Rev. Calvin Vanderlinde, on behalf of the convening church, Nooksack Valley, called the meeting to order. Rev. Vanderlinde read from Isaiah 65:17-25, and those present sang Hymn 36:1-4.
The credentials were examined and it was reported that the churches were duly represented by their delegates.
Classis was constituted; the officers to serve classis were appointed: Rev. Iwan Borst as chairman; Rev. Tim Veenstra as vice-chairman; and Rev. Jeremy Segstro as clerk. A welcome was extended to Rev. Bernard Westerveld who was seated as a fraternal delegate from the ERQ. Classis adopted its agenda with revisions.
A letter was received from Classis Manitoba regarding the status of the deputy contact with the URCNA Classis Southwest. The letter was received for information.
A letter was received from Langley Canadian Reformed Church regarding the funding of members at Manoah Manor. The letter will be directed to the individual churches.
Rev. Bernard Westerveld addressed classis on behalf of the ERQ. He introduced himself, as well as the ERQ federation. He expressed appreciation for the continued relationship between the ERQ and the Canadian and American Reformed Churches. Rev. Westerveld shared some words regarding the state of the ERQ and their five member churches. He noted some challenges, such as that three of their churches are currently vacant, and that there are only four Christian schools in the province of Quebec, none of which are Reformed. He expressed the great need to raise covenant children in the faith. He expressed thankfulness for our encouragement, prayers, and ongoing financial support. Thankfulness was also expressed for the support for the French element of the Reformation Study Centre. An invitation was given to visit them, and Rev. Westerveld noted that they pray for our churches as well.
The chairman responded with words that expressed gratitude for the address, and some delegates interacted with the fraternal delegate and his address. Prayer was offered up for the ERQ.
A letter of fraternal address was received from Rev. Jonathan Merica on behalf of the RCUS Western Classis. Appreciation for our support and unity in the faith was expressed, along with a desire to continue to develop this relationship. The chairman responded with words of gratitude for the letter, as well as gratitude to the Nooksack Valley ARC for their role in maintaining this relationship.
A letter was received from Aldergrove proposing revisions to the CPE regulations regarding Ecclesiastical Examinations. The proposal was adopted with revisions.
A letter was received from Aldergrove proposing revisions to the CPE regulations regarding Church Visitations. The proposal was adopted.
A letter was received from Chilliwack proposing revisions to the CPE regulations regarding the formation of a Committee for Students of Theology. The proposal was not adopted.
A letter was received from Yarrow regarding two overtures related to appeals. Opportunity was given to interact with the first overture, regarding how appeals are dealt with at Regional Synod. The first overture was adopted with revisions.
Opportunity was given to interact with the second overture, regarding the appointment of a Committee for Appeals. The overture was not adopted.
Various reports were received:
Opportunity was given for a report from the Committee for Needy Churches. There was no report as the committee is not functioning at this time, and the chairman expressed thankfulness to God that the work of this committee is not currently required.
Reports were received from the church visitors for visitations made to the churches of Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Vernon and Yarrow. The chairman expressed thankfulness for each of the reports that were received.
According to Article 44 of the Church Order, the chairman asked all the churches whether the ministry of the office bearers is being continued, whether the decisions of the major assemblies are being honoured, and whether there is any matter in which the consistories need the judgement and help of classis for the proper government of their church. All the churches responded affirmatively to the first two questions. Opportunity for the judgement and help of classis was made use of.
Sardis was appointed as the convening church for the next classis.
The date for the next classis is Thursday, June 6th, 2024, with September 5th, 2024 as the alternate date.
Suggested officers for the next classis: chairman from Abbotsford, vice-chairman from Yarrow, and the clerk from Sardis.
After personal question period was made use of, and after the chairman noted with thankfulness that censure according to Article 34 of the Church Order was not needed, the Acts of classis were read and adopted; the press release was read and approved. Afterwards, the chairman led in Scripture reading and prayer, the assembly sang, and the chairman closed the meeting.
For classis on March 6, 2024,
Tim Veenstra (vice-chairman at that time)