e., the punishment of evildoers, the treatment of animals, and the promise of the prolongation of history. This common kindness serves special grace by providing societal stability for God bringing Christ into the world to save the elect. Because these covenants have never been annulled by later revelation, the Cultural Mandate is still in force. We therefore deny that the Cultural Mandate is unrelated to God’s redemptive purposes in history. We also reject the opinion that the Noachian Covenant established an independent purpose for a ‘common kingdom.’ References: Gen. 1:26-28; 9:1-7; Rom. 13:1-7, 1 Pet. 3:20-21; Gal. 3:19; Rom. 2:4. 2. Human depravity brings God’s curse on human culture and establishes a conflict (antithesis) between Christ’s Kingdom of light and the Kingdom of darkness. We affirm that all men fallen into sin are under God’s curse and cannot perfectly fulfill God’s demands for religion, society, and culture. As a result, those who are “in Adam” are at enmity against God and part of the kingdom of darkness, a moral and spiritual society that is ruled by the Prince of this world, Satan. Such depraved men are corporately called “the world” and they persecute God’s people. This distinction between regenerate and unregenerate man has been called the antithesis. We affirm that despite man’s sin, the Triune God remains the absolute Sovereign, and His one Kingdom rules over all. The Kingdom of Jesus Christ reestablishes God’s reign through the Gospel and the Great Commission. His work of the New Creation begins with those who are born again and confess that He is Lord. These believers are transferred to the kingdom of light, are now citizens of heaven and members of Christ’s body—God’s household, the Church. Christians must therefore be morally separate from the world because they are “in the world but not of the world” (Jn. 17:9–19). We therefore reject the view that Christ rules over two different kingdoms—one redemptive and spiritual, and another common and secular. We also reject the view that Christians and non-Christians, due to “common grace,” are members of a “common kingdom” in which they work together in ways that are not affected by depravity or regeneration. References: Ps. 103:19; Col. 113–20; 1 Cor. 5:9–11; 2 Cor. 6:14–18; Ps. 2; Eph. 2:1–10; 1 Jn. 2:15–17; Rom. 12:1–2 3. God’s revealed moral law is sufficient for every area of human life, society, and culture, and therefore “natural law” is never the basis for Christian ethics. God created man as a moral being and stamped the work of His moral law on man’s heart. But the Bible nowhere speaks of a law derived from “nature” as if it were an independent standard for right and wrong. God’s law was written in the human heart only because he was created in the image of God. This law of conscience is still evident in human life but is insufficient, because of sin, to lead one to salvation or provide a basis for Christian social ethics. Even before the Fall, God gave verbal commands that

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 WESTERN CLASSIS — RCUS 75 provided the basis for the creation ordinances of marriage (society), work (culture), and worship (religion). Though man’s conscience still shows God’s original “work of the law” written in the heart, it is now corrupted by sin as unbelievers habitually suppress general revelation and exhibit moral contradictions. It was therefore necessary for God to reveal His law to Moses in written form. All men, irrespective of their station and calling in life, are responsible to obey this moral law. But as sinners they are incapable of living up to God’s law in Scripture or conscience. Therefore, we need Christ who alone fulfilled the entire Law of God. In the New Covenant God writes that Law again on believers’ hearts and makes all things new. We deny that natural law is a sufficient standard to govern human life or society and minimize the profound effects of total depravity. Fallen human reason and conscience cannot rightly apprehend a ‘natural law,’ because human nature is totally corrupted. The idea that the Bible does not address every moral concern is contrary to the sufficiency of Scripture. We therefore reject the view that Christ rules over two separate kingdoms through two different but equally valid types of law. References: Gen. 1–2; Jer. 31:33; Rom. 1:18; 2:1–3, 12–16; Rom. 6:1–7; 8:2–4; 2 Cor. 3:7–18. 4. Christ’s Kingship is expressed in the unity of His person as He serves as a redemptive Mediator for an elect humanity and to restore creation to its original purpose. The Reformed Church is committed to the historic orthodoxy of the Nicene and the Athanasian Creeds, which emphasize the unity of Christ’s two natures in one person. It agrees with Chalcedon (AD 451) that we should not contrast the two natures “according to area or function.” The 2K theology presents a confusing and defective Christology and thus reveals a fundamental error. It diminishes the majesty and exaltation of Christ’s glorified human nature in His ascension by curtailing His sovereign rule over all things, in the fullness of His total person. God created all things through the Son as the Word. But Christ is Mediator only in regard to redemption, by which He reconciles all things to God as Creator. Christ rules over all things as the one God-man and never circumvents His humanity when ruling from His heavenly, mediatorial throne. Jesus rules as the Divine-human King over all nations and cultures for the sake of His Church in order to ensure that the gates of hell shall not prevail against her. We deny any view that would separate the two natures of Christ to serve two different functions and thus to deny the unity of the person of Christ as the Son of God. We reject the view that Jesus has two mediatorships—one natural and one spiritual. Christ does not rule over a ‘common kingdom’ or over a ‘redemptive kingdom’ in any way that would imply a division within the one Christ. References: Ps. 3:19, Jn. 3:5, 1 Cor. 12:3; 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 9:15; Col. 1:13; Col. 1:19–20; Matt. 3:15; Heb. 10:5–9; Eph. 1:20–23; Phil. 3:20; Matt. 28:18–20; Ps. 2:8; Eph. 2:14– 18; 1 Tim. 6:13–16. 5. Christ’s work of redemption does not abrogate but restores cultural activity among Christians through their calling to do good works. Because of His active and passive fulfillment of all of God’s covenant demands, Christ has been exalted above all things and installed as Lord of lords. He is now in the

