CLASSIS GRAND RAPIDS EAST MEETING JANUARY 19, 2016
CLASSIS MEETING – AGENDA / FINAL Meeting @ Fuller Ave, 1239 Fuller Ave S.E. 4:00PM—9:00PM
GOD IS PRESENT AMONG HIS PEOPLE I. CALL TO WORSHIP GOD TOGETHER 2 II. THE PEOPLE OF GOD CONSTITUTE CLASSIS 2
GOD AT WORK THROUGH THE MINISTRY OF CLASSIS III. CLASSIS MINUTES & FINANCIAL REPORTS 3 IV. EXECUTIVE TEAM REPORT 3-10 V. ELECTION OF DELEGATES TO SYNOD 2017 10 VI. MINISTRY PLANNING TEAM REPORT 11 VII. OTHER CLASSIS ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES A. REGIONAL PASTOR REPORT 12 B. SAFE CHURCH COORDINATOR REPORT 12 C. CLASSIS APPOINTED COUNSELORS 12-13 VIII. CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE REPORT 13
GOD AT WORK THROUGH DENOMINATIONAL MINISTRY IX. DENOMINATIONAL MINISTRY REPORTS 13 A. FAITH FORMATION MINISTRIES B. CALVIN SEMINARY & MINISTERIAL FORMATION 6:00-6:45PM - DINNER & FELLOWSHIP
GOD AT WORK THROUGH THE LOCAL CHURCH X. MINISTRY TOPIC: GENDER DYNAMICS IN CHURCH LEADERSHIP 13 XII. STATE OF THE CHURCH REPORTS 13-16 XIII. CORPORATE PRAYER 16 XIV. GO TO LOVE AND SERVE THE LORD 16
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ARTICLE I. CALL TO WORSHIP GOD TOGETHER: Nate DeJong-McCarron, host church
ARTICLE II. THE PEOPLE OF GOD CONSTITUTE CLASSIS
A. Welcome to Delegate/Staff/Guests: Mike Abma, president
B. The Calling of the Roll: Al Mulder, stated clerk
MEMBER CHURCHES AND DELEGATES Churches Ministers Elders Deacons + Church Plants Commissioned Pastors
Boston Square Elizabeth VDHaagen Kelly Lundberg Sheila De Vries Calvin Rebecca Jordan-Heys Judy Jongsma Karen Bordewyk Celebration Fellowship Mark Muller Jim Tuinstra Church of Servant Andrew Mead Dan Brower Mike Cornell Eastern Avenue Thea Leunk Abel Zwart Anna Bundy +En Vivo Church Ricardo Tavarez First Randy Buursma Sara Buchholz Klasien Vaalburg Fuller Avenue Nate DeJong McCarren Ken Bratt Wendy Velheer +Good News Gatherings Eric Kas Grace Bob Tigchelaar Jeanie Kammeraad Susan Van Kooten + Living Water Josiah Chung Madison Square Brad Knetsch Mike White Neland Avenue Joel DeMoor Kurt Hoffman Ryan Struck-VanderHaak Oakdale Park James Jones Shannon Hollemans Claire Knight- Plymouth Heights Steve De Vries Chuck Hekman Ben Post Seymour Todd Grotenhuis Dan Tiesman Deb Hoekstra Shawnee Park Nick Hopkins Jim Timmer (Alt) David Mennega Sherman Street Todd Broberg Libby Brott Kris Buth + Step of Faith - Woodlawn Mike Abma Steve Visser Jim Steenbergen
C. First-Time Delegates Sign the Covenant for Office-bearers (Delegate Handbooks available to First-Time delegates)
D. Constitute classis, overview and appointments 1. Ballot counters: COS elder, Neland Ave deacon 2. Credentials Committee: Grace elder, Madison pastor
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ARTICLE III. CLASSIS MINUTES AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
A. Review/Approve Minutes of Sept 15, 2016 Classis Meeting Review/Approve Minutes of Nov 22, 2016 Classis Contracta See www.classisgreast.org, MEMBER LOGIN (grace), Classis Meetings
B. Financial Report: Bob Zwiers, Treasurer Financial Report for 9 months ending 11/15/2016 – separate document
ARTICLE IV. EXECUTIVE TEAM REPORT (** = Action Items)
A. Classis Staff Matters
a. Classis Ministry Coordinators. Lori Wiersma served Classis GR East as Ministry Coordinator from 2009 to 2013. She was followed by Sandra Nikkel who served for one year. In the fall of 2014 Lori and Al Mulder began serving as “co-coordinators” until other ministry coordinator leadership was determined. In May 2015 Classis affirmed the “co-coordinator” arrangement, with both Lori and Al continuing to serve. In May 2016 Classis accepted Lori’s willingness to continue through June 2017. And in December 2016, Lori offered to again extend her service (for one final time) through June 2018. ** ET recommends that Classis approve an extension to Lori Wiersma’s appointment as Ministry Co-coordinator through June 2018. Note: ET will initiate a search for Lori’s successor in the Spring of 2018.
