On behalf of the convening Church of Elm Creek, Rev. Dathan Pleiter welcomed the delegates of Classis and opened with devotions. Several items of memorabilia were remembered in opening prayer: Candidate Todd Linde accepted the call extended to Grace Winnipeg; the emeritus ministers and their wives: Rev. and Mrs. Klaas and Nettie Jonker, Dr. and Mrs. Andrew and Inge Pol, and Rev. and Mrs. John and Agnes Van Rietschoten. Gratitude was expressed for the continued work of Dr. Andrew Pol, filling the pulpits of the vacant churches in our classis and abroad. It was remembered with joy that Rev. Dathan Pleiter and his wife could receive a healthy baby boy, Theodore; especially as this October marks one years since the passing of Asher.
Rev. Pleiter welcomed the guests, Regional Synod deputies (Rev. Karlo Janssen and Rev. Julius VanSpronsen), and a special welcome to Candidate Todd Linde, present for his peremptory examination.
Having examined the credentials, Classis was constituted. Rev. Joe Poppe was appointed as president, Rev. Carl Van Dam as clerk, and Rev. Dathan Pleiter as vice. The agenda was adopted. The Deputies of Regional Synod and a Fraternal Delegate from the Providence Reformed Church of Winnipeg (URCNA) was seated.
Candidate Todd Linde presented himself for his peremptory examination, according to Art. 5. C.O. Once his documents were determined to be in good order, Classis proceeded to his examination. He presented a sermon proposal on Colossians 1.15-20. Classis entered into closed session. With the concurring advice of the Deputies, Classis judged that the sermon was sufficient and continued with the rest of the examination.
In the following proceedings, Classis examined br. Linde in Old Testament Exegesis (1 Kings 19, Zechariah 4), New Testament Exegesis (John 11.1-44; Philippians 3), Knowledge of Scripture, Doctrine and Creeds, Church History, Ethics, Church Polity and Diaconiology. Upon deliberating in closed session, and after concurring advice from Deputies, Classis agreed that the examination was sufficient and approbated the call. It was declared that br. Todd Linde could be ordained to the Ministry of the Word at Grace Canadian Reformed Church.
After reading, prayer and singing, opportunity was given to congratulate br. &sr. Linde. Classis appointed Rev. Adrian Tams to speak on behalf of classis at br. Linde ordination, God willing, on September 20th (AM Service). Classis shared its gratitude to the deputies for their presence, participation, and pointers (concurring advice). They were warmly dismissed from their classical duties.
The meeting continued with the regular reports of Classis.
Classis Manitoba Committee for Ecumenical Relations (previously called, “Committee for Contact with Neighbouring Classes and Presbyteries”). A mandate and report of activities was received with thankfulness. The committee members were able to send representatives on behalf of Classis Manitoba to the annual Northern Plains Classis of the RCUS, the meeting of the Presbytery of the Dakotas, and the Classis Central US of the URCNA. The Chairman expressed his gratitude for the furthering of our ties with these faithful churches of Christ.
Committee for Students of Theology. The committee reported that no students are taking up studies at CRTS this year. It was noted with gratitude that various prospective brothers are being mentored and supported in our classical region.
Church Visitor Reports. Classis received a couple church visitor reports and intercessory prayer followed after each report.
Question period was held, as per Article 44 of the Church Order.
At this point, the chairman shared a letter of greetings from OPC presbytery of the Dakotas, and br. Sandy Siepmann from Providence URC addressed Classis. He shared his thankfulness on behalf of the Providence URC for the shared bond, the mutual blessing of our relationship, and pulpit fellowship. Rev. Dathan Pleiter led in intercessory prayer for our sister churches and our bonds with them.
Winnipeg Grace was appointed to be the convening church for the next classis scheduled, the Lord willing, on December 11th, (or alternatively March 19th, 2027). The suggested officers being; Rev. James Slaa as president, Rev. Joe Poppe as Vice, and Rev. Dathan Pleiter as clerk.
Ecclesiastical appointments were made. The following brothers were delegated to Regional Synod West at Carman West, MB, scheduled, the Lord willing, November 17, 2026 at 9am: the elders - Lawrence Toet and Les Vanderveen (alternates Chris DeBoer and Derek Dewitt), and ministers - Rev. Dathan Pleiter and Rev. James Slaa (alternates Rev Joe Poppe and Rev. Adrian Tams).
The president thanked classis for the proceedings. Classis entrusted the adoption of the Acts and the approval of the Press Release to the executive officers. After singing together, the president led the closing devotions. The meeting was adjourned.
Rev. Dathan Pleiter, vice-president of the meeting.
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