https://canrc.org/news/rss Canadian & American Reformed Churches 2026-09-24T16:58:19-04:00 <![CDATA[Press release of Classis Pacific West (Refuge) convened on September 23, 2026]]> https://canrc.org/8818 On behalf of the convening church of Refuge, Rev. R. Visscher opened the meeting in a Christian manner.  Colossians 1:15:23 was read, after which the assembly sang Hymn 52:1, 2. Rev. R. Visscher led in prayer. The following memorabilia were noted: Hongdi Chen accepting the call to the Chinese Reformed Church, Rev. James Visscher (emeritus minister of Langley) and his continued work, as well as Rev. Reese Gaillard and his wife recently receiving their second child from the Lord. With thankfulness, Classis noted Pastor Babar Masih’s continued recovery following a successful surgery as well as Rev.Doug Vandeburgt’s adjustment to resuming work within the work in the Langley congregation following his stroke earlier in the year. The work of the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary was also remembered at the start of a new academic year. Finally, Rev.Visscher noted that Tony Zheng, who came from our classis, sustained his peremptory examination to serve in London, Ontario.
 
The delegates of the convening church of the previous classis (Langley) examined the credentials and reported that all churches were properly represented at classis. A number of instructions were received from the churches, including potential Regional Synod delegates.
 
The chairman warmly welcomed all the delegates and guests, and emeritus minister Rev. J. Visscher was seated as an advisor (C.O. Article 44).
 
As per the suggestion of the previous classis, Rev. H. Alkema was appointed chairman, Rev. T. Bredenhof as vice-chairman, and Rev. K. Janssen as clerk.  

Classis was declared constituted.  

The agenda for the meeting was adopted. 
 
A letter was received from the Committee on Ecumenical Relations requesting Classis to inform CER of contacts with churches for which CER also has a mandate. Classis instructed Rev.Plug (deputy for coordinating ecclesiastical contacts) to send a response updating the CER on contacts with the OPC, RPC-C, URCNA, and the RCN.

Cloverdale requested Classis to have examiners submit assignments early enough to provide Candidate Hongdi Chen sufficient preparation time since English is his third language. After discussion, Classis instructed the exam coordinators to ensure assignments be given six weeks ahead of the examination to take into consideration the language barrier.

Church visitation reports were distributed and read, and opportunity was given for questions. The reports were received with thankfulness.

Willoughby Heights requested advice from Classis regarding a pastoral matter. Classis went into closed session to discuss the matter and advice was given to delegates from Willoughby Heights.

The report of the Committee for Financial Aid to Needy Churches was received with gratitude; no church is requesting aid.

In accordance with C.O. 44, the chairman asked whether the ministry of the office–bearers is being continued, whether the decisions of the major assemblies are being honoured, and whether there was any matter in which the consistories need the judgment and help of classis for the proper government of their church. All churches responded with “yes, yes, no”.  

The following appointments were made by classis: 
Convening of next classis: by Smithers, on December 3, 2026 (if cancelled: April 1, 2027) at 9:00am.  
Suggested officers for the next classis: Chair: provided by Surrey-Maranatha, Vice-chair: provided by Willoughby Heights, Clerk: provided by Cloverdale.
Committee for Examinations: Coordinators: Rev. H. Alkema and Rev. K. Janssen. 
Church visitors: Convenor: Rev. K. Janssen
Archiving Church: Smithers. 
Inspection of Archives: Houston. 
Treasurer: Br. J. Kuik of Cloverdale (jkuik@shaw.ca). 
Review of Classis Finances: Cloverdale. 
Committee for Financial Aid to Needy Churches: convenor: Br. H. Leyenhorst, Br. J. Lengkeek, Br. G. Vanderwoerd 
Deputy for preaching arrangements for vacant churches: Rev. R. Visscher. 
Deputy for Coordinating Ecclesiastical Contacts: Rev. A. Plug. 
Counsellors: There are currently no vacant churches in CPW 
Classis appointed the following delegates to Regional Synod West 2026: 
Ministers: Rev. H. Alkema (Smithers); Rev. A. Plug (Langley); First alternate, Rev. K. Janssen (Willoughby); Second Alternate, Rev. R. Vanderhorst (Smithers);
Elders: Br. P. Bandstra (Smithers); Br. G. van der Woerd (Houston); First alternate, Br. R. Jacobi (Willoughby Heights); Second Alternate, Br. C. Schouten (Langley).
 