2. Regional Pastor. In the fall of 2016 Carl Kammeraad informed the Executive Team that he wished to resign from his role as Regional Pastor after five years of service, effective 2/15/2017. Carl has not only served well, but also graciously met with ET to reflect on his role and share advice and concerns for the role in the future. In addition, he also assisted a pastors group and an ad hoc group to reflect on the work going forward. In light of these considerations, the Executive team revised the regional pastor/pastor to pastors position description as follows:
(Revised) Pastor to Pastors Position Description
a. ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES Encourage, arrange, facilitate and/or provide pastoral care to all pastors (ministers of the Word and commissioned pastors) who are serving member congregations at least 30 hours per week. 1) Encourage and support pastoral self-care by way of: a) Church/Pastor relations committees or teams. b) Accountability groups, coaching, spiritual direction, and the like. 2) Encourage and support professional development through:
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a) Learning plans, especially for newly ordained pastors and new assignments. b) Continuing education, sabbaticals, retreats, conferences, and the like. 3) Arrange and promote special events among pastors for purposes of fellowship, encouragement, affirmation, spiritual refreshment, and mutual care. 4) Initiate individual contact with pastors, including the spouse if desired, as routinely scheduled or for special occasions such as a new pastorate, special joys and concerns (birth, recognition, illness, death), resignation or retirement, and the like. 5) Arrange for mentoring of newly ordained pastors: a) Assist with selecting and approving mentors within six months after ordination. b) Inquire twice annually as to the effectiveness of the mentor and mentee relationships. c) Maintain a current list of mentees and their mentors, with copies to the stated clerk (also see Mentoring Guidelines, Appendix C). 6) Ensure crisis care of pastors in personal difficulty or ministry challenges by way of meeting with the pastor and elders, engaging colleagues, helping arrange for church visitors, coaching, or counseling, or the like.
b. RELATIONSHIPS 1) Appointed by classis upon recommendation of the Executive Team. 2) Accountable to classis by way of the Executive Team, and meets with the Executive Team at least annually, ordinarily in April. 3) Provides a written report to the Executive Team for inclusion in the Agenda for the September, January and May meetings of classis. 4) Attends the September, January and May meetings of classis as feasible to inform and encourage, and to interact with pastors and delegates. 5) Maintains contact with the Ministry Planning Team and Church Visiting team leaders as opportunities arise and as indicated. 6) Carries out responsibilities in keeping with the Manual for Regional Pastors from the office of Pastor-Church Resources.
c. MISCELLANEOUS: 1) The Pastor to Pastors is provided an honorarium and reimbursement of approved expenses incurred in the work. 2) The appointment of the Pastor to Pastors is subject to renewal after each two-year term of service.
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3) The Executive Team is to conduct a performance evaluation at the mid- point in each two-year term of service. 4) The Executive Team may amend this position description as indicated.
d. QUALIFICATIONS 1) An ordained CRC minister, preferably a member of Classis GR East, who has demonstrated pastoral leadership experience in congregational ministry. 2) Strong relational skills, intercultural competence, and cultural humility 3) Gifted with administrative and communication skills. 4) A self-starter and able to work within a flexible schedule.
