ABSTRACT of the MINUTES for the WESTERN CLASSIS Reformed Church in the United States 28th Annual Session March 5-6, 2013 Providence Reformed Church Lodi, California TABLE OF CONTENTS 2013 WESTERN CLASSIS DIRECTORY ........................................................................................ 3 Ministers ...................................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................................... 3 Primarius Elders ......................................................................................................... 4 Secundus Elders.......................................................................................................... 5 Student Under Care ..................................................................................................... 6 28th 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 AND CHURCHES ............................................................... 14 STANDING COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS ............................................................................... 14 PRESENTATION OF PERMANENT COMMITTEE REPORTS ................................................... 15 A. Executive Committee of Classis ................................................................................. 15 B. Missions ...................................................................................................................... 16 C. Christian Education ..................................................................................................... 18 D. Candidates and Credentials ......................................................................................... 18 E. Interchurch Relations .................................................................................................. 19 F. Publications ................................................................................................................ 21 G. Diaconal Ministries ..................................................................................................... 21 H. Heidelberg West Camp ............................................................................................... 22 REPORTS OF OFFICERS ............................................................................................................... 23 A. President’s Report on the State of the Church ............................................................. 23 B. Stated Clerk’s Report on the Minutes ......................................................................... 27 C. Executive Committee of Synod .................................................................................. 28 D. Treasurer’s Report ...................................................................................................... 29 PARCOCHIAL REPORTS ............................................................................................................... 31 A. Report of the Lancaster Congregation ......................................................................... 31 B. Rev. Thomas Mayville ................................................................................................ 31 C. Rev. Jim West ............................................................................................................. 34 D. Rev. Michael Voytek .................................................................................................. 36 E. Rev. Vernon Pollema .................................................................................................. 39 F. Rev. Douglas Schlegel ................................................................................................ 40 G. Rev. Frank Walker ...................................................................................................... 42 H. Rev. Tracy Gruggett ................................................................................................... 44 I. Rev. Sam Powell ......................................................................................................... 45 J. Rev. Paul Treick ......................................................................................................... 48 K. Rev. Hank Bowen ....................................................................................................... 49 L. Rev. Gil Baloy ............................................................................................................ 50 M. Rev. Jonathan Merica.................................................................................................. 52 N. Rev. Eric Bristley ........................................................................................................ 54 O. Rev. Gary Mancilas .................................................................................................... 56 P. Rev. Neale Riffert ....................................................................................................... 57 Q. Rev. Paul Henderson ................................................................................................... 58 R. Rev. Gene Sawtelle ..................................................................................................... 60 S. Rev. Dennis Roe ......................................................................................................... 61 T. Rev. Lloyd Gross ........................................................................................................ 64 CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS FOR ELDERS ......................................................................... 64 MEMBERSHIP AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS .......................................................................... 65 REPORTS FROM CLASSIS’ FRATERNAL DELEGATES ........................................................... 65 ADDRESSES BY DELEGATES FROM OTHER REFORMED CHURCHES AND VISITORS ... 65 REPORTS OF SPECIAL STUDY COMMITTEES ......................................................................... 66 A. The Doctrine of the Two Kingdoms............................................................................ 66 B. Use of Instruments in Public Worship ........................................................................ 77 REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES ................................................................................... 78 A. Benevolences .............................................................................................................. 78 B. Missions ...................................................................................................................... 78 C. Examination and Licensure ......................................................................................... 79 E. Judicial ........................................................................................................................ 79 F. Nominations ................................................................................................................ 80 G. Finances ...................................................................................................................... 81 H. Excuses ....................................................................................................................... 81 I. Overtures .................................................................................................................... 81 MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS AND OTHER BUSINESS ............................................................ 83 A. Expression of Appreciation to the Host Congregation (Overtures Report). .............. 83 B. Adoption of Stated Clerk’s Report, Executive Committee’s Minutes, and Overtures Committee’s Report. ........................................................................................ 83 C. Other Business ................................................................................................ 83 THE READING OF THE MINUTES ............................................................................................... 83 ADJOURNMENT ............................................................................................................................ 83 A. Roll Call...................................................................................................................... 83 B. Devotions .................................................................................................................... 83 C. Close ........................................................................................................................... 83 MEMBERSHIP AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS .......................................................................... 86 STANDING RULES OF THE WESTERN CLASSIS .....................................................................