Opportunity was given for personal questions but was not used. Censure as per C.O. Article 34 was not deemed necessary.
 
The acts were adopted. The press release of classis was read and approved. The chairman closed classis in a Christian manner, remembering the needs of the churches within classis, of the federation, and the needs of the world in his prayer. Following prayer, the assembly sang Hymn 8 and classis was declared closed. 

Rev. Taylor Bredenhof 
Vice-chair of CPW September 23, 2026. 

Related:

]]> 2026-09-24T00:00:00-04:00 <![CDATA[Press release of Classis Alberta (Neerlandia Hope) convened on September 17, 2026]]> https://canrc.org/8817 On behalf of the convening church, Rev. C. Swaving welcomed the delegates. He read 1 Cor 1:1-3 and gave a reflection on this passage. He then led in prayer, in which the following matters of memorabilia were mentioned: the retired ministers (Revs. Aasman, Huijgen, Kalkman, Slomp, Tiggelaar), Rev. Kos following the passing away of his brother-in-law, Rev. Wieske with the call received from Elora, Calgary who remains vacant after the decline received from Jarrell Lemos, Providence who has extended a call to Rev. J. Segstro, the church at Neerlandia and Rev. Emadjeu following his dismissal per CO Article 11.
  
The convening church reported that the credentials were in order and Classis was declared constituted. The following executive officers took their place: Rev. J. Van Spronsen as chairman, Rev. G. Veurink as vice-chairman and Rev. J. Peters as clerk. The agenda was adopted.  
    
Church visitation reports were received with thankfulness for the churches in Barrhead, Edmonton-Immanuel, Edmonton-Providence and Hope-Neerlandia. Reports were also received with thankfulness from the Classis Treasurer and an inspection on the Treasurer’s books. At the request of Neerlandia, Rev. C. Swaving is appointed as their counsellor (CO Article 45). Pulpit supply was granted every 6 weeks to the vacant churches with Rev. Veurink drawing up a schedule. 
 
The questions from CO Article 44 were asked with 9 of the churches answering “Yes, yes and no”. One church requested the judgment and help of Classis in the government of the church. Rev. Matthew Van der woerd passed on greetings on behalf of Classis Western Canada of the URCNA and the vice-chairman responded with appreciation for our continued bond. A number of appeals were dealt with in closed session.
 
The church at Neerlandia was appointed as convening church for the next Classis. The proposed date is December 10, 2026 with an alternate of March 11, 2027. The suggested officers are Rev. C. Swaving as chairman, Rev. J. Van Spronsen as vice-chairman and Rev. G. Veurink as clerk. The regular appointments were made for different committees and positions. 
 
Classis delegated the following brothers to Regional Synod West: Ministers: Revs. Swaving and Veurink (primary) and Revs. Van Spronsen and Wieske (alternates in that order); for elders: Brs. Jeremy Koopmans and Carl Werkman (primary) and Brs. Sheldon Kok and Peter Weessies (alternates in that order).
  
Personal question period was made use of. With thankfulness the chairman declared brotherly censure was not needed. The adoption of the acts and approval of the press release were entrusted to the executive. At the request of the chairman, the vice-chairman invited the brothers to sing Hymn 52:1,5 and closed in prayer. 
  
Rev. Gerard Veurink
Vice-chairman e.t. 

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]]> 2026-09-24T00:00:00-04:00 <![CDATA[Press release of Classis Ontario West (Grand Rapids) convened on September 16, 2026]]> https://canrc.org/8816 The minister of the convening church, Rev. Kok, opened the meeting with the reading of Phil. 2:1-11, the singing of Hymn 23:1-4, and prayer. Remembered in prayer were the 75th anniversary of the institution of the churches in Hamilton and Chatham, the vacancy of Cornerstone (Hamilton), the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary, and the brother to be examined, Tony Zheng. Classis was declared constituted. The moderamen consisted of Rev. John van Woudenberg (chairman), Rev. Arjen Vreugdenhil (vice chair), and Rev. Peter Holtvlüwer (clerk).