At its December meeting, ET agreed to invite nominations and suggestions from all pastors connected with member churches in the classis, requesting responses by not later than January 6. ET members Joy Bonnema, Karl Westerhof, and the stated clerk were named to serve as an ad hoc search team. The search team received a firm statement of interest from Rev. Alvern Gelder. Mike Abma joined the search team in interviewing Gelder on January 11. **The Executive Team heartily recommends to Classis GR East the appointment of Alvern Gelder, minister emeritus, as its new Pastor to Pastors, effective February 16, 2017 through June 30, 2019, and subject to renewal.
Gelder served in parish ministry 42 years: from New Mexico (Native American congregation) to South Dakota, Missouri, Michigan, and New York; no “traditional” or primarily Dutch/CRC congregations. He also served 5 years as ‘field education’ director at CTS, including significant interaction with international students. Al was a “regional pastor” in Classis GR North, and two times in Classis Atlantic Northeast, something he found “to be enjoyable and a place to use my experience (and my temperament) in ministry beyond the congregation.” He has been married for almost 50 years to Jan, whom he describes as a true partner in ministry. They have 3 children (one with special needs) and 8 grandchildren. Al and Jan also have utilized the Pastor to Pastors role as a couple for interaction with clergy couples. The Gelders are members of Plymouth Heights CRC.
3. Safe Church Coordinator
Classis affirmed the appointment of Judy Jongsma as Safe Church Coordinator at the Sept 2016 meeting of Classis. Judy has taken up the work with energy and care, and will report on her work later in this meeting.
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Because the work to which she was appointed was re-titled from Safe Church Team to Safe Church Coordinator, ET approved the following revised Classis GR East guidelines for this work.
Safe Church Coordinator a. Responsibilities 1) Serve as a liaison between the CRC Safe Church Office, the classis, and member churches of classis. 2) Maintain a current data list of one Safe Church representatives from each member church of classis. 3) Recruit and sustain a Safe Church Advisory Team consisting of four to six (4-6) Safe Church representatives. 4) Convene the Safe Church Advisory Team at least twice annually, and as needed, to assist with the following tasks: a) Encourage and assist each member church in the appointment of an active Safe Church representative. b) Ensure that each member church has adequate information and up- to-date policies regarding the various types of abuse. c) Convene an advisory panel, in consultation with the Safe Church Office as indicated, to fact-find allegations of misconduct by an adult against a present or former church member within the classis. d) Provide an advocate to a claimant of misconduct when an advisory panel is convened. e) Offer short-term pastoral care to all parties following a recent or historical allegation of abuse, including to family members. b. Relationships 1) The Safe Church Coordinator (SCC) is appointed by the Executive Team, with concurrence of classis and the CRC Safe Church Office. 2) The SCC is appointed to a two-year term, and is eligible for reappointment. 3) The SCC meets with the classis Ministry Planning Team as feasible for networking, mutual encouragement and support. 4) The SCC submits written reports to the Executive Team in April, August, and December, and reports in person to the Executive Team and Classis annually, ordinarily in August and September respectively.
B. Clergy Credentialing Matters
1. Transfer of Ecclesiastical Credentials a. Douglas MacLeod from Calvin CRC to Classis Muskegon/Second CRC of Fremont
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b. Jonathan Young from Neland Ave to Classis Pacific NW/Third CRC of Lyndon, WA c. Reginald Smith to Madison Square from Classis GR South/Monroe Community. d. Ryan Veeneman, emeritus, from Second Fremont to Oakdale Park.
2. Commissioned Pastors change in status a. Steve Agler is a Commissioned Pastor with Madison. His residency with Celebration Fellowship concluded in May 2016. Recently he received an appointment from Marketplace Chaplains (we have a copy of an offer letter in hand), and Madison wishes to call him to that position, contingent on classis approving the position and awaiting information and advice from the Office of Chaplaincy and Care. ET has no recommendation at this time, awaiting further developments regarding Steve’s employment and Chaplaincy Office considerations. Steve’s ordination as a Commissioned Pastor remains in force during this waiting period. b. Bryan Blakely was a Commissioned Pastor with First CRC since 2010 as ministry director of Bates Place. His ordained status concluded in Dec 2015 when he resigned his position. c. Amanda Roozeboom was a Commissioned Pastor with Seymour CRC since 2010. Her ordained status concluded in Dec 2016 when she left her employ at Seymour for a position with Youth Unlimited.