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 76 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES process of subduing all things for the glory of God. An essential part of His work is to subdue the agent of culture, man. Christ is now applying the benefits of His redemption to believers through the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus has not only fulfilled the law vicariously for our justification, but He also fulfills it in us through His Holy Spirit as part of the Christian’s sanctification. He is at work in believers by His Spirit, enabling them to do good works, for Christ “gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14). As part of their restoration in God’s image, believers in obedience to the Lordship of Christ are summoned to be salt and light to culture. The calling of the Christian not only means serving Christ in such mundane things as “eating and drinking,” but in all matters. Christians and non-Christians do similar activities, but only the Christian performs true good works. The Christian’s vocation is not only religious, but also cultural and social, i.e., to apply the Word of God in the world to every area of life and thought. We deny the view that Christ fulfills the Cultural Mandate, sanctification, or good works in our place in a forensic manner so that Christians have only to wait for the eschatological kingdom to appear. We reject the view that ignores the transforming effect of sanctification by the Word and Spirit of Christ. And we reject the view that believers are not required to be distinctly Christian and practice their faith in their social relationships, educational endeavors, political positions, economic decisions, and cultural activities. References: Matt. 28; Phil. 2:12–13; Rom. 8:2–4; 1 Pet. 2:24; Tit. 2:11–12; Rom. 3:31; Heb. 2:5–11; Matt. 16:18; 28:19–20; 1Cor. 3:6–9; 1 Cor. 15:20–28; James 1:27; 1 Cor. 10:3. 6. The Church is to be salt and light in the world, bringing reformation through the witness of the gospel, discipleship, and good works within its sphere of influence. We affirm that the Church is spiritual because Christ is its spiritual Head. He unites God’s elect to Himself as His Body through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He subdues his elect from among the human race by the Gospel, makes them new creatures, and thus builds His Church. Because it is Christ’s kingdom, the Church is like leaven which will influence and preserve the nations through the gospel. The Great Commission is not a separate plan but rather a means by which the original Cultural Mandate is fulfilled. Accordingly, the mission of the Church is to make disciples of all the nations through evangelism, to form congregations, and to teach the whole counsel of God. This will transform individuals and families and, through them, reform institutions and nations. The Church is never called to cultural isolation or eschatological speculation but to minister the truth of the Gospel and its implications to the world. There is no distinction between sacred and secular, “for every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer” (1 Tim. 4:4–5). We deny that the Church is spiritual in some eschatological or non-earthly sense. We also reject the view that the Church is to focus primarily on spiritual, religious, or liturgical activities. We deny therefore that all work believers do outside this “spiritual kingdom” is unholy, “common kingdom” work. The 2K ethic supports a false pietism which is indifferent to God’s field which is the world. References: Matt. 5:13–16; 13:33, 38; 1 Cor. 10:31; 1 Cor. 12:12–13; Eph. 1:22–23; Eph. 5:7–14; Col. 3:24; 1 Pet. 2:4–5.

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B. Recommendations: 1. That this report, with citations and copy editing, and its conclusions concerning the Scriptural weaknesses and historical/confessional misinterpretations as expressed in the doctrine of the Two Kingdoms be commended to the churches of the Western Classis for study and instruction. 2. That this report be sent to the Synod of the Reformed Church in the United States for its consideration and action. 3. [Take note] That Henry Van Til's book, The Calvinistic Concept of Culture, be commended to the officers and churches of the Western Classis as presenting a Reformed alternative to the Two Kingdom doctrine. Respectfully submitted, Rev. J. West (chairman), Rev. T. Gruggett, Rev. P. Treick, Rev. E. Bristley, Elder D. Merkel, Elder G. Uttinger

Classis Action: The report was adopted. The Publications Committee was directed to print the report by CreateSpace and make it available on Amazon. B. Child Safety in the Church Esteemed Fathers and Brothers, We received the following mandate: “That a special committee be erected to study the issues and to develop a child safety plan to be recommended to the churches, and to be implemented in the Western Classis at any of the youth programs that Classis sponsors, including the Heidelberg West Youth Camp, and to report to the Annual Western Classis meeting in March, 2016.” As to the first part of the mandate, the committee recommends the following: Recommendation 1: [Take note] that the leadership of each congregation be strongly encouraged to study the issues of child safety, the prevalence and behavior of predators, the vulnerabilities of churches to the predator, and the red flags of sexual abuse. Grounds: The following resources are readily available, and speak to the issues involved far more efficiently than this committee would be able to do. Rather than regurgitate the studies already done by capable and educated men and women, the committee believes that each minister and elder should go directly to the sources and study the issues for themselves. Resources: Books and essays: Reju, Deepak. On guard: preventing and responding to child abuse at church. Greensboro, NC: New Growth Press, 2014. Salter, Anna C. Predators: pedophiles, rapists, and other sex offenders: who they are, how they operate, and how we can protect ourselves and our children. New York: Basic Books, 2003. Langberg, Diane. Counseling survivors of sexual abuse. Xulon Press, 2003. “Sexual Abuse in Christian Organizations” by Dr. Diane Langberg (available at www.netgrace.org/resources/) “Sex offenders in the church: From apathy to action” by Lynette Frantzen https://www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/2013/09/sex-offenders-in-the-church “The High Cost of Negligence” by Jamie Dean http://www.worldmag.com/2013/10/the_high_cost_of_negligence

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“What Would Walther Do? Applying Law & Gospel to Victims and Perpetrators of Child Sexual Abuse” by Victor I. Vieth. http://www.netgrace.org/resources/2015/6/23/what-would-walther-do-applying-law-and- gospel-to-victims-and-perpetrators-of-child-sexual-abuse “Key Questions about Child Sexual Abuse in the Church” by Mike Sloan. http://byfaithonline.com/key-questions-about-child-sexual-abuse-in-the-church/ Websites and blogs: Adults Protecting Children—www.adultsprotectingchildren.org Darkness to Light—www.darkness2light.org G.R.A.C.E. (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment)— www.netgrace.org Ministry Safe—www.ministrysafe.org Boz Tchividjian’s Blog on Child Sexual Abuse Prevention: Rhymes with Religion— www.boz.religionnews.com There are many, many more resources available. But these are a good start. Recommendation 2: That the Western Classis adopt the following statement: The state “is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake” (Rom 13:4-5). The sexual and physical abuse of children is a great offence in the eyes of God, justly deserving the eternal wrath of God as well as judicial and civil punishment on this earth. For these reasons, recognizing the proper authority of the state, it is the position of the Western Classis that each officer of the church must fully comply with the laws of the state in which the congregation is organized in the mandatory reporting of sexual and physical abuse of children. The laws concerning mandatory reporting, as well as helpful training courses, can be found at http://www.mandatedreporterca.com/ It is suggested that each officer of the church take advantage of these free resources to educate themselves on the laws of the state, designed to assist the state of California in the promotion of what is good and the punishment and restraint of what is evil. Recommendation 3: That pending adoption of Recommendation #2 above, the stated clerk be instructed to send a paper copy of Recommendation #2 by US mail to every congregation of Western Classis. Recommendation 4: That the consistories of each congregation be strongly encouraged to develop and implement a child safety policy for their own congregations. Grounds: It is crucial that we, as pastors, elders and deacons of our respective congregations implement policies to protect our children. Since predators and pedophiles hide in churches, taking advantage of the historic naiveté of the Christian church, we must be aware of Satan’s devices and take prudent precautions. Since each congregation has its own bylaws and customs, it seems prudent to the committee to provide the ready-made resources available to the churches and recommend that each congregation edit as it deems appropriate. Electronic resources can be emailed to every congregation upon request. Recommendation 5: That the Child Safety Committee furnish ready-made child safety policies upon request.