Brother Tony Zheng presented himself for a peremptory examination. His credentials were in order. The candidate sustained his exam; the deputies of regional synod gave concurrent advice. The classis approbated London's call of brother Zheng.

Fraternal delegates from the ARP (presbytery Canada), OPC (presbytery Michigan-Ontario), and RCUS (classis Covenant-East) gave greetings.

The chairman asked the questions of CO Art. 44. All churches affirmed that the ministry of the offices was maintained, that the decisions of the major assemblies were honoured, and that no advice from Classis was needed.

Classis discussed a proposal from the Ancaster church specifying more detailed procedures for the Fund for Needy Churches. The delegates from Ancaster were asked to bring a revised proposal to the next classis.

The treasurer's report and the audit of the books were received with thanksgiving. The classical assessment was determined to be $9 per communicant member. A report of the Fund for Needy Churches was received; the classical assessment for the Fund for Needy Churches was set to be $15 per communicant member. A report of the Inter-Church Relations Committee was received with thanksgiving.

Classis was adjourned and reconvened the next day, with the reading of Mat. 10:40-42, prayer, and the singing of Hymn 84:1, 2. In closed session, Classis dealt with an appeal.

Delegates for the regional synod were appointed. Ministers: Rev. VanLeeuwen, Rev. Struik (primary); Rev. Vreugdenhil, Rev. Kok (alternates). Elders: Ted Schouten, Peter Boeringa (primary); Joel van Popta, Bryan Stieva (alternates).

The acts of classis were adopted and this press release was approved. After the singing of Hymn 84:3, 4 and prayer, the chairman closed the meeting.

The convening church for next classis will be Cornerstone (Hamilton). The suggested dates are December 16, 2026 or, in case of cancellation, March 10, 2027.

Related:

]]> 2026-09-24T00:00:00-04:00 <![CDATA[Candidate Tony Zheng sustains his peremptory examination]]> https://canrc.org/8783 Candidate Tony Zheng sustained his peremptory examination at Classis Ontario West of September 16-17, 2026. The Lord willing, he will be ordained and installed as minister of the Word and missionary of Pilgrim Canadian Reformed Church in London for work at Lighthouse Ministries on Monday, October 5, 2026 at 7:30pm in the Pilgrim church building. 

Related:

]]> 2026-09-21T00:00:00-04:00 <![CDATA[Press Release of the Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary (CRTS) held on September 10, 2026]]> https://canrc.org/8751 Opening and Roll Call
The chairman, Rev. Jeff Temple, led in opening devotions. It was noted that several governors were unable to be present for the meeting due to personal circumstances.

Memorabilia
Information was shared about the wellbeing of the emeriti professors Drs.de Visser, Van Dam, and Visscher and their families, as well as the widows srs. Gootjes (Hamilton-Providence CanRC) and DeJong (Hamilton-Cornerstone CanRC). The chairman will continue to try to reach out to sr. Deddens (living in the Netherlands).

Minutes and Agenda
The agenda for the meeting was established. The minutes of the regular meeting held on January 7, 2026 were approved. Correspondence and matters on the action log were reviewed.