3. Terry Schram request for emeritation. After serving as a Madison missionary with Wycliffe Bible Translators since 1975, the Rev. Terry Schram retired from his work with Wycliffe on November 30, 2014. In response to his request, Madison asks Classis to grant Terry Schram emeritus status as a minister of the Word in the CRC (cf. CO Article 18), based on eligibility due to age, and effective retroactive to November 30, 2014. ** ET RECOMMENDS CLASSIS APPROVAL.
4. Arianna Tolsma of Calvin CRC is a candidate for Minister of the Word, and is in a chaplaincy residency at Pine Rest. Calvin has inquired about obtaining approval of the Office of Chaplaincy and Care for this position, and the possibility of extending her a call with a view to a classical examination in March, 2017.
NOTE: Subsequent to receiving the above request, three additional persons are in process of requesting examination this spring. A Classis Contracta is now scheduled for March 30, 2017. See last page of this agenda for more information.
C. Miscellaneous Matters
1. Understandings re CFC Ministry Share a. Celebration Fellowship Church was officially organized at COS on 11/13/2016. Because its Council consists only of a minister and elders (no deacons), it will be sending only two delegates to regular meetings of classis.
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b. CRCNA’s executive director, Dr. Steve Timmermans, raised a (friendly) question for clarification regarding membership counts in light of this “new” CFC commissioned member status and its implications for denominational and classical ministry share, wanting to avoid double count—and no count. The Stated Clerk and CFC’s executive director David Koetje sent a letter of explanation to commissioning/home churches and their respective classes regarding the definition of commissioned members and related ministry share understandings. As it relates to classis ministry shares, Celebration Fellowship will pay classis ministry shares based only on the number of Commissioned Members from member churches of Classis Grand Rapids East.
2. Consultation of U.S. Stated Clerks The CRCNA has invited U.S. Stated Clerks to a working meeting in Port St. Lucie, Florida, on Saturday, February 4, 2017. (A similar meeting for Canadian Stated Clerks is scheduled for January 2017). ET approved expenses for Al’s participation.
3. Classis representatives to Youth Ministry Consultation, April 2017 Faith Formation Ministries has been shepherding “The Canadian Youth Ministry Pilot Project” for some time, and recently was mandated by the CRCNA Board of Trustees to begin developing this project in American classes as well. Subsequently our classis has been invited to send 1 or 2 youth ministry representatives to join the conversation at a retreat in Chicago on April 19-21, 2017. ET approved sending representatives to the consultation, including the shared costs involved. An invitation is being extended to selected youth ministry leaders.
4. Clergy mental health support Research shows that nearly 1 in 4 pastors (23 percent) acknowledges having struggled with mental illness. A significant number also experience burnout. A Mental Health Task Force established by the Disability Concerns office has developed a Guide for a Clergy Leave of Absence for Mental Health Reasons that provides guidelines and suggestions for pastors and for church councils. The document recommends things like: (for the pastor) Connect with your Regional Pastor as a support and as an advocate alongside you in your conversations with your church council. (for the council) Pastoral care is important. Let the pastor and family guide you as to what they need. The need for emotional space varies and must be respected. It may be tempting to prescribe what should be done and when, but the details for an arrangement need to be worked out with the pastor and the pastor’s health care providers. To introduce this document, there are 15-, 45-, and 90-minute presentations that include slide presentations, discussion questions, and sample case studies. These can be found at www.crcna.org/clergyleaveguide. The presentation could be made by a mental health professional or a church or classis leader. If you have questions regarding any of
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this information, contact Rev. Mark Stephenson ([email protected]), Director, Disability Concerns, Christian Reformed Church in North America
5. Affirm Emmett Harrison as classis delegate to CRCNA Council of Delegates The latest CRCNA Board of Trustees time table is the BOT itself and the boards of the “New Mission Agency” and Back to God International folded into the new CRCNA Council of Delegates effective in the summer of 2017 (rather than 2018 as projected earlier). Currently, three members of Classis GR East serve on denominational boards: Pastor Emmett Harrison of Oakdale Park as the Region 11 delegate to the CRCNA Board of Trustees Mr. John Hwang of Living Water, member at large with the HM Board. Pastor Ricardo Tavarez of En Vivo, member at large with the HM Board. All three brothers are eligible – and willing – to serve on the Council of Delegates. ** ET recommends that classis affirm Emmett Harrison by voice vote as Classis GR East’s representative to the CRCNA Council of Delegates. Rationale: Harrison is the only one of the three to have been elected by the classis to their current board role.
