January 8, 2014

Southeast Protestant Reformed Church

Classis East met in regular session on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at the Southeast PRC. The churches, with the exception of Wingham, were repre­sented by two delegates. The Wingham delegation was unable to attend because of the weather.

Classis did the usual January duty of elections. The following were elected to serve as delegates to Synod 2014: Ministers: Primi: G. Eriks, C. Haak, K. Koole, W. Langerak, R. VanOverloop; Secundi: N. Decker, A. den Hartog, M. DeVries, J. Slopsema, A. Spriensma. Elders: Primi: J. Decker, N. Kleyn, H. Langerak, G. VanBaren, P. VanDerSchaaf; Secundi: D. DeMeester, R. Drnek, R. Faber, M. Ophoff, D. Rau.

In other voting, Rev. R. VanOverloop and Rev. D. Hol­stege were elected as delegates ad examina to three-year terms as primus and secundus delegates respectively. Revs. K. Koole and A. Spriensma were elected as church visitors, with Revs. Haak and VanOverloop as alternates. Rev. H. Bleyenberg was elected to serve a three-year term on the Classical Committee. The Stated Clerk and As­sistant Stated Clerk were appointed to another three-year term.

Classis heard an appeal from a brother about the change of date of the Prayer Day Service by a consistory. Classis referred this matter back to the committee of pre-advice with the instruction to do further research on and to establish relevancy for the past rulings of broader assemblies on this issue.

In other business, classis heard the report of the church visitors. The visitors reported that the consistories were doing diligent work and that there was peace and unity among the churches. Classis granted classical appoint­ments to Faith PRC. The 2015 subsidy requests from Wingham PRC and Kalamazoo PRC were approved and will be forwarded to Synod 2014 for approval there.

Classis received a request from Rev. James Slopsema for his emeritation effective July 1, 2014. First PRC con­curred with this request. Classis expressed its heartfelt thanks for Rev. Slopsema, who has served as a capable and dedicated undershepherd in our churches for 39 years, 27 of which have been in Classis East.

The expenses of classis amounted to $147.49. Classis will meet next on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at the Trin­ity PRC.

Respectfully submitted,

Jon J. Huisken

Stated Clerk