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These resources can also be found at faithfulprotection.org. This site will redirect to a page with links to downloadable forms ready to be edited as needed and adopted by a congregation. As to the second part of the recommendation, to recommend a policy to be implemented in the Western Classis, the committee is not yet ready to report. We beg your indulgence and ask for another year. We would ask that a member of the Heidelberg West Camp Committee be added to the committee to consult. Recommendation 6: That the committee be continued. Respectfully submitted, Rev. Sam Powell, chairman, Rev. Valentin Alpuche Gerald de Young, Dan Yeager Classis Action: The committee was continued for another year. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES The following committee motions and their dispositions reflect the final form of the motions including all amendments made to the committee’s recommendations, and any additional motions that may have come from the floor relative to the committee’s report. Unless otherwise noted, the motions below were adopted by the Classis. A. Benevolences 1. That ministerial aid be requested from Synod in the following amounts: Rev. Pollema $1,000.00 Rev. Gross $1,000.00 Rev. Treick $1,200.00 Rev. Sawtelle $2,000.00 Rev. West $1,500.00 Rev. Roe $1,500.00 Rev. Riffert $2,000.00 Mrs. Savage $1,200.00 Mrs. Duckett $1,000.00 2. That the $6,000.00 designated to Faith Reformed Church, Anderson begin to be released to their charge (see Abstract of the Minutes, Western Classis, 2014, page 89). In addition, that Synod be overtured to release the $6,000.00 designated for the same purpose in 2014. 3. That the Western Classis grant benevolent aid to Trinity Reformed Church, Modesto, in the amount of $700.00 per month for the 2016 Classical year and that Classis petition the Synod of the Reformed Church in the United States for $700.00 per month benevolent aid for the next Synodical year, beginning July 1, 2016 (This is a $100.00 per month decrease for both Classis and Synod from last year). 4. [Take note] Rev. Guillermo Baloy and the Consistory of Covenant Reformed Church, San Diego, CA expresses their deep gratitude to the Western Classis of the RCUS for their cheerful giving and easing of their financial burden. 5. [Motion from the floor] That Rev. Thomas Mayville be granted $290.00 per month in benevolence aid to pay for health insurance for the Classical year or until he obtains full time work.

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6. [By motion from the floor] That $3,600.00 be set aside for health insurance for Rev. Richard Stetler for half a year to be used if needed. B. Missions 1. That the request for classical support for Rehoboth Reformed Church in the amount of $19,875.00 for the 2017 Classical year be approved. 2. That the Western Classis overture the 270th Synod for mission support for Rehoboth Reformed Church in the amount of $19,875.00 for the 2017 fiscal year. 3. That the request for classical support for Valley of Grace Reformed Bible Church in the amount of $17,760.00 for the 2016 Classical year be approved. 4. That the Western Classis overture the 270th Synod for mission support for Valley of Grace Reformed Bible Church in the amount of $17,760.00 for the 2017 fiscal year. 5. That the request for classical support for Calvary Reformed Chapel in the amount of $21,000.00 for the 2017 Classical year be approved. 6. That Western Classis overture the 270th Synod for mission support for Calvary Reformed Chapel in the amount of $21,000.00 for the 2017 fiscal year. 7. [Take note] That Classis take note that the members of Covenant Reformed Church, Grass Valley, who are presently ‘members’ of the Calvary Reformed Chapel will be dismissed to the care and oversight of Trinity Reformed Church, Modesto, according to the guidelines and rules of the RCUS Constitution and under the oversight of the Western Classis Executive Committee and the Western Classis Missions Committee. 8. That Covenant Reformed Church, Grass Valley be publically recognized and thanked on the floor of Classis for their many years of faithful and diligent oversight, care and love on behalf of the people of Calvary Reformed, Stockton. 9. [Take note] We thank God for the faithful service of Rev. Jonathan Merica and his wife Marsha, as well as the officers and member of Calvary Reformed, Stockton who have labored over these past ten or so years to see this church flourish. 10. That the Western Classis set aside an Annual Day of Prayer on April 24, 2016 for Western Classis Home Missions and that the churches of the Western Classis be encouraged to take a special offering on that day for Rehoboth Reformed Church for the purpose of increasing their building fund, which may include paying rent on facilities. 11. That the Western Classis instruct our Home Missionary pastors to write regular quarterly updates on their mission work and labors, under the oversight of the Home Missions Committee, to be sent to all of our congregations. 12. That the Western Classis encourage pastors to communicate these regular mission work updates to their congregations, and that they along with the elders and deacons exhort members to pray for and support financially these works as the Lord has blessed them. 13. That the Western Classis encourage the members of our mission works to tithe, with the goal of becoming a self-supporting, self-governing, and self-propagating church (Deut. 14:22, Mal. 3:10, Ps. 76:11, Rom. 12:13, 1 Cor. 16:2, Tit. 3:14). 14. That the Western Classis authorize the Home Missions Committee to write the Classis Pacific East of the Canadian and American Reformed Churches informing them regarding our mission work and financial needs related to doing this work.