D. Boston Square and Administration of the Lord’s Supper: **The Council of Boston Square Christian Reformed Church requests Classis Grand Rapids East to approve Elder Josiah Youngquist to lead the administration of the Lord's Supper during worship at Boston Square if no ordained Minister of the Word is participating in the service, for the duration of his current term of office. Background: 1. In August of 2008, we began celebrating the Lord's Supper weekly. 2. The Lord's Supper has now become an integral part of our weekly morning worship. 3. The only Ministers of the Word who regularly worship at Boston Square are the husband and wife team of pastors, Jay Blankespoor and Elizabeth Vander Haagen, Calvin Seminary New Testament professor Mariano Avila, and Director of Pastor Church Resources, Norm Thomasma. Pastors Jay and Elizabeth vacation together, Mariano travels frequently for lectures and conferences and is engaged in extensive educational initiatives with local Spanish-speaking congregations, and Norm also travels frequently. It is a relatively frequent occurrence that when Pastors Jay and Elizabeth are on vacation, there is no other Minister of the Word at Boston Square that particular week. 4. Classis Grand Rapids East approved a similar overture in each year 2009-2016. Grounds: 1. Church Order (Article 55) allows for Elders to administer the Lord's Supper in situations where no Minister of the Word is available. 2. A number of seminary students worship with us regularly. We would like to be able to encourage their development by asking them to preach when our pastors are on vacation or otherwise absent from worship. Without approval for Elders to administer Communion, we are limited to inviting ordained Ministers of the Word in order that they might also lead the Communion portion of the service.
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3. Boston Square will be best served if Elders from within the congregation may lead the Lord's Supper in these situations and if we have the flexibility to ask seminarians or others to preach for us, even if they don't have credentials to lead the Lord's Supper. Brief biography of Josiah Youngquist: Grew up in Spring Lake Michigan as a member of Ferrysburg Community CRC Graduate of Moody Bible Institute Pursuing a Masters of Divinity degree at Calvin Theological Seminary Ministry ambitions include: becoming an ordained minister in the CRC, and serving a congregation in an urban setting Has been worshipping at Boston Square CRC for the past 2.5 years
ARTICLE V. ELECTION OF DELEGATES TO SYNOD 2017 **
Synod 2017 will be meeting at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, IL from June 9-15. 2017. The process for electing classis delegates includes the following steps:
1. A listing of Classis GR East delegates attending synod from 2012-2016 (see below). 2. Member councils submit elder and deacon nominees to the Stated Clerk, along with requested information, by January 12, 2017. 3. Ballots to be provided at the January 19 meeting. 4. Opportunity given for introduction of nominees, and for nominee statements of information and interest. 5. Election of a deacon delegate. 6. Election of an elder delegate (commissioned pastors also are eligible). 7. Election of a minister delegate. 8. Election of a 4th delegate from among the ‘runners up’ of the above 3 offices. 9. Election or affirmation of alternates from among remaining ‘runners up.’
