Providence Protestant Reformed Church hosted Classis East’s January 12, 2022 meeting. The meeting convened with Rev. Joe Holstege, chairman of the last meeting, leading in devotions. He made opening comments about loving the church of Jesus Christ. Two delegates from each of the nineteen churches of Classis East attended in person, including the two delegates from Wingham, Ontario, Canada. After Rev. Holstege declared classis properly constituted, Rev. Bill Langerak took over the chair.
With Rev. Langerak presiding over the meeting, classis received reports from its stated clerk, church visitors, and classical committee. Then classis took a break from meeting in session to allow the committees of pre-advice to get to work.
Two overtures were brought to classis. Classis rejected both of them. A classical study committee had its advice regarding suggested changes to the Rules of Classis East regarding the work of the stated clerk recommitted. Classis gladly received news from Unity PRC that the consistory of Wingham PRC has been reconstituted and the congregation reorganized (under the oversight of Unity’s Consistory). A consistory sought and received advice from classis to increase censure in two discipline cases. Classis approved a pulpit supply schedule for Grace and Hudsonville PRCs from February through May. The expenses of classis totaled $2,782.
Classis elected men to serve as church visitors, on the classical committee, as synodical deputies from the East, and for Synod 2022. The following men were elected as primi delegates to Synod 2022: Revs. N. Decker, R. Dykstra, G. Eriks, R. Kleyn and W. Langerak; Elders Mike Gritters, James Lanting, Sid Miedema, John VanBaren and Dan VanUffelen. Secundi delegates to Synod 2022: Revs. W. Bruinsma, J. Mahtani, M. McGeown, J. Smidstra, C. Spronk; Elders Dave Bouwkamp, Gary Boverhof, Vern Haveman, Doug Pastoor, and Tim Pipe, Jr.
Classis’ next meeting will be held, the Lord willing, on May 11, 2022. It will be hosted by First PRC of Holland, MI in the building of Redeemer Christian School in Beaverdam.
Rev. Clayton Spronk, Stated Clerk of Classis East