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15. That the Western Classis authorize the Classis Home Missions Committee to make a written request to Classis Pacific East of the Canadian and American Reformed Churches to consider assisting us financially in our home mission work. 16. That the Western Classis financially support no more than three mission works during the next three years. C. Examination and Licensure 1. That Mr. Paul Liberati be received as a Student under Care of the Western Classis. 2. That the licensure exam of Mr. Colin Samul be arrested. 3. That the licensure exam of Mr. Colin Samul be declared satisfactory. 4. That the requirements of the Western Classis pertaining to Mr. Samul’s internship be considered to be fulfilled. Grounds: Mr. Samul has completed an eight month internship with Rev. Sam Powell at First Reformed Church in Yuba City. 5. That the Western Classis proceed to License Mr. Colin Samul. 6. That the licensure exam of Mr. Yvgeny Kogay be declared unsatisfactory. Classis Action: Mr. Liberati was interviewed on the floor of Classis. Following the adoption of the report, Mr. Samul read and signed the formula of License, he was then extended the right had of fellowship by the body which then prayed God’s blessing upon Colin in the ministry of Christ. There was a discussion by the body as to the legitimacy of doing partial license exams. It was reaffirmed that the Classis had already taken the position that there are no partial license exams. They are to be administered in entirety and declared either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. D. Judicial 1. That the Western Classis refer the question to clarify RCUS Constitution Art. 81.7b regarding what constitutes “adequate” to meet the pastor’s temporal needs. Grounds: The concern of support for our pastors is a very important concern and must be a part of the annual review process which all Consistories of the RCUS are required to perform (See Synod Abstract 92: 92). It is the responsibility of each Consistory, hopefully through the Deacon(s) in close, open and honest discussions with their pastor, to determine whether or not they are "adequately" providing for the pastor and his family’s temporal needs. Though the term "adequate" can be very subjective, it should be used in a manner that assesses the pastor's needs using some or all of these other possible scenarios i.e. possible sources of income: a. He must work outside of the ministry of his charge to make ends meet? b. His wife must work to subsidize the income garnered from the charge? c. He receives income from investments or retirement from a former occupation and this is needed to supplement his income from his charge in order to make ends meet? d. He cannot invest in a retirement program (such as an IRA) and will need to fall upon the mercy of Synod to be able to retire? 2. That the communications from City Seminary and their request to have them forwarded to the 2016 Synod of the Reformed Church in the United States, for its consideration be granted by the Western Classis in light of the seminary's recent incorporation; we do so with the following amendments to number two (2) of the four (4) items under consideration: 2) That the Synod may, at their good pleasure,

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request that the financial reports of City Seminary of Sacramento be submitted annually for inclusion in the abstracts of the Church.

E. Nominations 1. That the Permanent and Special Committees be as follows (The underlined name indicates the convener): Executive Committee: F. Walker, H. Bowen, J. Gross Candidates and Credentials: D. Roe, G. Stewart (1 yr); S. Powell, R. Mettler (2 yrs); D. Schlegel, J. Hall (3 yrs) Christian Education in the Church: P. Treick, L. Lynch (1 yr); T. Mayville, K. Combs (2 yrs); G. Mancilas, M. Davis (3 yrs) Missions: R. Stetler, P. Henderson (1 yr); T. Gruggett, L. Lynch (2 yrs); R. Spitzer, D. Helseth (3 yrs) Interchurch Relations: V. Pollema, G. Baloy (1 yr); D. Schlegel, M. Crook (2 yrs); J. Merica (3 yrs) Publications: E. Bristley, J. DeYoung (1 yr); J. Merica (2 yrs); R. Mettler (3 yrs) Diaconal: P. Henderson, J. Gochnauer (1 yr); M. Voytek, R. Saunders (2yrs); N. Riffert, Deacon S. Heckman (3 yrs) Heidelberg West Youth Camp: T. Gruggett, V. Alpuche (1 yr); J. Hall, R. Williams (2 yrs); G. Stewart (3 yr.) Child Safety in Classis (Special): S. Powell, V. Alpuche, J. DeYoung, D. Yeager F. Finances 1. That travel expenses be paid for the 31st Annual Classis as follows: Name Mileage Amount Airfare/Rental Total Gil Baloy 651.58 651.58 Hank Bowen 322 @ .45 144.90 144.90 Chris Combs 738 @ .45 332.10 332.10 Gerald DeYoung 328 @ .45 147.60 147.60 Chris Fellersen 220 @ .45 99.00 99.00 Jim Gochnauer 216 @ .45 97.20 97.20 Jimmy Hall 180 @ .45 81.00 81.00 Paul Henderson 700 @ .45 315.00 315.00 Gary Mancilas 70 @ .45 31.50 31.50 Jonathan Merica 264 @ .45 118.80 118.80 Robert Mettler 1,036 @ .45 466.20 466.20 Sam Powell 260 @ .45 117.00 117.00 Neale Riffert 0 @ .45 0.00 323.00 323.00 Dennis Roe 192 @ .45 86.40 86.40 Doug Schlegel 170 @ .45 76.50 76.50 Richard Stetler 926 @ .45 416.70 416.70 Greg Stewart 124 @ .45 55.80 55.80 Paul Treick 322 @ .45 144.90 144.90 Frank Walker 198 @ .45 89.10 89.10 Jim West 198 @ .45 89.10 89.10 TOTAL 6,464 @ .45 $2,908.80 $974.58 $3,883.38