Classis GR East Delegates to Synod 2012-2016
Minister Elder Deacon Fourth 2012 Jack Kooreman Linda Naranjo-Huebl Thea Leunk Ken Piers 2013 Emmett Harrison George N Monsma Jr Rebecca Jordan-Heys Rosemary Vroon 2014 Doug MacLeod Betty Ruth Brown Higgins David Kromminga James Jones 2015 Stedford Sims Darrell Delaney Josiah Chung Judy Jongsma 2016 Jack Roeda Khary Bridgewater Rachel Klompmaker Steve De Ruiter
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ARTICLE VI. MINISTRY PLANNING TEAM REPORT: Lori Wiersma, Co-Coordinator
A. Overview of classis ministry teams B. Miscellaneous information items C. Approved Ministry Grants for 2017
GRANT MINISTRY NAME/FOCUS GRANT RECIPIENT 2017 Amt Community Engagement 1 Alger Heights Collaborative—ABCD Seymour $3,500 2 Alternative Directions—Alpha Grace/Alternative Directions 3,000 3 Camelot Community Partners—CCDA Church of the Servant 1,500 4 Criminal Justice Chaplaincy (CJC) Oakdale Park/CJC 2,750 5 Eastown Neighborhood Ministry Calvin CRC 3,500 6 En Vivo Church Café Juntos with HIS Madison 3,000 7 Grand Rapids Area Pastors (GRAP) Grace/Brown Hutcherson 4,000 8 Men of Purpose (2 lunches per month) Step of Faith 3,000 9 Restorers, Inc. (economic development) Madison/Restorers, Inc 3,500 10 Restoring Hope—Visits, Bible Study FMM Step of Faith 3,500 11 Volunteers in Service—deacon consult/training Oakdale Park 2,500 33,750 Leadership Development/Non-MDiv 12 Barbara Bjelland/Faith Formation materials Fuller Ave 500 13 Antioch Program/worship leadership Madison 2,000 14 En Vivo /Core Leadership Team training Madison/En Vivo 2,500 15 Sepa Nashale, Basic English Service leadership Church of the Servant 2,000 7,000 Starting & Strengthening Churches/Ministries 16 Eastern Ave – Bilingual Service Eastern Ave 3,000 17 Spiritual coordinator for Citizen Reentry Sherman St/Step of Faith 3,000 18 Director of Worship Madison: North Campus 2,000 19 Director of Faith Formation Fuller Ave 4,500 20 Living Water Ministries / church plant Living Water 4,800 21 En Vivo/Ricardo Tavarez, church planter Madison 6,000 22 Kinyarwanda (kerwanda) Worship Services Oakdale Park 4,000 23 Grand Rapids Campus Ministry (CM@GR) Grace /Classis Zeeland 5,000 24 Youth for Christ, West Michigan, Donny Irving Grace 2,000 25 Good News Gatherings, Eric Kas, planter Oakdale 6,200 26 Outreach Training and Flexible Grants 3,200 42,500 TOTAL 2017 MINISTRY GRANTS 83,250 Not including M.Div. Grants
Note: For more details, see separate document with background information.
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ARTICLE VII. OTHER CLASSIS ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES
VII, A. REGIONAL PASTOR REPORT: Carl Kammeraad
This report covers the weeks from August 18 to December 28, 2016:
Since our September classis I have met one-on-one with ten pastors and one pastor couple. I also contacted two newly ordained pastors within GREast in order to schedule a get acquainted visit and to encourage the selection of a mentor.
In addition, I hosted a Brown Bag lunch in October at Oakdale Park, and in November Oakdale again hosted a gathering of 15 pastors/commissioned pastors who enjoyed a lunch catered by Doug Jager’s Chicken Out. The focus of this luncheon was a roundtable conversation about the need and/or desire for Pastoring the Pastors of classis and the future performance of the Pastor to Pastor role. These lunches always include a lively discussion of the joys and challenges of leading a local church. I also participated in the September classis as a delegate from Grace Church.
In early August I notified our Executive Team of my desire to finish my service as Pastor to Pastors at the close of this fiscal year, February 15, 2017. This will mark five years of serving classis in this role, a role that I have loved fulfilling and one which I am eager to see continue. I will be taking on new responsibilities on behalf of the Church Visiting Leadership Team which serves under Pastor Church Resources.
The Pastor to Pastors is always available to the pastors and commissioned pastors of Classis Grand Rapids East for spiritual care, conversation, and encouragement.
VII, B. SAFE CHURCH COORDINATOR REPORT: Judy Jongsma
VII, C. CLASSIS-APPOINTED COUNSELORS
1. Steve De Vries (Churches A-L) a. Celebration Fellowship: conversation with Dave Koetje regarding the transfer of Andy Hanson’s “call” was transferred from Oakdale Park to Celebration Fellowship, but was not re-issued because the original call had been extended by Oakdale Park on behalf of the Celebration Fellowship steering committee. b. Church of the Servant: conversation with Jonathan Bradford as COS begins the search process.
