March 1-3, 2000

at Bethel PRC, Roselle, Illinois

The March meeting of Classis West was held at Bethel Protestant Reformed Church in Roselle, Illinois from March 1 through March 3.

Rev. Allen Brummel chaired the meeting of Classis.

Classis West had a full and weighty agenda, most of which was treated in closed session. The classis gave careful consideration to discipline matters and a protest against a previous decision of classis in a discipline matter. In all cases, previous decisions were upheld. There were also other appeals treated, all dealing with confidential matters.

Classis can report that it joyfully accepted for our Churches the confession made to Loveland PRC’s consistory from Rev. Jon Smith for sins committed several years ago when he left his charge in Trinity PRC, Houston, a congregation since disbanded. “Likewise, I say unto you there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth” (Luke 15:10). It will be understood, and is the declaration of classis, that this joyful acceptance of Rev. Smith’s confession of sin does not speak to any reinstatement into the ministry of our churches. That is an issue that would have to be treated separately by the classis and synod, if the occasion should present itself.

Among other business conducted, classis approved subsidy requests from four congregations and forwarded them to Synod. Classical appointments were granted to Hull PRC as follows: Pastors Eriks (April 9 and 16), Joostens (May 7 and 14), Kleyn (June 4 and 11), De Vries (July 9 and 16), Bekkering (August 13 and 20), and R. Miersma (September 3 and 10).

Annual elections were also held. Elected as delegates to synod 1999 were Ministers: Primi: A. Brummel, A. den Hartog, C. Haak, S. Key, R. Smit; Secundi: W. Bekkering, M. De Vries, S. Houck, D. Kleyn, R. Miersma. Elders: Primi: Jim Andringa (Hull), Robert Brands (Loveland), Garry Eriks (Peace), Jack Regnerus (Randolph), Bert Wories (South Holland); Secundi: Al Brummel (Edgerton), Gary Buteyn (Randolph), Gys Van Baren (South Holland), and Richard Poortinga (Peace).

Among other elections: Rev. S. Houck was re-elected to a three-year term as a Synodical Deputy from Classis West. Classis also elected four ministers to serve as church visitors, and to divide the work among themselves. Revs. Bekkering, den Hartog, Haak, and R. Miersma were elected as church visitors, with Revs. De Vries and Key as alternates.

Classis West accepted the invitation of Randolph PRC to host the next meeting of classis on September 6, 2000. The March 2001 meeting is scheduled to be hosted by Doon PRC.

Rev. Steven Key,

Stated Clerk