Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - June/74

Contributor - Peter J. Yff

Title - What Happened at Winnipeg

Topic - Church in Canada

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FIRST FULL SESSION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE REFORMED CHURCH IN CANADA

As one reflects on a meeting of this kind, his first reaction ought to be one of gratitude to God that it took place at all. Moreover, he should be thankful for the intensified feeling that we are in this together. The reaction of our brothers and sisters in Winnipeg's Elmwood Reformed Church ought to be noted early, for it expresses the very hope and purpose of our Council - to overcome in large measure at least, the isolation which some of our churches feel. Because of geography, because Winnipeg is in a classis which in many ways cannot fully understand their needs, let alone their circumstances (however good intentions are, from all sides) this kind of encouragement, which resulted from being together, from praying together, from worshipping together, from planning, studying, and working together, is of the greatest value. The same kind of exchange took place in conversations between people who represented churches in Ontario and those who came from British Columbia or Alberta. We were able for the first time to trulv share a national point of view is a church. And that was good!

Officially, the session opened with a devotional, in charge of the Rev. John Drost, of Wainfleet. The second part of Saturday morning's activity revolved around smaller group interaction. This segment was entitled: "Getting To Know Each Other." Each unit was represented in each group. Delegates then were encouraged to share hopes and fears, their anxieties and their expectations for the future. Delegates came to know each other as people, not merely as names affixed to a lapel.

A major step was taken early in the afternoon of May 25. After close, section by section scrutiny, the Constitution was adopted unanimously. The preamble sets the tone: "We, the Churches of the R.C.A. in Canada, in seeking to establish a unified presence in the Dominion of Canada, accept the calling and affirm the need of mutual consultation, supportive fellowship and joint programming. In order to carry out this common calling we establish a representative Council."

One major purpose of this session of the Council was realized in the transition from "Interim" to "permanent". The interim executive committee was replaced by a regular executive composed of seven members: a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer an d three members at large. Those chosen for office include: Peter Geene, from the London, Ontario area , as president; Rev. John Opmeer, Vancouver, B.C., as vice-President. Rev. Henry VanEssen of Exeter will serve as secretary, while Al Visser of St. Catharines, Ontario will assume responsibility as treasurer. Mrs. John Vander Slikke of Stoney Creek, Mr. Jake Groeneveld of Whitby, Ontario, and Mr. F. Algera, of Winnipeg, will fill out the executive as members at large. The editor of this magazine, serving of necessity on an interim basis, was confirmed by this first session of the Council, as was Mrs. Peggy Spierenburg as business manager for Pioneer and Council Office.

In order to run, an engine needs fuel; in order to operate, our council requires money. In capsule form we report on the budget a proved for 1975: Revenue $10,013 from subscriptions (including church and individual), $ 8,777.00 from assessment from the. churches, $5,700.00 from advertising in the magazine. The Total: $24,490.00. Expenses for the year, including publication and mailing of the magazine, and maintaining the office, will approach $24,400.00. If everyone does his part, we will run in the black for the year 1975. The budget does not allow for only partial response - hence we remind everyone of the need for co-operation and support, in gift, interest, prayer, and financial underwriting. EENDRACHT MAAKT MACHT.

Another major segment of time was devoted to the discussion of basic issues and strategy, both in the workshops, and in the larger meeting. Space permits the mention of only some items: e.g., What is the purpose, and work I and opportunity for the R.C.A. in Canada? How do we see ourselves? Is the immigrant base our only concern, and image, or do we wish somehow to penetrate neighbourhoods and communities? Is there some way to undertake a mission project for all of our Canadian churches? In response to this a number of suggestions were made, among them: work among the native peoples, either Indian or Eskimo; the undertaking of an inner city mission project; the area of harbour mission work, perhaps in conjunction with the Christian Reformed Church. The Dutch have always had an affinity for the sea, and for those who sail upon it. A committee will be undertaking a feasibility study and making its recommendations. The matter of fraternal relationships with sister churches was considered, and ways of achieving closer ties, such as exchange of delegates, joint meetings, and the like were discussed. The Council desired at every point to strengthen the ties which bind all of the R.C.A. together - in the United States and in Canada. This was given as a major item to both small workshops and full meeting, that ways be considered to improve communication and understanding between the R.C.A. U.S. and the R.C.A. Canada. Featuring Canadian Church monthly in the Church Herald, inclusion of more news from Canada in the Church Herald's pages, inviting synodical field secretaries to Council meetings, and generally increasing the fund of knowledge and awareness of each other were among the ways and means suggested. Another of the areas of concern in workshop sessions dealt with Pioneer magazine. Inclusion of commentary on current events, stimulation of our people by articles dealing with theological content and direction were among the ways suggested for improvement.

One of the purposes for Council effort is a supportive role in church extension. Some fruit is already to be noted: the church extension project of the Vancouver area is being advanced as the British Columbia unit project. All of our churches will be given opportunity to undergird this effort in prayer, and perhaps one day, by gift as well. In the Alberta unit, further, some opposition to the Council as a whole was registered from the outset, yet Alberta is functioning, and well, as a unit. These are heartening developments, and certainly more than straws in the wind.

The Winnipeg meeting achieved a good balance between work and worship, between business and the inspiration for the business. Sunday for the Council, and for the Elmwood congregation both, was a spiritual high point. At a service at which representatives are present from all parts of the nation, and in which eight young people from a small church make public confession of faith, you have a tremendous impact. From such a service you do not walk away just as you came. Where do we go from here? Only God truly knows, but He requires from us that we keep working, and praying together, to discover his will for us as churches and with his enabling help, to bring this into being.

The closing service came Sunday afternoon, with Revs. Schulze and Opmeer bringing brief messages.

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