Classis of
Classis Minutes
…For Such
A Time As This…!
I. OPENING
OF CLASSIS
Opening Prayer: President
Tim Arensmeier opened the Fall 2006 Stated Session at 9:00 a.m. with prayer.
II. ENROLLMENT
OF DELEGATES, INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS AND GRANTING THE PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR TO
GUESTS
·
President
Arensmeier welcomed the delegates and guests and granted the privilege of the
floor to all present.
·
The Classis
Enrollment Register was passed around for the delegates and guests to register
their attendance. (Attachment I). Delegates absent: Charley Blom, Tim Boeve,
Jeff Kreiser, David Chu and Mike Scott.
·
Tim
acknowledged the following classis members who serve on various denominational
boards: Rev. Beryl Banks (Ethnic Council); Elisabeth Kersten (GSC); Simon Lin
(Words of Hope).
III. PRAISE,
CELEBRATION, WORSHIP
The
Lighthouse Praise Team led the classis delegates and guests in worship with
singing and prayers. A devotional
message was given by President Arensmeier, based on Esther 4:14b “…at just such
a time as this….!” Following the
devotional message the delegates and guest stood while reciting, in unison, the
Apostles Creed.
IV. SERVANT
TEAM REPORT
President
Arensmeier noted that this was a particularly noteworthy session of classis in that
we were about to receive eight Ministers of Word and Sacrament into the
Classis/RCA, commission two people into the leadership function of Commissioned
Pastor, and receive an entire congregation into the Classis/RCA.
A. Ordination
Transfer Requests. President Arensmeier introduced each of the
pastors requesting the transfer of their ordination into the classis and asked
each to share briefly the reason(s) for their request: Larry Burroughs (PC-USA), Fred Harrell (PCA),
Michael Hayes (PCA), Douglas Morton (EFCA), Jeffery Parker (Church of God in
Christ), Roger Peterson (PC-USA), Roy Pope (PCA), Scot Sherman (PCA). Stated Clerk Werkhoven reported that letters
have been received releasing each pastor from the denominations holding their
ordinations.
·
Following
their introduction, the eight pastors read in unison the “Declaration for
Ministers.”
ACTION #1: M/S -- To accept the
ordination transfer requests and enroll as members of the Classis of Central
California/RCA the following Ministers of Word and Sacrament: Fred Harrell,
Michael Hayes, Douglas Morton, Jeffery Parker, Roger Peterson, Roy Pope, and
Scot Sherman. CARRIED.
ACTION #2: M/S -- To enroll Rev. Larry
Burroughs as a temporary member of the Classis of Central California/RCA
pursuant to the Formula of Agreement (PC-USA).
CARRIED.
·
Following the
acceptance vote, each of the eight above named ministers entered their
signature into the Book of Declaration of Ministers followed by the laying on
of hands and prayer over each individual minister.
·
Revs. Harrell
and Parker shared personal reflections on the pilgrimage that lead them to the
decision to request the transfer of their ordinations.
B.
Commissioning Service. Classis Minister Karl Overbeek introduced
Lori Aragon and LeeRoy Schleigh and explained the preparation process that
qualified them to now be commissioned into the ministry leadership function of
Commission Pastor. Each spoke briefly
about the call on their lives and eagerness to be engaged in ministry. Karl reported that each had been examined by
members of the Servant Team and were being recommended for commissioning by the
Leadership Development Commission.
Karl
read the Formulary for Commissioning Pastors and asked each to answer the nine
questions contained therein. They each
answered the nine questions in the affirmative.
ACTION #3: M/S – To approve the
recommendation from the Leadership Development Commission that Lori Aragon and
LeeRoy Schleigh be commissioned to the ministry leadership calling of
Commissioned Pastor. CARRIED.
·
Each signed
the Book of Declaration for Commissioned Pastors followed by the laying on of
hands and prayer.
C. Transfer
Request from City Church of San Francisco. Stated
Clerk Don Werkhoven reviewed the process of dialogue with City Church of San
Francisco over the past year that resulted in their request to transfer their
membership as a congregation from the Presbyterian Church in America to the
Classis/RCA. On June 12, 2006, at the
request of City Church, the Northern California Presbytery of the PCA
officially released City Church of S.F. from their Presbytery, without charge,
pending acceptance by the Classis of Central California. Don reported that an affirmative vote on the
motion to receive City Church would result in the transfer of 256 confessing
members, 66 baptized members, 1155 adherents, two elders, and nine deacons.