2. Thea Leunk (Churches M-Z) a. Madison: signed letters of call to Carol Petter (commissioned pastor/Marketplace chaplain) and to Ricardo Taverez (commissioned pastor/En Vivo church plant) b. Oakdale Park: signed letter of call to Eric Kas (Minster of the Word/Good News Gathering church plant)
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c. Sherman Street: signed letters of call to Rev. David Kromminga (World Missions) and to Rev. Simon Ko (Army Chaplain). d. Neland Ave: initial contact by search committee. e. Seymour: initial contact by search committee.
ARTICLE IX. CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE REPORT
ARTICLE X. DENOMINATIONAL MINISTRIES
A. Faith Formation Ministry: Shannon Jammal-Hollemans
B. Calvin Seminary and Ministerial Formation: Geoff Vandermolen
DINNER & FELLOWSHIP—6:00 to 6:45pm
ARTICLE XI. MINISTRY TOPIC: GENDER DYNAMICS IN CHURCH LEADERSHIP The Leadership Development Team (Ken Bratt and Amanda Roozeboom, co-leaders) will host a one hour presentation and discussion of some of the issues that arise between men and women working to build holistic ministry in our churches, including such topics as healthy communication among leaders, appropriate professional boundaries, sharing of authority, mutual respect and support, and visible presence in the congregation. A series of 4 podcasts also are recommended, titled below, by Jim Herrington and Trisha Taylor (Ridder Renewal): http://www.jimtherrington.com/mfjp-09/ 1. What is God's Design for Men and Women as They Work Together? 2. What About the Billy Graham Rule? 3. Can You Hear What I'm Saying? 4. How Can Men and Women Support Each Other in This Journey? These podcasts are 40 minutes each. Delegates may wish to view some of them even before January 19. They could also be watched/discussed with church staff as a follow up to our classis discussion.
ARTICLE XII. “STATE OF THE CHURCH” REPORTS
XII, A. SEYMOUR – Phil De Jong, pastor
Where do you see God at work in Seymour Church? We are happy to report to Classis Grand Rapids East that we see the evidence of God at work in many ways at Seymour Church. We invite our brothers and sisters to join us in thanksgiving and celebration for some of these ways:
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We have witnessed a remarkable response to God’s love through many professions of faith among our young people. Several years ago when we opened the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper to all baptized members we wondered what impact it would have on the traditional gateway into the Eucharist, namely, profession of faith. We are delighted to report that access to the table has not diminished participation in the rite of profession of faith. Our elders have not only been pleased by the numbers of young people who testify to their faith in a pubic manner, but they have also been thrilled at the depth and maturity of the professions. The whole congregation is greatly encouraged by the enthusiasm of Christ that is demonstrated in our young people. We have seen a significant increase in worship attendance and ministry involvement among college-aged young adults. We are especially appreciative to God that these young adults are engaged in a variety of ministries and fellowship gatherings. While we have offered few programs directly aimed at this age group, we have made consistent attempts to enfold college age students into all the ministries and activities of the congregation. We have found that authentic relationship building is more effective than targeted ministry with the college-aged young adults who have associated with Seymour Church. We celebrate the people who attend or have joined our congregation after many years in prison. Most of these returning citizens express appreciation for the warm welcome they have received at Seymour Church. As a congregation we are grateful for the new perspectives and insights that the returning citizens bring to our fellowship of faith. They have an ability to relate evangelistically to certain members of our society that is of great benefit to our church. We continue to celebrate unity and harmony in our Christian fellowship. While there is considerable diversity in our membership regarding political views, ministry options, and worship styles, the strongly held differences of opinion do not detract from our celebration of unity in Christ. Seymour Church exhibits unusual stability and consistency in our healthy interpersonal interactions. We are grateful to God for a congregation free from any major dysfunction.