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2. That the Treasurer's Report for December 31, 2015 be adopted. 3. That the Guidelines for Giving for the 2015-2016 Classical Year be as follows: Classis Dues $5.00 Benevolences 31.00 Diaconal 5.00 Home Missions 106.00 Home Missions Building Fund 0.00 Heidelberg West Youth Camp 5.00 TOTAL $154.00 G. Excuses 1. That the excuse from all or part of the sessions of Classis be granted to Rev. Gary Mancilas, Rev. Thomas Mayville, Elder Mark Crook, Elder Ryan Spitzer and Elder Michael Peery. 2. That excuse be granted to Rev. Doug Schlegel with an exhortation to all members to more carefully plan to be available to attend all of the sessions of Classis. H. Minutes The minutes of the 31st annual meeting of the Western Classis were reviewed and corrections were suggested to the Clerk. Those corrections were incorporated into the minutes. From the Minutes of Synod Report, we submit the following recommendations: 1. [Take note] Classes should take note of the corrections that should be made to their minutes as adopted by the Synod (269th Abstract, pp. 84-85). The Classis Clerk has assured your committee that the corrections identified by Synod have been made. Action: Take Note. 2. [Take note] Both membership statistics and financial statistics should be according to the calendar year. 3. [Take note] Standing rules #2 and #3 which respectively read: “The statistics of the Classes for the calendar year shall be forwarded to the Stated Clerk of Synod May 1”; “The writ of certification for delegate elders shall be forwarded to the Stated Clerk May 1.” 4. [Take note] That the Stated Clerk of each Classis regularly provide the webmaster, in electronic form, an updated roll of ministers, elders, and churches following their spring Classis meeting. 5. [Take note] Standing Ministerial Aid recommendation 8 (2013 Abstract page 76), that pursuant to Article 28 of the RCUS Constitution, Classes shall not consider a pastoral call letter as “adequate support” to the temporal needs of the called pastor, unless retirement is addressed and funded in the terms of the call. 6. [Take note] The Treasurer’s request that the treasurers of the various churches be reminded to comply with Synod standing rule 8 with regard to designating for which fund the monies delivered to the RCUS are to be attributed. 7. Per Article 197 of the RCUS Constitution, the following amendments to the Constitution were adopted by two-thirds vote of the 269th Synod and need the concurrence of two-thirds of the Classis [So far, only one Classis has taken action: I received a communication from Covenant East Classis that at a Special Fall Classis meeting (2015) they concurred with amendments herein labeled 7a, c, and d]:

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 84 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES a. That the notation “Articles 40-42 were removed by the 269th Synod” be placed in the RCUS Constitution in place of Articles 40-42, and that the numbering of the articles of the constitution from Article 43 on remain unchanged. That “Teacher of Theology” be retained as a valid Ministry of the Word. b. That Article 84 of the RCUS Constitution be amended to read as follows: An ordained minister or a licentiate shall not be received by Classis until he has presented a regular certificate of dismission from the Classis to which he belongs. The reception and installation of a minister from another denomination shall not be final until it is confirmed by Synod. Classes shall forward to Synod its actions concerning ministers from other denominations; and also provide a resume regarding the new minister. c. That Article 195 of the RCUS Constitution be amended as follows: “Marriage has been instituted by God. The Reformed Church in the United States defines “marriage” as the exclusive covenantal union of one man and one woman in which such union is a lifetime commitment. A civil government’s sanction of a union will be recognized as a legitimate marriage by The Reformed Church in the United States only to the extent that it is consistent with the definition of “marriage” found in these Articles. Legitimate sexual relations are exercised solely within marriage. Hence, sexual activities outside of marriage (referred to in the New Testament as “porneia”) including but not limited to, adultery, premarital sex, homosexuality, and pedophilia are inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible and the Church. (Leviticus 18-20; I Corinthians 5:1-5; 6:9-10; Ephesians 5:3-7; Heidelberg Catechism 108, 109). Further, lascivious conduct, transgender behavior, and the creation and/or distribution and/or viewing of pornography, are incompatible with the biblical witness. Every officer, employee, or volunteer of the church shall affirm their agreement with this definition of marriage and shall conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent therewith. This shall be a prerequisite, and continual condition, for these positions.” 8. [Take note] No Classis action needs to take place on the following motion, but each Classis should be aware that it was postponed by the 269th Synod until the 270th Synod, partly because it came as an overture from an individual delegate rather than from a Classis: “Every human being, regardless of mental or physical infirmity, is created in the image of God. It is never acceptable as a matter of medical practice or familial care to facilitate or assist an act of suicide. While an individual may refuse “heroic” medical procedures which they deem to be an artificial extension of biological life, suicide or any assistance provided to assist suicide is a violation of the law of God. The Reformed Church in the United States formally rejects any and all attempts to legalize this pernicious and immoral practice, and encourages our elected leaders, especially to do all in their power to protect the disabled, the feeble, the poor and the infirm from those who would pressure them into taking their own lives” [Cf. 269th Synod Abstract, page 89]. 9. [Take note] The Classes are reminded that the 270th Annual Session of the Synod of the RCUS is scheduled to meet May 16-19, 2016, at Grace Reformed Church, Bakersfield, CA.

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 WESTERN CLASSIS — RCUS 85

MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS AND OTHER BUSINESS A. Expression of Appreciation to the Host Congregation. The delegates of the Western Classis extend their heartfelt gratitude to you, the members of Grace Reformed Church, Willows, CA for your labor of love on our behalf in hosting the 31st Annual Session. The good food and fellowship around your tables provided us the opportunity to enjoy the “tie that binds our hearts in Christian love.” B. Adoption of Stated Clerk’s, and Executive Committee’s Reports. C. Other Business D. Adoption of Standing Minutes Committee Report “The Draft Minutes were reviewed by the Standing Committee on Minutes of Classis and returned to the stated clerk for revision. These revisions were entered and then published as the Revised Minutes. The stated clerk read aloud the final items of business for which there was no time to complete this review process. After accepting further corrections, the President declared the minutes approved as corrected.”

Classis Action: All of the above reports were adopted.

ADJOURNMENT At 5:30 PM the 31st Annual Session of the Western Classis was adjourned to the 32nd Annual Meeting of the Western Classis to convene at First Reformed Church, Yuba City, California on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 1:00 PM. A. Roll Call – The roll call was taken at the beginning of each business session. The closing roll showed 16 ministers and 12 elders present. B. Devotions – Elder Joe Gross led the body in a closing devotion from 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 entitled, Something You Say When You Have Already Said a Mouthful, and then closed in prayer. C. Close - The President led the delegates in the confession of our catholic faith through the Apostles’ Creed and in the Lord’s Prayer. He then pronounced the Benediction and all joined in the singing of the Doxology. Rev. Henry P. Bowen Stated Clerk of the Western Classis

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 86 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES

SPECIAL FALL CLASSIS MEETING Tuesday, October 27, 2015 Trinity Reformed Church, Modesto, CA

SERVICES The Western Classis of the Reformed Church in the United States convened a Special Fall Classis Session at Trinity Reformed Church in Modesto, California on Tuesday, October 27 at 10:00 AM. President Frank Walker led the body in singing Arise, My Soul Arise, followed by prayer. He then instructed the body from Matthew 18:15-20, 2Corinthians 2:6-11, and Matthew 7:1-5. He then closed in prayer.