Strategic Planning updates
  1. The strategic planning sub-committee that is focused on upholding faithful integrity in the age of advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology reported that the Senate invited an AI specialist who gave instruction that will help safeguard students from the dangers of AI especially when they are preparing sermons during and after their studies at CRTS.
  2. The strategic planning sub-committee focusing on cultivating aptitude for gospel ministry reported on their investigations into the roles of the seminary, students and churches during the steps of cultivating a student’s aptitude to serve in a local church or mission setting.
  3. The strategic planning sub-committee focused on evaluating the place and sufficiency of the missions program at the CRTS is scheduled to present an initial report of their work to the Board in January 2027.
Academic Committee Reports
  1. The Academic committee received reports given by the governors who visited lectures and had conversations with the students and professors. We give thanks to the LORD for the ongoing faithfulness, diligence, humility and Christ-like service of the administrative staff, the librarian, the principal, the professors and the students.
  2. Considering that the principal is nearing the 12th year of service (9 years plus a 3 year extension), the board directed the Executive Committee to begin the process of preparing a recommendation to General Synod 2028 for a new principal as this is outlined in the college handbook policy.
  3. Giving thanks to the LORD for his gracious provision and the commitment of the churches to the future well-being of the seminary, the Academic Committee reported that two applicants were granted the Advanced Theological Studies Assistance (ATSA) bursary for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Finance and Property Committee Reports
  1. The Finance and Property (F&P) Committee submitted the annual report of their activities and the minutes of recent meetings. The F&P developed a long-term plan to complete capital projects that were not completed during the renovations, and could report that the parking lot was redone this summer and that a repair to the front roof will be done this fall.
  2. The Board approved the 2025 financial statements and CRTS annual budget for 2027, and expresses deep gratitude for the work of the Women’s Saving Action and the ongoing substantial support from within our sister churches in Australia. The assessment for 2027 will remain at $103/cm.
Interaction with Association of Theological Schools, Assessment, Governance
  1. The board received the 2025 ATS Institutional Peer Profile and Strategic Information reports.
  2. The assessment coordinator, Mrs. Margaret Alkema, submitted the annual Assessment report, minutes from the Assessment Day 2026, and the Annual Metrics Report 2026. The board is very thankful to note that the faculty has surpassed the publication goals (more than 85 publications in the last 3 years) and that some of these publications have been translated and distributed all over the world. We also are thankful to the churches for their overwhelming support of the 2026 Prospective Student Event and for the 50 interested individuals who came to participate (38 men and 12 wives or girlfriends), which is almost a twofold increase of total attendees as compared to 2023.
  3. As part of our commitments to ATS the Board must regularly review all the policies and procedures of CRTS. At this meeting the Board approved policies concerning the tenure of professors, conference attendance and funding, sexual or gender harassment and health and safety. The board also decided to ensure that new professors are granted a sufficient time of transition before they begin teaching by explicitly addressing transition time in the handbook policy.
Principal Report
  1. In his principal’s report Dr. VanVliet noted that the faculty and staff are doing well and that the CRTS has the privilege of welcoming thirty students into our classrooms, including eleven new freshmen students and one new visiting student. The principal’s report also highlighted Dr. Bredenhof’s Ministry of Small Things and Dr. denHollander’s 1 Peter: Living Hope for Suffering Sojourners and its accompanying Bible study guide (cf. website https://canadianreformedseminary.ca/1-peter-bible-study/ for more info).
  2. The principal also expressed thankfulness for the faithful support of the Free Reformed Churches of Australia (FRCA) who sent seven new freshmen students to the CRTS this year. The FRCA has also recently made it possible for Dr. Rev. Dean Anderson to start up the Schola Linguarum Biblicarum (School of Biblical Languages) which the CRTS recognizes as a very helpful tool to train young men in the biblical languages to prepare them for theological studies.
Sabbatical, Conference and Trip Reports
  1. The Board received a report from Dr. William den Hollander concerning his activities during his sabbatical in 2026, and approved Dr. Jason VanVliet’s sabbatical proposal for Winter 2027.
  2. The following annual reports were received with thankfulness: course work report, registrar’s report, library report, website report, convocation committee report, Faber-Holwerda bursary report, publication foundation report, foreign student bursary report, conference report and the lecture schedule for 2026-2027. The board noted the value of the CRTS website https://canadianreformedseminary.ca/ and the Heidelberg Catechism website https://www.heidelberg-catechism.com/en/ for the churches.
  3. Dr. Bredenhof and Dr. den Hollander reported on their attendance at the Timothy Trust conference and Sr. Margaret Alkema reported on her attendance at the Association of Christian Librarians. Dr.Van Vliet reported on his visit to churches in Germany and the Netherlands and Dr. Bredenhof reported on his visit to churches in South Africa. These reports were received with thankfulness.
Press Release and Closing
The next Academic Committee meeting is scheduled for January 5, 2027, and the next Board meeting is scheduled for January 7, 2027. The completion of the Press Release was delegated to the vice-chairman in consultation with the other members of the executive and the principal. Rev. Jeff Temple closed the meeting with prayer.