What are you learning about God at Seymour Church? The main thing we are learning (or relearning) about God at Seymour Church is trust. We trust God to bring us through a major transition in pastoral leadership and into the next chapter of effective ministry. Amanda Roozeboom, our Youth Pastor for the last decade, left her position at the end of 2016. Philip De Jonge, our Senior Pastor since 2005, will retire from ministry in June of 2017. A Senior Pastor Transition Team has assessed our ministries and identified the qualities we desire in new leadership. A Search Team has been mandated and is interviewing prospective candidates. The congregation is in prayer that God will lead us through this process. God is trustworthy and we expect good things. We invite our sisters and brothers in Classis Grand Rapids East to join us in thanksgiving for the ways in which God is working in our congregation and to join us in trusting God to lead us into an exciting future.
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XII, B. WOODLAWN – Mike Abma, pastor
XII, C. BOSTON SQUARE – Elizabeth Vander Haagen, pastor
XII, D. CALVIN – Rebecca Jorden-Heys, pastor
Rooted in God’s Word Over the past few months, we’ve been blessed in worship by a newly formed Scripture Proclamation Team within our congregation. Our worship committee spent a day with Joy Elizabeth Lawrence, who helped us think about how we might engage God’s word in creative ways in worship. The team now participates in worship about once a month, and has given new energy and insight into the way we hear God’s word as a congregation. In 2017, Calvin Church is reading The Wayfinding Bible together. The general editor for this Bible is a member of our congregation, Doris Rikkers. 140 people purchased a copy to read at home during 2017, and seven small groups are forming for accountability and learning. Pastor Rebecca will be preaching from the texts we are reading this year, so our worship will also follow the arc of God’s story in scripture in 2017.
Staff Transition In September, Rev. Doug MacLeod began his ministry at Second CRC in Fremont after 8 years at Calvin Church. This month, Char Bulthuis begins a new role as the Director of Administration at Shawnee Park CRC after almost 10 years as Youth Minister at Calvin Church. We wish them both well in their new callings and are grateful that God continues to use them to lead his church. These two transitions, combined with the retirement of Rev. Bob Koornneef in 2015, have made for a season of much transition in the ministry staff of Calvin Church. Our staff members who continue are Rev. Rebecca Jordan Heys, Director of Music Ken Bos, Office Administrator Kim Fredricks, and Custodian Doug Ezinga. We are in a time of discernment about the structure of our ministry staff for the future. We feel the combination of grief at missing those who have served and led so well, and also hope and possibility in this opportunity to reimagine our staff structure for effectively living out our mission as a congregation.
Loss and Grief Between December 25 and January 10, five members of Calvin Church died. We feel the heaviness of such concentrated loss, and we also cling with great hope to our identity as people of the resurrection.
Partners for Outreach We are grateful for partnerships within this Classis that are so vital for our engagement with our neighborhood around Franklin and Ethel. We continue to receive a Partnerships Grant for our work with Eastown Ministries. Our KidsHopeUSA ministry continues to grow, and we are so glad to share a presence at Campus Elementary School with our neighbors at Fuller
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CLASSIS GRAND RAPIDS EAST MEETING JANUARY 19, 2016
Avenue CRC. We continue to build a good relationship with the Eastown Community Association, which is so important for ministry in the blocks around our church building.
Vision for the Future Last summer, our Council appointed a Planning and Vision Committee to engage in a time of imagination and discernment about the mission of Calvin Church and the beginning of concrete plans for future ministry in our community. The “PVC” has been working hard this fall and winter, and we are hopeful about the direction their work is taking. We’ll have more to share about this the next time it’s our turn to give a State of the Church report!
Written reports due to the Stated Clerk by January 12. The pastor or other representative will reflect briefly on these two questions: 1/ Where do you see God at work in your church? 2/ What are you learning about God?
ARTICLE XIII. CORPORATE PRAYER
ARTICLE XIV. GO TO LOVE AND SERVE THE LORD
CLASSIS CONTRACTA – THURS, MAR 30, 2017 Examination of up to 4 candidates Estimated time – 4:30 to 9:00pm Host Church: Madison Square
PARTICIPATING CHURCHES: 1/ Boston Square, 2/ Calvin, 3/ Fuller Ave, 4/Madison Square, 5/ Neland Ave, 6/ Plymouth Heights, 7/ Seymour, 8/ Shawnee Park, 9/ Woodlawn
SPRING CLASSIS—THURS, MAY 18, 2017 Estimated time – 4:00 to 9:00pm Host Church: Grace CRC
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