On behalf of the convening church of Carman East, Rev. Carl VanDam called the meeting to order and led in opening devotions. In memorabilia Rev. VanDam mentioned: Candidate Adrian Tams accepted the call extended to Redeemer Winnipeg for work in Niverville; Grace church of Winnipeg called Candidate Damon Bosveld; Pastor Dathan and Katrina Pleiter of Elm Creek church with the sudden passing away of their 11-month-old son, Asher Nehemiah; Pastor Pleiter would not be participating in Classis. The retired ministers and wives were remembered: Rev. John and Agnes VanRietschoten; Rev. Klaas and Nettie Jonker; Dr. Andrew and Inge Pol.
Rev. VanDam welcomed the guests and gave a special welcome to Candidate Adrian Tams, who was present for his peremptory examination, regarding his accepting the call to be a missionary/minister in the Ambassador congregation of Niverville, under the care of Redeemer church of Winnipeg. Rev. VanDam welcomed the Deputies of Regional Synod West: Rev. Doug Vandeburgt and Rev. Julius VanSpronsen, present for the examination of br. Adrian Tams. Rev. VanDam also welcomed brother Quentin Vandermeulen, a recent graduate of CRTS, who was seeking to be declared eligible for call by Classis through the preparatory examination. Rev. Chris Drew, of the Faith Presbyterian Church (OPC) of Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA, was welcomed. It was a joy to have him in our midst, to fellowship with him, and further to give him an opportunity to address the meeting and speak about their activities and experiences in Christ’s church gathering work.
The church at Carman East, having examined the credentials, declared that all the churches were lawfully represented. The following officers were appointed: As president, Rev. Carl VanDam; as vice-president, Pastor James Slaa; as clerk, Pastor Joe Poppe.
When the executive took their places, Rev. VanDam expressed appreciation on behalf of the Classis to the convening church for their preparations and for hosting classis. The agenda was adopted.
Brother Adrian Tams presented himself for his peremptory examination according to Art. 5 C.O. After it was determined that all the documents were in order, Classis proceeded to examine br. Tams. The first part of the examination was the presentation of a sermon proposal on Psalm 84. In closed session, Classis judged the sermon sufficient, thereby deciding that the examination could proceed. The Deputies of Regional Synod West concurred.
During the next proceedings, the Grades 6, 7, and 8 students of Dufferin Christian School arrived to witness parts of the exam.
Classis examined br. Tams in Old Testament Exegesis (Numbers 17 and Psalm 29), New Testament Exegesis (John 9 and Philippians 2), Knowledge of Scripture, Doctrine and Creeds, Church History, Ethics, Church Polity and Diaconiology. Once again, Classis deliberated in closed session and determined that the examination was sufficient, a judgment which received the concurring advice from the Deputies of Regional Synod West. Classis approbated the call, declaring that the way was open for br. Tams to be ordained to the ministry in the congregation of Redeemer Winnipeg as missionary for the Ambassador Niverville congregation. In open session, the president, with appropriate remarks, informed br. Tams of the joyful news. Pastor Joe Poppe read from 2 Timothy 4:1-8 and led the assembly in thanksgiving prayer. Opportunity was given to congratulate br. Tams. The church of Elm Creek was appointed to speak on behalf of classis at br. Tam’s ordination, to take place, the Lord willing, on November 23, 2025. Classis expressed gratitude to the deputies for Regional Synod, for their attendance, participation, and concurring advice. They were dismissed from their duty at Classis.
Brother Quentin Vandermeulen presented himself for his preparatory examination according to Article 4 of the Church Order. When it was determined that all the documents were in order, Classis proceeded to examine br. Vandermeulen. The first part of the examination was the presentation of a sermon proposal on the assigned text of Romans 12:1-2. In closed session, Classis judged the sermon sufficient, thereby deciding that the examination could proceed. Classis next examined br. Vandermeulen in Old Testament Exegesis (Hosea 2), New Testament Exegesis (1 Thessalonians 4), and Doctrine and Creeds. Once again, Classis deliberated in closed session and judged that the examination was sufficient. Brother Vandermeulen was informed of this decision in open session. When br. Vandermeulen promised that he would only teach and preach anything in accordance with God’s Word and the church order, he was declared eligible for call in the Canadian and American Reformed Churches for the period of three years. Prayer was offered, and opportunity for congratulations were given.
Following a delicious supper Classis reconvened. Rev. Chris Drew, of the Faith Presbyterian Church (OPC) of Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA, addressed Classis, bringing fraternal greetings of the Presbytery of the Dakotas. Rev. VanDam spoke some appropriate words of response and led the assembly in thanksgiving prayer and supplication for the Rev. Drew and his church, presbytery, and denomination.
The following reports were received, with thanksgiving:
Committee for Contact with Neighbouring Classes and Presbyteries (CCNCP) Committee for Ecumenical Relations. The report outlined visits of the committee to neighbouring classes and presbyteries. Classis expressed deep appreciation for the work of the committee, and made a special expression of gratefulness for many years of service to brother Henry VanDelden, who requested to be replaced on the committee due to health reasons.
Committee for Aid to Needy Churches. The committee reported that no requests for financial support were received from the churches.
Committee for Students of Theology. The committee continues to provide support to prospective and enrolled students of theology from our classical region.
Church Visitors Reports as per Art. 46, C.O. Visits to the churches of Carman West, Elm Creek, Winnipeg Grace, and Winnipeg Redeemer were reported on. The church visit to Carman East church is forthcoming. Classis received them with thankfulness.
Classis Treasurer Report. The Financial Statement of 2024, the Letter of Assessment December 2024, and the Letter of Assessment Sept 2025, were presented.
Church for the inspection of the books of the Treasurer. Carman West reported that the books were found to be in good order. Classis expressed appreciation to the Classis Treasurer.
Proposals and/or instructions from the churches (Art. 33, C.O.): Carman West church proposed the updated mandate for the Committee for Ecumenical Relations Manitoba (CERMB). Carman East church submitted a letter about the Regulations & Draft Regulations for Classis MB. A revised version of the Regulations of Classis Manitoba will be prepared.
Question Period as per Article 44 of the Church Order was held.
Classis received correspondence from Providence Winnipeg (URCNA) and from Classis Central US (URCNA) with greetings and regrets that they were unable to send a fraternal delegate to Classis.
Appointments for next Classis were made. The convening church will be the church of Carman West. Date of Classis: Friday, December 5, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Alternate date: Friday, March 27, 2026. Classis suggested officers: President: Pastor Dathan Pleiter; Vice-president: Rev. Carl VanDam; Clerk: Pastor James Slaa.
Appointments were made. The Committee for Examinations and the Examiners were appointed. Dr. Andrew Pol was thanked for his participation in the examinations today. Other committees received appointments.
The following brothers were delegated to Regional Synod Willoughby Heights, November 18, 2025, DV: Elders Richard Buist and Harry VanKammen (alternates: Elders Derek DeWitt and James Teitsma – in that order) and Ministers Joe Poppe and James Slaa (alternate: Minister Carl VanDam).
Personal Question Period was held. With thankfulness, censure according to Article 34, C.O. was deemed unnecessary by the president. The Acts of Classis and Press Release will be prepared by the officers of Classis. The president led the closing devotions.
For Classis Manitoba, October 23, 2025
Pastor James Slaa
Vice-president at that time