On behalf of the Board of Governors of the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary,
Rev. Julius VanSpronsen (Vice-chairman)
]]> 2026-09-17T00:00:00-04:00 <![CDATA[Press release of Classis Northern Ontario (Arthur) convened on September 16, 2026]]> https://canrc.org/8750 On behalf of the convening church of Arthur, Rev. M. Ten Haaf welcomed the delegates and opened the meeting with prayer, singing of Hy 50:1, 3 and reading of Philippians 1:1-11. After examination of credentials, classis was constituted with Rev. Poort as chairman, Rev. Onderwater as Vice-Chair, and Rev. S. Vandevelde as Clerk. The agenda was adopted.

Classis received Church Visitation reports with thankfulness. Classis received reports from the Church for Classical Archives, the church to inspect classical archives, the treasurer, the church for auditing the books of the treasurer, and from the church responsible for auditing the books of the fund for needy churches. Question period as per Article 44 of the Church Order was held. Churches requested advice and advice was given. No correspondence was received.

The following appointments were made:
  • Brampton Grace is appointed as the convening church for the next Classis, December 16, 2026, with alternate date of March 24th, 2027.
  • Suggested officers for the next Classis: Rev. Ten Haaf as chairman, Rev. Ludwig as vice-chair, and Rev. Poort as Clerk.
  • The examiners for Classical Exams are reappointed for another year.
  • Church Visitation schedule and appointments will be organized by Rev. Vandergaag.
  • Owen Sound is reappointed as Church for the Classical Archives.
  • Orangeville is reappointed as Church for inspecting the Classical Archives.
  • Br. Henry Bosscher is reappointed as treasurer for Classis.
  • Owen Sound is reappointed as the Church for inspecting the books of the treasurer.
  • Classis mileage rate is 0.63 per kilometer.
  • Br. Allan Bulch and Br. Matt Kottelenberg are appointed to the Committee for Needy Churches.
    Fergus Maranatha is reappointed to be the Church for auditing the books of the Committee for
    Needy Churches.
  • The Churches are asked to submit names of two brothers for the Committee of Appeals, to fill
    the vacancies of two brothers retiring from the committee.
  • Rev. S. Vandevelde and Rev. M. Vanderlinde are appointed as delegates for Regional Synod East, with Rev. J. Ludwig and Rev. E. Onderwater as alternates in that order.
  • Br. Charles Westrik and br. Eric Vangrootheest are appointed as elder delegates to Regional
    Synod East, and br. Duane Koster and br. Jason Van Raalte as alternate delegates in that order.
  • Fergus North is reappointed as the church to invite observers from other churches and also as
    the church to appoint observers from our Classis to the assemblies of other churches.
  • The adopted yearly levy from the churches for the classical fund is $8 per communicant
    member.
The meeting was closed with singing of Ps 111:1, 2, and the chairman, Rev. Poort, closed in prayer.

Rev. E. Onderwater, vice-chair.

Related:

]]> 2026-09-17T00:00:00-04:00 <![CDATA[Edmonton Providence calls Rev. Jeremy Segstro]]> https://canrc.org/8718 Providence Canadian Reformed Church of Edmonton, Alberta has extended a call to Rev. Jeremy Segstro of the Yarrow Canadian Reformed Church. 

Related:

]]> 2026-09-16T00:00:00-04:00 <![CDATA[Press release of Classis Niagara (Niagara South) convened on September 16, 2026]]> https://canrc.org/8717 Press Release of Classis Niagara September 16, 2026

On behalf of the convening church, Niagara South, Rev Offringa opened the meeting in a
Christian manner. In prayer he remembered the vacancies at Smithville and Smithville
Hope, the calls by these churches that were declined, the emeritus ministers and the work
they continue to do, Rev Kampen’s trip to South Africa, Rev Shin’s trip to South Korea as a
delegate to the General Assembly of the Kosin Presbyterian Church, Br Todd Linde’s
upcoming ordination, the renovations at Grimsby and thankfulness that Lincoln is willing
to share their building during this time.

