Rev. Gerrit Bruintjes, on behalf of the convening church, welcomed all the delegates and opened the meeting in a Christian manner. After examination of the credentials by the delegates of Jubilee Church, Classis was constituted and those chosen to serve as executive took their positions. The deputies of Regional Synod East were also in attendance and were welcomed. The agenda was adopted.
Memorabilia: The passing of Rev. Chris Bosch and Rev. Jack Moesker was noted. In addition, it was noted that Rev. Rodney Vermeulen was scheduled to be a Deputy of Regional Synod but was unable to attend due to the passing of his mother.
Ordination Exam of Kevin Wattel
Rev. Bryn MacPhail was then introduced to Classis by Mr. Tom Zietsma who gave a brief summary of his background. Rev. MacPhail responded on why he was attracted to our federation which led to his interest in serving at Blessings.
Reports: Each of the churches in turn reported on their foreign and local mission activities, giving opportunity for follow up discussion, and a time to celebrate how our triune God has blessed this work. Following each church’s report their efforts were prayed over by a delegate from a neighbouring church.
Burlington-Fellowship reported that the classis archives have been inspected and were found to be in good order with two exceptions. The missing documents list was reviewed and arrangements were made to rectify this deficiency. The Treasurer’s report was received and reviewed. The assessment proposal of $3 per communicant member was approved.
Burlington/Waterdown-Rehoboth reported that the financial records have been reviewed and are in good order up to August 31, 2025. Mr. Jack Spithoff was thanked for his work.
The Committee for Needy Churches reported on its activities for the past year. There has been no activity for the fund in the past year. The assessment proposal of $Nil per communicant member was approved. Burlington/Waterdown-Rehoboth reported that the financial records have been reviewed and are in good order. Classis thanked Rehoboth Church for their work.
Question period according to Article 44 C.O. was utilized. All churches affirmed that the ministry of the office bearers is being faithfully maintained, and the decisions of the major assemblies are being honoured.
One of the churches asked for and received advice on a matter.
Classis then considered the request from Blessings Christian Church that Rev. Bryn MacPhail be examined by Classis in accordance with Article 13 of the Acts of Classis June 2025 so that he might be declared eligible for call in the CanRC. The request was granted. The examination was scheduled to be held on October 24, 2025.
Blessings also asked Classis to approve occasional pulpit supply from ministers in non-sister churches. Classis decided to appoint a committee to present an amendment to the Regulations to handle such requests in the future.
Appointments were made for the following:
- Convening church for next Classis: Burlington-Ebenezer
- Suggested officers for the next Classis were made
- Committee of Examiners: Rev. Clarence VanderVelde, Rev. Tony Roukema , Alternates: and Rev. Winston Bosch and Rev. Greg Davidson
- Church Visitors: Rev. Clarence VanderVelde (Convenor), Rev. Tony Roukema, Rev. Gerrit Bruintjes, Rev. Winston Bosch, Rev Ian Wildeboer, Rev. Mark Stewart, Rev. Hilmer Jagersma, Rev. Darren Feenstra, Rev. Jake Torenvliet, Rev. Greg Davidson
- Church Archives: Burlington-Ebenezer
- Church to inspect Archives: Burlington-Fellowship
- Treasurer: Mr. Jack Spithoff
- Church for inspecting Treasurer’s books: Redemption
- Committee for Needy Churches: Mr. Ed Jans, Mr. Fred Lodder, Mrs. Aafke Spithoff
- Church for inspecting books of Fund for Needy churches: Redemption
- Committee for Appeals: Mr. Rick Ludwig (Convenor), Rev. Dr. Gijsbert Nederveen Alternates - Rev. John vanPopta, Mr. Leo Kampen
- Delegates for Regional Synod East: (Ministers) Rev. Tony Roukema, Rev. Gerrit Bruintjes (Alternates) Rev. Winston Bosch and Rev. Ian Wildeboer (in that order) (Elders) Rev. Paul Aasman, Mr. Cornelius Broersema, (Alternates) Mr. Andrew Baartman, Mr. Paul den Hollander (in that order).
Date of the next Classis was set as October 24, 2025 with alternate date of December 12, 2025. Question period was held. Censure according to Article 34 C.O. was deemed unnecessary. The Acts were adopted. The Press Release was read and approved.
Rev. Gerrit Bruintjes led in closing devotions and the meeting was adjourned.
For Classis Central Ontario
Andrew Baartman (Vice-Chairman at the time)