On Friday June 12, 2026 Classis Central Ontario was convened by Redemption Canadian Reformed Church at the Redemption Church building. On behalf of the convening church, Rev. Kevin Wattel welcomed the delegates and opened the meeting. He read from Phil 1:3-11 and provided a short meditation on the passage, after which he invited the delegates to sing Psalm 133:1,2 and then led in prayer.
The credentials of all the delegates were found to be in good order; all the churches were properly represented by their primary delegates. Classis was constituted. The following officers, as suggested by the last classis were appointed to serve the meeting: Rev. Clarence Vandervelde as chairman, Br. Job Schenkel as vice-chairman and Rev. Ian Wildeboer as clerk.
The agenda was adopted. In memorabilia the following items were noted:
-The interns Nathan Korten (Mercy Church) and Zac Bonera (Fellowship)
-The health of Dr. Cornelius Vandam after his heart attack, surgery and recuperation
-The health of Rev. John VanPopta
-The purchase of Mercy Church’s building and manse
-The call from Edmonton Providence and subsequent decline of that call by Rev. Jake Torenvliet
-The passage of Bill C-9 passed the Senate was noted with concern due to its potential implications for our churches and Christian organizations in the years ahead.
The Form for Subscription was read aloud by the chairman and then signed by Rev. Bryn McPhail.
The classis moved into closed session for the reporting, discussion and prayer of each of the following church visits: Bethel Canadian Reformed Church, Blessings Christian Church, Fellowship Canadian Reformed Church, Jubilee Canadian Reformed Church, Mercy and Redemption Canadian Reformed Church and Unity Canadian Reformed Church. These reports were received with thankfulness.
The classis continued in open session.
All churches affirmed that the ministry of the office-bearers is being continued and that the decisions of the major assemblies are being honoured per Article 44 CO. Additionally, no churches had any matters which required the help of classis.
A letter was received from Bethel-Toronto seeking concurring advice regarding preaching access according to CO Art. 50. Classis gave concurring advice.
A letter was received from the Committee on Ecumenical Relations regarding ecumenical relations within this classis. A response with information will be sent.
Hamilton Blessings/Streetlight will convene the September 2026 classis. The following officers are suggested: Rev. Ian Wildeboer as chairman, the elder delegate from Blessings/Streetlight as vice-chairman and Rev. Gerrit Bruintjes as clerk.
Next Classis is recommended to convene on September 18, 2026. Alternate date is Dec. 11, 2026.
An opportunity was given for questions.
Censure according to Art 34 CO was deemed not necessary.
The Acts of Classis were adopted. The Press release was read and approved. The chairman invited the delegates to sing Hy 52:1,2 after which he led in prayer and adjourned the meeting.
For Classis, Job Schenkel