ACTION #4: M/S – To approve the
recommendation of the Servant Team to accept the transfer of City Church of San
Francisco into the membership of the Central California Classis/RCA from the
Northern California Presbytery (PCA). CARRIED.
D. Request
to Extend a Call. Don Werkhoven presented a request from Christ
Community Church to extend a call to Rev. Greg Alderman to be Senior/Lead
Pastor. Don explained the possess of the
search and biographical sketch of Rev. Alderman.
ACTION #5: M/S – To approve the
request from Christ Community Church to extend a call to Rev. Greg
Alderman. CARRIED.
ACTION #6: M/S – To approve the
Servant Team Report as presented. CARRIED.
·
Delegates and
guests stood to praise God by the singing of the Doxology.
V. APPROVAL
OF THE MINUTES
M/S – To approve the
minutes of the March 11, 2006 Stated Session.
CARRIED.
VI. CLASSIS
MINISTER’S REPORT
Karl
Overbeek thanked the classis for the privilege of serving them as Classis
Minister. He reflected on the theme for
this classis session …”for just such a time as this…” by saying that we as a
classis should feel honored and privileged that God is stretching the classis
in new ways, it is mind-boggling to
consider the magnitude of the challenge and what it will take to meet the
challenge. Accepting the eight pastors,
via transfer, is just one step in helping to meet the challenge. He also reported that he completed the
Mobilizing Leaders Coach’s guide and has conducted a series of training
sessions throughout the classis, the Far West Region, and in Southwest
Michigan.
ACTION #7: M/S – To approve the
Classis Minister’s Report as presented. CARRIED.
·
Prayers were
offered for strength and wisdom as Karl leads in his function as Classis
Minister and Regional Strategist.
VII. REPORT
FROM MISSIONARIES
Jhonny
Alicea-Baez, Supervisor of RCA mission in the Americas, told of the added areas
of responsibility which now include part of Asia. He also provided updates on mission
partnerships in Chile and Argentina.
Craig
Hollander, a pilot for Mission Aviation Fellowship, showed a brief video and
explained the work he is assigned in Borneo, Indonesia. Craig and his wife grew up in and are members
of Calvary Reformed and are currently on furlough.
·
Prayers were
offered for Jhonny and Craig as they continue to carry out the missionary
endeavors to which they have been called.
VIII. STATED CLERK/TREASURER’S REPORT
A. Elk
Grove Property Sale Update. Stated Clerk Werkhoven reported that he
received a new signed bid offer for the Elk Grove Property from Loan Associates
on Sept. 21, 06. He distributed a copy
of the following summary of the bid and its advantages.
Summary of Bid
· Purchase Price: $3,400,000 cash offer.
· Non-Refundable Deposit: $25,000 at the time we accept and sign the offer. An additional $75,000 30 days after acceptance of the offer.
· Escrow Closing Date: 45 days after acceptance of offer.
· Escrow Extension Option: Escrow can be extended for 30 days for an additional $100,000 non-refundable deposit.
· Expiration of Offer: 5:00 pm on Monday, Sept. 25, 06.
Advantages of this Bid
· This is an all-cash offer.
· No broker fees involved in sale which results in a $204,000 savings.
· Non-refundable deposit of 25,000 upon acceptance of the offer and an additional $75,000 30 days after acceptance of the offer.
· The early closing date (45 days and no longer than 75 days). This translates into a mid-Nov. or mid-Dec. 06 closing date.
· In a declining real estate market, this is likely the very best deal we can make without holding on to the property until the next market upswing (likely 5 years).
· The proposed closing date(s) coincide with the ministry needs of classis.
ACTION #8: M/S – To authorize
the Servant Team, through its duly appointed agent, Don Werkhoven (Stated
Clerk/Treasurer) to negotiate and
execute the sale of the Elk Grove property for no less than $3,000,000. CARRIED.