Upon the constitution of Classis, Rev Marc Jagt was appointed as chairman, Rev Ruurd
Offringa as vice-chairman, and Rev Rolf den Hollander as clerk.

The agenda was adopted, and the chairman asked each of the churches the Article 44
questions. All churches affirmed that the ministry of the office-bearers is being continued
and that the decision of the major assemblies were being honoured. No church asked for
advice.

A proposal from Attercliffe to amend the Classis regulations to add Smithville (Hope) as
well as to stipulate time limits for permission to speak an edifying word after licensure and
candidacy exams was adopted.

The Classis finances have been inspected and found to be in good order. It was noted that
the financial review should not be called an audit, but an inspection. The Classis archives
have also been inspected and found to be in good order.

Following the Report of Deputies for Contact with Neighbouring Classes, travel expenses
to visit neighbouring classes was approved. It was noted that multiple Classes across the
federation receive the same invitations. The Deputies were tasked with initiating
discussions amongst the other Classical Deputies for Contact with Neighbouring
Classes/Presbyteries about how best to respond to these invitations.

Classis appointed the church of Smithville to convene the next Classis, to be held on 16
December 2026, with 10 March 2026 as alternative date, and suggested officers for that
classis. Various appointments were made, including appointments to Regional Synod East.

After question period, the acts were adopted, the press release approved, and Rev Jagt led
closing devotions and closed classis.

Rev R Offringa
Vice-chair at the time

Related:

]]> 2026-09-16T00:00:00-04:00 <![CDATA[Elora calls Rev. Kenneth Wieske]]> https://canrc.org/8684 The Elora Canadian Reformed Church has extended a call to Rev. Kenneth Wieske of the St. Albert Canadian Reformed Church. 

Related:

]]> 2026-09-14T00:00:00-04:00 <![CDATA[Press release of Classis Manitoba (Elm Creek) convened on August 26, 2026]]> https://canrc.org/8651 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.

Related:

]]> 2026-08-27T00:00:00-04:00 <![CDATA[Blessings (Hamilton) - Temporary Address and Service Times Change]]> https://canrc.org/8618 Effective Sunday September 6, 2026, Blessings Christian Church will be worshipping in the First Hamilton Christian Reformed Church building located at 181 Charlton Avenue West in Hamilton until further notice due to building renovations. Church service times will be at 9:00 am and 6:30 pm each Sunday.

Related:

]]> 2026-08-18T00:00:00-04:00 <![CDATA[Vineyard Worship Service time changes]]> https://canrc.org/8585 Effective Sunday August 23, 2026, the Living Light congregation of Grimsby will be worshipping in the Vineyard Canadian Reformed Church at Lincoln(4628 John Street, Beamsville, Ontario) until further notice due to the church building renovations taking place over the next 6+ months. Church times for Vineyard will be 9:30 am and 2:00 pm.

Related:

]]> 2026-08-12T00:00:00-04:00 <![CDATA[Grimsby Living Light - Change of Worship Place and Times]]> https://canrc.org/8552 Effective Sunday August 23, 2026, the Living Light congregation will be worshipping in the Vineyard Canadian Reformed Church, 4628 John Street, Beamsville, Ontario until further notice due to the church building renovations taking place over the next 6+ months. Church times will be 11:30 am and 4:00 pm.

Related:

]]> 2026-08-12T00:00:00-04:00 <![CDATA[Carman (West) Lord's supper schedule change]]> https://canrc.org/8519 The Carman West Canadian Reformed Church’s Lord’s Supper celebration, originally scheduled
for August 16, 2026, has been moved and will be celebrated, DV, August 30,2026.

Related:

]]> 2026-08-06T00:00:00-04:00 <![CDATA[Noah Holtvlüwer accepts call to Aldergrove]]> https://canrc.org/8487 Candidate Noah Holtvlüwer has accepted the call extended to him by Aldergrove Canadian Reformed Church to serve as co-pastor. Consequently he has declined the calls extended to him by Smithville and Grace URC (Simcoe County). 

Related:

]]> 2026-08-05T00:00:00-04:00