Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - June /97

Contributor - Jim Moerman

Title - Progress in Calgary - A Report on the RSC's Annual General Meeting

Topic - Regional Synod of Canada

Just a few weeks ago, the twelve delegates of the Regional Synod of Canada met in Calgary, Alberta, for three days at its Annual General Meeting, graciously hosted by the saints from Calgary Community Reformed Church, with special mention going to host Mrs. Rita Burkhart. The tone for the meeting was set by a handful of faithful intercessors who attended every plenary session and prayed without ceasing" during the deliberations.

The general consensus is that the meeting was progressive, peaceful, and united, for which we praise God! Some of the actions included the following:

EVERY CHURCH A HEALTHY CHURCH

In the context of a message based on Isaiah 5:1-7, Rev. Jim Moerman, the RSC's Executive Secretary, unveiled the RSC's three-year Mission Statement: 'By the Grace of God, Every Church A Healthy Church: Radiant in Christ, Reaching and Reproducing.' This Mission Statement was unanimously adopted and will become the focus of each commissions labour.

PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE

To avoid being at the mercy of insurance companies, approval has been given in principle to create a Private Health Insurance Plan for the pastors and churches of the Regional Synod of Canada, covering dental and medical prescription needs.

A CANADIAN BOARD OF PENSIONS

To provide better management of pastors' pension funds, approval has been given to create a Canadian Board of Pensions and retain the services of an independent investment advisor Mr. Harry Prenger.

EXPLORING THE CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH

To see whether God is at work in this direction, it was approved that a four person ad hoc committee be created to begin dialogue with the Council of the Christian Reformed Churches in Canada, seeking areas of common work and witness.

HELPING FLOOD VICTIMS

In response to the Red River flooding, it was resolved that each congregation in the Regional Synod of Canada be encouraged to provide emergency support to the people of Southern Manitoba through the ministry of Elmwood Community Church of Winnipeg. At print time, many thousands of dollars had already been generously sent.

STARTING A PORTUGUESE CONGREGATION

In response to Go&s gift of sending Dr. Elias Dantas to Toronto, approval was given to partner him with the Classis Ontario Church Planting and Development Committee in planting a Portuguese-speaking congregation in Toronto.

OUR RESPONSE OF LOVE- IT'S WORKING

The first 'matching grant" from the Canadianized $9.8 by 98 funding initiative entitled "Our Response of Love" has been issued to the (formerly homeless) congregation New Hope Community Church of Calgary, Alberta. The Lord willing, this small congregation will be in their new building by this summer! (If you, as an individual member of a Reformed Church in Canada haven't pledged yet, please do so. Your gifts are really helping! In the Western classes, please contact Mr. Fred Algera at (204) 6540743. In Classis Ontario, please contact Mr. Albert Moddejonge at (519) 6221777. Thank-you.)

DEAR GENERAL SYNOD '97

Decision was made to send the following overture to the 1997 General Synod: "The Regional Synod of Canada overtures the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America, through its General Secretary and the Commission on Christian Unity (CCU) to ask the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC), the World Council of Churches (WCC), the National Council of Churches (NCC), and the Canadian Council of Churches (CCC) to declare that the ordination of practicing homosexuals is contrary to the authoritative teaching of Scriptures and that any denomination that endorses such ordination be asked to repent of its position or be removed from the membership of these bodies.'

Reasons:

* Homosexual activity violates Scripture.

* Clergy are called to an exemplary standard of holy living.

* Homosexual activity is to be repented of, making one open to being set free by the power of the Holy Spirit but not to be endorsed in ordination.

* We as a denomination hold this position and therefore desire this matter to be clarified.

A SECOND OVERTURE TO GENERAL SYNOD '97

"The Regional Synod of Canada overtures General Synod to refer the decision on the proposed 'Full Communion' back to the Council on Christian Unity (CCU)."

CHOSEN LEADERS

Elected as Vice President (1998) is Albert Spaa, Elder, Emmaus Christian Fellowship, Langley, B.C.; elected as President (1998) is John Kapteyn, Pastor, First Reformed Church, Chatham, Ontario. We're so thankful for the conscientious service of all our delegates!

In summary, the Vineyard Owner is coming to collect His fruit from the vineyard called the Regional Synod of Canada. By the grace of God, let Him receive the good fruit of "Every Church A Healthy Church: Radiant in Christ, Reaching and Reproducing." By God's grace, what can you do this year to help your church be a healthy church?

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