B. Elk Grove Property Right-of-Way Sale to City of Elk Grove. Stated Clerk Werkhoven reported that an offer has been received from the City of Elk Grove to purchase 0.204 acre (8,890 sq. feet) and permanent easement of 0.1835 acre (7,991 sq. feet) and temporary construction easement comprised of 0.327 acre (14,244 sq. feet) for the Sheldon Rd./Route 99 Interchange Project. The market value of the portion to be acquired was established at $39,983. The value of the temporary easement is $35,610, for a rounded total of $75,600. Werkhoven reported that these values appeared to be fair and reasonable and recommended that the offer from the City of Elk Grove be accepted.
ACTION #9: M/S – To authorize the Servant Team, through
its duly appointed officer, Don Werkhoven (Stated Clerk/Treasurer) to execute
the sale of the above named property, located at 8555 E. Stockton Blvd., Elk
Grove, CA for the offered price of $39,983 and accept the offer for the
temporary easement of $35,610, for a rounded total of $75,600. CARRIED.
B. Salary Scale Committee Report. Treasurer Don Werkhoven reported that the CPI for the 12-month period ending July 31, 06 was 3.9%. Over the past 10+ years the classis minimum salaries for increases have been linked to the CPI. The following minimum salaries for ministers and commissioned pastors are recommended for 2007.
Years
of Ordination
|
0-2 Years |
3-5 Years |
6-10 Years |
11+ Years |
|
Geographical Area |
|
|
|
|
|
S.F. Bay Region |
$44,966 |
$48,518 |
$49,956 |
$51,780 |
|
Sacramento Valley Region |
$44,327 |
$47,820 |
$49,242 |
$51,040 |
|
San Joaquin Valley Region |
$43,682 |
$47,133 |
$48,534 |
50,305 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
ACTION #10: M/S -- To adopt the minimum salary increase of 3.9% for ministers
and commissioned pastors as recommended by the Salary Scale Committee. CARRIED.
C. Financial Provisions Necessary for Classis Ministry in 2007 (Proposed 2007 Budget)
Treasurer Werkhoven distributed copies of the proposed 2007 budget. He noted that the General Synod assessments have increased $.45 per member; the Regional Synod assessment increased $1.10; while the classis assessments declined $.91. The per member assessment total for 2007 is $93.00, an increase of $.91. The financial provisions necessary to carry out planned classis ministry programs in 2007 is $342,500.
Classis Minister Overbeek asked that the 3.9% increase that is recommended for his position be transferred to the Stated Clerk/Treasurer. He felt that the inequity between his position and that of the Stated Clerk/Treasurer was too great. The transfer amount would be $1,317 and would have no impact on the budget total.
ACTION #11: M/S -- To
amend the budget by transferring $1,317 from the Classis Minister line item to
the Stated Clerk/Treasurer line item. CARRIED.
ACTION #12: M/S – To approve the 2007 budget of $342,500
as amended. CARRIED.
D. God’s Provision for Classis Ministry, Jan. 1-Aug. 31, 06. Treasurer Werkhoven distributed an Income and Expenses report for the period ending Aug. 31, 06. He noted that an advance of $76,500 to Grace Gospel Christian Church while receiving $15,000 in reimbursement from Christ Church in the Bay Area (CCBA) resulted in an imbalance between income and expenses. Werkhoven also distributed a Balance Sheet for the period ending Aug. 31, 06 which showed a positive balance of $170,245.77.
ACTION #13: M/S – To approve the Treasurer’s Report as
presented. CARRIED.
· Prayers were offered for Stated Clerk/Treasurer Don Werkhoven for strength and wisdom as he carries out the functions to which he has been called.
IX. COMMISSION
REPORTS
A. Congregational Development and Renewal Commission –
Don Rowe, Moderator
Don
distributed copies of a paper that details the strategies for the
Congregational Development and Renewal Commission. He called attention to the four strategy
points and current focus of the commission, which is to resource classis
pastors strategically through the “Revitalizing Coached Networks.” He also distributed a grid showing where all
the classis churches are positioned in reference to the “Nine Trigger Points.”
·
The CD&R
Commission had no recommendations to present to the classis that required a vote.
ACTION #14: M/S – To approve the
CD&R Commission Report as presented.
CARRIED.
