Classis Meeting September 2007.

Dear Friends of Grace,

For the benefit of those who were unable to attend church this morning, I have pasted the short minutes of the Classis meeting into the email below, to let you know that classis agreed for us to become an independent congregation within the denomination.
So do your utmost to be there on Nov 18th for the special service!

Classis Meeting September 2007.
Classis began the meeting with a scripture reading from John 14 and 1 Cor 15 which focused on the hope that we have through Christ’s resurrection. Prayers were offered for Clinton Berends recently diagnosed with active cancer and the family Bylsma who lost their wife and mother through cancer recently.

The Classis welcomed Ps Tony Van Drimmelen into the classis and then proceeded to the preliminary examination of Vicar Jonathan Deenick. Jonathan was examined on his sermons and preaching. These were both sustained. Following this the classis examined Jonathan on Old and New Testament and dogmatics (which looks at the basic theological truths of the Bible). In all these areas of knowledge Jonathan demonstrated a solid understanding of God’s word. The classis sustained Jonathan’s overall preliminary examination.

Churches reported on their individual work of outreach and church education programs. Australind is running the introducing God series for the church prior to running it for the community. Gateway is running a number of outreach and connecting events including a holiday club, music night, and outreach services. Gosnells is running introducing God and two ways to live outreach programs. New members classes have also been running. Grace CRC has been focusing mostly on reaching the South African migrant community and connect them to the church. Perth recently had Prof Bill Berends teach them about how to share a personal testimony, and what Christ means to them. This is an important way to share the gospel. Willetton has been blessed with a number of young people without a church background coming to the church. Thanksgiving and prayer was offered for all the outreach and nurture works of the churches.

The classis, in rescinding an earlier decision, endorsed the view that the local church council will determine what constitutes “special circumstances” when interpreting the synod decision that “elders may administer the sacraments (but only) in special circumstances”. Where time permits Classis asked the churches to seek advice from classis where this may be needed in the future.

Grace CRC in conjunction with the Willetton CRC requested that they may be instituted as a separate congregation within the Classis. The classis whole heartedly endorsed this and the Grace CRC will have an institution service on Sunday 18th November at 2pm. We praise the Lord for his provision of this CRC congregation north of the river.