Classis West of the Protestant Reformed Churches met in Pella, Iowa, on September 3, 1980. Eleven ministers and twelve elders represented the churches of the West. Rev. G. Lubbers and Rev. R. Van Overloop were present and were given advisory vote. 

Rev. R. Cammenga, president of the previous Classis, led in opening devotions and in the constituting of the Classis. He spoke to the Classis on I Cor. 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 

Several elder delegates signed the Formula of Subscription: D. Abma (Pella); O. Boonstra (Lynden); and T. Jansma (Hull). 

The agenda of Classis was light and the work, largely routine. The Reading Sermon Committee (Edgerton Consistory) informed Classis of a need for fresh reading sermons; Classis asked each minister to prepare one reading sermon a year to fill the need. In response to the report of its Board of Trustees, Classis approved that the Board ask for an official inventory and report of an estate willed to Classis. 

Classis adopted the following classical appointment schedule for Redlands: Oct. 19, 26, and Nov. 2—Kuiper; Nov. 9, 16, and 23—Cammenga; Jan. 11, 18, and 25—Koole; Feb. 8, 15, and 22—Bekkering. Redlands is advised to seek the help of an emeritus minister in December and, if this proves impossible, to seek the services of Rev. J. Slopsema on Dec. 7, 14, and 21 and supply from the seminary during the holidays. 

Hull informed Classis that it has no further need of the special committee of Classis appointed by the March, 1979 Classis to help Hull, Hull thanked Classis for the help that was given. The committee was dismissed. 

In executive session, Classis treated the request of a Consistory for Classis’ advice on the erasure of a member by baptism. Classis heard the details of the case and advised the Consistory to proceed with erasure. 

The expenses of this Classis were $4,747.40.

Classis will meet next in Loveland, Colorado on Wednesday, March 4, 1981, the Lord willing. 

Rev. David Engelsma, Stated Cler

Classis West