·
Prayer was
offered for Don as Commission Moderator.
B. Leadership Development Commission Report – Dwight
Bailey, Moderator
Dwight distributed copies of the L.D. Commission Report dated Sept. 22,
06. The Commission offered the following
motions for classis consideration.
ACTION #15: M/S -- To approve the nomination of Dwight Bailey as Moderator of
the Leadership Development Commission. CARRIED.
ACTION #16: M/S – To approve the
nomination of Jeff Wenke as Moderator of the New Church Development
Commission. CARRIED.
ACTION #17: M/S – To receive Michael
Edmondson (Christ Community Church) under care of classis and enroll him as a
candidate for the ministry. CARRIED.
·
Dwight
explained that because Michael was attending his first seminary class today,
the formulary and declaration for ministry student candidates would be read at
the Spring 2007 Stated Session.
ACTION #18: M/S – To accept the L.D.
Commission Report as presented. CARRIED.
·
Prayer
was offered for Dwight as he takes over the function of Moderator of the
Leadership Development Commission.
C. New Church Development Commission – Jim Schoon,
Moderator
Jim directed the attention of the delegates to the NCD Report, dated
August 31, 06. The report highlights the
activities of the new church plants underway throughout the classis
region. New ministries underway include:
Bethesda Community Church, under the direction of Joel Velasquez. This new work is meeting on the Tulare C.C.
property. Oak Hill Community Church, under the leadership of Roy Pope,
is just beginning to get underway in Clovis.
Iglesia Christiana Emmanuel, under the leadership of Jose
Bautista, is meeting on Sunday evenings at Christ Community Church in
Carmichael.
Jim reported on an emerging work in the Bakersfield/Wasco area under the
leadership of Stan Ploy, a Christian Reformed pastor. Roger Peterson of Tulare C.C. is providing
oversight of this work.
Jim also reported on a work in Ensenada, Mexico that Roger Peterson has
recently become acquainted with. Roger
will speak to Jhonny Alicea-Baez to get direction about how he might best be
involved with this group.
In keeping with the original concept of devoting 70% of the Elk Grove
property proceeds to new church planting, the NCD Commission presented the
following motion:
ACTION
#19:
M/S – To designate 70% ($70,000) of the non-refundable deposit received
from the Elk Grove property sales negotiation for immediate deployment in new
church planting work. CARRIED.
ACTION
#20:
M/S – To approve the NCD Commission Report as presented. CARRIED.
·
On
behalf of classis, Don Werkhoven thanked Jim for his four years of excellent
leadership of the NCD Commission.
·
Prayers of
thanksgiving were offered for Jim’s service to the classis and for his
continued ministry at New Hope.
X. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Review of Elder and Consistory
Minutes. Don reported that John Oldenburger had
reviewed the following Elder and Consistory minutes and found them to
meet acceptable standards:
Calvary Reformed Church
Church of the Cross
Christ Community Church
Minutes not available for review: New Life
Community Church. These minutes will be
scheduled for review at the Spring 2007 Stated Session.
B. General
Synod Delegates. Minister delegates to the 2007 General Synod: Michael Scott and Jim
Schoon. Elder delegates: Pedro Sun
(Sunrise C.C.) and Gary Bushman (Christ Community).
C. Spring
2007 Stated Session. Don announced that the Spring 2007 Stated Session would be held on
Saturday, March 10, with the location to be announced later.
·
Don thanked the prayer intercessors
who held the classis meeting up in prayer throughout the day.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
AND CLOSING INTERCESSORY PRAYER
ACTION #21: M/S – To adjourn the 2006
Fall Stated Session of Classis. CARRIED.
Closing Song: Delegates
and guests stood to prayerfully sing Be Thou My
Vision.
Closing Prayer: President
Tim Arensmeier closed the 2006 Spring Stated Session with prayer
at
/s/
Tim Arensmeier
President Date
/s/ Don Werkhoven
Stated Clerk Date
Web posted: March 5, 2007
Updated:
Central California Classis Home Page
Call to
Spring Stated Session 2007
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Miraloma NCD Results (xls) |
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Miraloma Data (xls) |
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Profit & Loss Statement (PDF) |
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Miraloma Congregational Responses
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