ORGANIZATION The President, Rev. Frank Walker called the body to order at 10:00 AM on October 27, 2015. There were 17 ministers and 12 elder delegates present, a total of 29. The President declared that a quorum was present and the meeting was open for business. The President set the bar of the house at the first seven rows of the sanctuary. Rev. Gil Baloy, Elders Ryan Spitzer and Joe Gross were appointed tellers. The Standing Committees, Agenda and Order of the Day were adopted.

STANDING COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Excuses: E. Bristley, R. Mettler, A. White Finances: T. Gruggett, D. Schlegel, C. Fellersen, G. Stewart Minutes: J. Hall, H. Bowen, J. Gross, R. Spitzer Special Judicial (Boren, Merkel): P. Treick, V. Pollema, C. Combs, J. DeYoung Special Judicial (Sands): M. Voytek, P. Henderson, M. Crook, L. Lynch

REPORT OF SPECIAL CLASSIS COMMITTEES This Special Meeting of the Western Classis was called by the President for the purpose of hearing appeals regarding disciplinary actions taken by the Spiritual Council of Covenant Reformed Church, Grass Valley. Reports were given by the Special Committees, the process of the hearing the appeals was effected, and specifications were considered. Due to the sensitive nature of the proceedings only summaries of the outcomes are printed here which reflects the actions of the Classis. A. Appeal of Steven Boren: The appeal was heard regarding Mr. Steven Boren having been declared a member not in good and regular standing and as such refused dismission to a different congregation. The vote on the one specification in the appeal was 24 yes to uphold the appeal and one abstaining. The Classis instructed CRCGV to administratively erase the name of Mr. Steven Boren from their rolls, and exhorted Mr. Steven Boren to join himself to an orthodox believing church as soon as possible.

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 WESTERN CLASSIS — RCUS 87

B. Appeal of Mr. Derrick Merkel: The appeal was heard regarding Mr. Derrick Merkel having been declared a member not in good and regular standing. The vote on the one specification in the appeal was 13 yes to uphold the appeal and 12 against. The Classis moved to lovingly exhort Mr. Merkel to take to heart the intent of Article 119 and seek to reconcile and reaffirm his love for and submission to the Grass Valley Church (1Timothy 5:19-20). C. Appeal of Mrs. Angelica Sands: The appeal was heard regarding Mrs. Angelica Sands who was suspended from the Lord’s Table. The vote on each of the five specifications was taken. The appeal was upheld in three of the five specifications. The action of the Spiritual Council was not upheld. The Spiritual Council was exhorted to counsel Mrs. Sands regarding her future church membership plans. There was a general exhortation for all of our Classis churches to use due diligence in following the Constitution in all disciplinary matters. REPORTS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES A. Excuses Committee 1. That the Rev. Gary Mancilas be noted as excused. That Rev. Valentin Alpuche and Elder Michael Voytek be noted as absent without sending an excuse. B. Finances 1. That Classis reimburse the following travel expenses to the Classis meeting: Gil Baloy 864 @ .45 388.80 Craig Combs 440 @ .45 198.00 Chris Fellersen 138 @ .45 62.10 Jim Gochnauer 294 @ .45 132.30 Joe Gross 274 @ .45 123.30 Jimmy Hall 171 @ .45 76.95 Robert Mettler 640 @ .45 288.00 Vern Pollema 400 @ .45 180.00 Sam Powell 210 @ .45 94.50 Dennis Roe 240 @ .45 108.00 Doug Schlegel 130 @ .45 58.50 Richard Stetler 614 @ .45 276.30 Michael Voytek 700 @ .45 315.00 Jim West 168 @ .45 75.60 TOTAL $2,377.35

C. Minutes Committee The minutes were reviewed by the Minutes Committee as they were available. All corrections were made and integrated into the final form of the minutes

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 88 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES

MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS AND OTHER BUSINESS A. Expression of Appreciation to Host Congregation –

Dear brothers and sisters of the Lord Jesus Christ, We thank our God for your gracious hospitality in hosting the delegates of the Western Classis at our Special meeting held on October 27, 2015. The hot coffee, tasty snacks and your “oolala” lasagna at lunch followed by the superb sandwiches at supper were much appreciated by all of us. It is because of loving labors like yours that we are ever encouraged to do our labors for the glory of Jesus Christ and the encouragement of the saints. Thank you and may God return His blessing upon you richly. Respectfully, The Delegates of the Special Meeting of the Western Classis – October 27, 2015

ADJOURNMENT A. Roll Call – The closing roll showed 16 ministers and 14 elders present. B. Devotions – Elder Mark Crook led the body in a closing devotion from 2Timothy 3 and closed in prayer. C. Close - The President led the delegates in the confession of our faith through the Apostles’ Creed, and in the Lord’s Prayer. He then pronounced the Benediction and all joined in the singing of the Doxology. The Special Fall Session of the Western Classis ended at 8:45 PM. Rev. Henry P. Bowen Stated Clerk, Western Classis

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016

APPENDIX

to the

ABSTRACT

of the

MINUTES

MEMBERSHIP and FINANCIAL STATISTICS

STANDING RULES of the WESTERN CLASSIS

MEMBERSHIP AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS 2015 Faith Grace Covenant Covenant Grace Provi- Rehoboth Trinity Western Classis Anderson Bakers- Chico Grass Vly Lancaster dence Los Modesto Statistics field Stockton Lodi Angeles 1. No. of Elders 1 3 2 2 2 3 3 2 2. No. of Deacons 1 3 2 0 1 1 1 1 3. Comm. Last Year 17 117 15 44 40 21 32 22 4. Rec’d by Confirm 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 5. Rec’d by Letter 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6. Rec’d by Prof. 0 4 0 0 3 0 1 0 7. Tot. Received 0 7 0 2 3 0 1 0 8. Tot Old/New Mbr 17 124 15 46 43 21 33 22 9. Lost by Dismissal 0 6 0 2 4 0 5 1 10. Lost Eras/Disc 0 0 0 1 2 2 3 1 11. Lost by Death 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 12. Total Lost 0 8 0 4 6 2 8 2 13. Comm. this Yr 17 116 15 42 37 19 25 20 14. Unconfirm. Mbr. 7 29 9 17 10 2 6 4 15. Total Bapt. Mbr. 24 145 24 59 47 21 31 24 16. No. of Families 12 54 8 20 22 12 14 11 17. No. of S.S. Child. 0 40 0 0 9 1 6 0 18. Adult Baptisms 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 19. Infant Baptisms 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 20. Total Baptisms 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 2 21. No. Rec. LS 17 106 15 41 35 18 33 19 22. Times LS.Served 4 4 12 12 4 12 6 4 23. Reg. Offerings 42,104 203,849 29,229 97,238 72,484 48,367 88,866 55,297 24. Special Offerings 0 3,020 1,889 5,713 4,000 1,886 642 5,807 25. Other Sources 625 1,188 15,727 26,250 367 24 49,450 18,900 26. Total Receipts 42,904 208,057 46,845 129,203 84,724 50,277 138,958 80,004 27. Giv. to Syn Guidl. 0 32,613 743 4,503 6,759 600 6,849 11,028 28. Giv. to Clas Guidl 0 23,455 887 3,267 2,296 957 4,928 3,388 29. RCUS non-budget 0 21,020 115 0 367 0 347 809 30. Non-RCUS cause 0 2,553 200 5,888 0 0 295 0 31. Other Expenses 41,324 150,676 44,322 102,749 79,110 55,059 142,337 62,736 32. Total Expenses 41,324 227,764 46,267 116,407 88,531 56,616 154,014 78,011 33. Val. of Ch. Bldg. 400,000 640,000 0 219,125 0 269,884 0 350,000 34. Parsonage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 35. Impr on Prop’ty 0 0 0 0 0 3,150 0 0 36. Pres Prop’ty Deb 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 37. Debt Pd Last Yr 0 0 0 9,505 0 0 0 0 38. Syn guidl/comm 0 279 50 228 169 29 214 501 39. Clas guidl/comm 0 200 59 165 57 46 154 154 40. Tot. RCUS/Com 0 659 116 524 236 74 379 692

Covenant Covenant Ebenezer Grace First 2015 2014 % Calvary Valle de Sacto* San Diego Shafter Willows Yuba City Totals Totals Chg Chapel Gracia Stockton Shafter 4 3 2 2 3 32 32 0 1 0 5 2 3 3 3 26 26 0 0 0 137 36 70 38 69 658 663 .01 20 0 0 0 0 0 1 6 8 -.25 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 4 27 -.85 0 0 8 1 1 0 2 20 30 -.33 0 0 9 1 1 0 6 30 65 -.48 0 0 146 37 71 38 75 688 851 -.19 20 0 6 0 1 1 2 28 35 -.20 2 0 2 0 0 3 1 15 26 -.42 1 0 1 0 1 1 2 8 9 -.11 0 0 9 0 2 5 5 51 70 -.27 3 0 137 37 69 33 70 637 658 -.03 17 0 75 8 15 9 26 217 206 .01 7 0 212 45 84 42 96 854 864 -.01 24 0 67 22 38 14 41 335 342 -.02 12 0 61 8 13 5 16 159 154 .03 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 -.75 0 0 8 2 1 1 3 19 29 -.34 0 0 8 2 1 1 3 20 33 -.39 0 0 137 34 68 33 75 631 659 -.04 18 0 12 12 4 12 12 110 112 -.02 12 0 278,255 73,051 188,322 95,641 150,952 1,423,655 1,409,204 .01 44,341 0 78,651 335 10,508 0 11,306 123,757 111,629 .11 3,555 0 88,464 4,995 132,592 94 0 338,676 265,398 .28 26,250 78,570 445,370 78,411 331,442 95,735 162,258 1,894,188 1,786,231 .06 74,147 78,570 30,184 6,193 15,296 7,125 11,840 133,733 121,003 .11 4,214 0 21,098 5,544 14,980 5,852 10,626 97,278 99,389 -.02 3,080 0 3,795 9,531 5,397 0 9,400 50,781 30,356 .67 0 0 6,470 284 18,136 5,325 0 39,151 53,922 -.27 2,250 0 365,617 69,196 273,442 84,523 109,982 1,581,073 1,511,993 .05 50,493 68,924 427,164 90,748 327,252 102,852 141,848 1,898,798 1,816,663 .06 60,037 68,924 377,080 0 500,000 500,000 318,986 3,575,075 3,523,682 .02 0 0 0 0 150,000 0 129,065 279,065 276,536 .01 0 0 0 0 0 0 7,948 11,098 6,383 .74 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8,971 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9,505 8,275 .15 0 0 220 172 219 188 172 Avg. 203 Avg. 139 .46 211 0 154 154 214 154 154 Avg. 148 Avg. 126 .17 154 0 462 590 510 342 462 Avg. 428 Avg. 299 .43 365 0 *includes City Seminary

92 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES

NECROLOGY

Elder Ted van Tol went to be with his faithful Savior on November 18, 2015, at the age of 56. Ted was born in Escondido, California on September 4, 1959, the son of John and Gertrude van Tol. He grew up on the family dairy farm, the third of seven boys. He attended the Christian Reformed Church until he bought a dairy with his brother John and they moved their families to Willows in 1987. It was at this time his family became involved with the RCUS mission church in Willows, California where he continued for the next 28 years. He served faithfully as an elder and a Sunday Bible teacher for many of those years. He was a compassionate man, strong in his Christian faith. He enjoyed working on classic cars, tending to his dairy cows, and most of all, loving his family unconditionally. He was extremely proud of his daughters and their families—Desiree and Nick Rodgers, Richelle and Scott Stevenson, Lindsay van Tol, and Christine van Tol.

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 WESTERN CLASSIS — RCUS 93

STANDING RULES OF THE WESTERN CLASSIS 1. Classical dues shall be paid not later than the first day of December of the current year. ('89) 2. The Parochial Reports and Reports of Statistics shall be submitted at least three (3) weeks before the Spring Meeting of Classis; the Parochial Reports to the President of the Executive Committee of Classis; the Statistics to the Stated Clerk of the Executive Committee of Classis. The statistics of the home mission congregation are to be included in the overseeing church’s statistics when the congregation submits them to the clerk of Classis. ('87, '07, '09) 3. The writ of certification for Delegate Elders shall be forwarded to the Stated Clerk two (2) weeks before the session of Classis. 4. All congregations shall present an accurate report on confirmation instruction, Sunday School and weekday school. The period of instruction shall, if possible, be so extended that the pupils memorize and are able to recite the entire Catechism before Confirmation. The course of instruction shall include Bible history, Catechism, Bible readings and the study of the books and contents of the Bible; also, singing Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. 5. Any member may move to have the Standing Rules read after the defining of the bar of the house. Passage of the motion shall require a simple majority vote. ('15) 6. If pastors, elders, and members of congregations request information from the Executive Committee of Classis concerning constitutional matters and procedures, as provided in Article 91, the answer shall, if the request is in order and in written form, be presented to the parties concerned only in written form and relevant only to the item in question. This correspondence shall be part of the official minutes of the Executive Committee. 7. The Treasurer shall reimburse travel on behalf of Classis, or for delegates to Classis, at forty-five cents ($.45) per running mile per vehicle.” ('07, '12) 8. The monies sent to the Treasurer shall be made out in check form and shall be designated for which fund and how much for each fund. 9. The Stated Clerk of Classis shall prepare an Abstract of the Classical Minutes and shall send a copy to each delegate to the Classis plus six (6) additional copies to each charge within sixty (60) days after Classis. The Stated Clerk shall receive a gratuity of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) per year. ('91, '10) 10. The Classis shall have Permanent Committees as follows: Executive, Missions, Christian Education in the Church, Candidates and Credentials, Interchurch Relations, Publications, Diaconal Ministries, and Heidelberg West Youth Camp. The Standing Committee on Nominations each year is to nominate men to serve on these committees. ('97) 11. The complete Classis statistics shall be made a part of the minutes at the spring meeting of Classis.

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 94 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES

12. Nominations for all officers of Classis shall be made by secret ballot. All names appearing on the nominating ballot shall be candidates, and if there is not an election on the first ballot, only the names of the two highest totals of votes shall be candidates until there is an election. 13. Every charge that will not have an Elder Delegate at the Spring Meeting of Classis shall, before the date of the meeting, send in the answers to the questions placed before the elders according to Article 81 of the Constitution of the Reformed Church in the United States. This copy shall be signed by all elders of the charge, and sent to the Stated Clerk. 14. The report and recommendations of the Permanent and Special Committees of Classis shall be completed and mailed to the Consistories of all the churches at least three (3) weeks prior to the meeting in which these recommendations are being made to Classis. Special Committees writing study papers are to complete and submit their work to the consistories of all the churches by January 1. ('15) 15. The religious services of Classis shall be prepared by the Executive Committee, and these proposed services shall be circularized before Classis. ('90) 16. Students for the Ministry of the Reformed Church in the United States shall be urged by Classis to attend only such seminaries as are listed as institutions receiving benevolent monies from the Reformed Church in the United States. Only students who attend institutions so listed shall be eligible for student aid while preparing for the Christian ministry. 17. It shall be the practice of Classis before ordaining candidates for the ministry to require an internship for them to be spent with a pastor who has served in the Reformed Church in the United States for at least five (5) years. During this internship, particular emphasis shall be placed on learning the distinctives and practices of the Reformed Church in the United States. This internship requirement may be fulfilled either before or after the candidate has received a call or is licensed. 18. Overtures sent to the Stated Clerk of Classis two (2) weeks in advance of Classis shall be circularized, but overtures may be submitted to Classis at any time. ('90) 19. Only male members who have reached the age of twenty-one, or who are male heads of a household, shall constitute the voting membership of the congregations of the Classis. ('97) 20. All ministers licensed and ordained in any of the other Classes of the RCUS desiring to accept a call to a congregation of the Western Classis will undergo an examination in Orthodoxy and Purity of Intent. Such examination will take place either before the whole Classis or before the Committee on Candidates and Credentials, as that Committee shall determine in each case. If the examination is before the Candidates and Credentials Committee alone, the recommendation of the Committee must be approved via Executive Circular. ('01)

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016 95 ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES

INDEX OF POSITIONS AND RESOLUTIONS BENEVOLENT AND DIACONAL AID Guidelines: Three Year Budget Required – 09:75 CANDIDATES AND CREDENTIALS Examinations on the Floor – 10:80 Memorization of Catechism for Candidates - 08:78 Partial Licensure Exams – 09:76 Theological Training for Ministers - 86:71 CONSTITUTION Art. 113, 114, 118, 119 - 05:72 Borrowing Elders - 05:74 HEIDELBERG WEST YOUTH CAMP Camp Policies and Rules - 04:27 Fee Reduction for children of camp staff - 04:26 Insurance Certificate by each congregation - 04:26 INTERCHURCH RELATIONS Fraternal Delegates to visit once a year - 87:90 Limitation of reports by delegates - 04:80 JUDICIAL Bar of the House, Who may be seated - 88:124 Current Constitutions to be filed with Clerk - 98:74 Elders Officiating at Classis Worship Services - 13:80 Minister’s membership in local church - 86:78 Notification of Parties in Appeal of Set time for hearing - 15:83 Permanent Committee Work by Mandate Only – 09:76 Procedure to Amend Local Constitution - 99:74 KJV or NKJV use in Classis - 87:91, 90:4 MISCELLANEOUS Guidelines for Biblical Reconciliation - 88:122 MISSIONS Kenya Economic Development Fund Formation - 07:73 New Mission Churches through Existing Churches – 09:74 Strategic Five Year Plan Requirement – 09:74, 75 SPECIAL POSITIONS TAKEN Hyper-preterism - 97:74 PUBLICATIONS Pricing Policy - 97:28 (3) Royalty Policy - 97:28 (2) SPECIAL STUDIES Adult Baptism in the Light of Article 185 - 14:73 Child Safety in the Church – 16:77 Harold Camping - 04:85 View of the Church - 03:75, Return of Christ in 1994 - 93:67 Operation Rescue - 90:28 Paedocommunion - 03:72, 04:83 Survey of Catechism Practice - 99:18 Two Kingdoms Doctrine - 13:66, 16:71

31st Annual Session — March 1-3, 2016