Classis of Central California

Classis Minutes

Spring Stated Session

March 10, 2007

New Hope Community Church, Fremont, CA

Joining God Where He Is At Work!

I. OPENING OF CLASSIS

Opening Prayer: President Tim Arensmeier opened the Spring Stated Session at 9:05 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). 15 of the 22 eligible voting elders and 21 of the 28 eligible voting minister delegates were present. A quorum was declared by President Arensmeier.

· The following excused absences were noted: Greg Alderman, Charley Blom, Tim Boeve, Steve Dyst, John Foster, Don Hammond, Janet Mahrle and Don Rowe.

· Rev. Jim Schoon, Pastor of New Hope Community Church welcomed the delegates and gave a brief history of NHCC.

III. PRAISE, CELEBRATION, WORSHIP

The New Hope Praise Team led the classis delegates and guests in worship with singing and prayers. A devotional message was given by Classis Minister Karl Overbeek, based on the theme of this classis meeting, “Joining God Where He is at Work” and John 5:17, “Jesus said to them, my Father is always at work to this very day, and I, too, am working.” Karl presented the following eight challenges: 1) To make prayer the number one priority in everything we do as individuals, congregations, and classis; 2) Plant churches of all kinds – ethnic, multi-cultural, generationally targeted; 3) To call out, train, and deploy hundreds of leaders from within our congregations for all kinds of leadership roles; 4) Every church in our classis needs to think in terms of reproducing themselves; 5) To pray and train church plant leaders into reality; 6) To target a person within our classis who will make it his/her ministry to call out and raise funds for church planting from among our financially blessed members; 7) To be proactive in helping struggling churches to become healthy, reproductive congregations; 8) To find and implement structures that fan God’s work into flame and denounce those structures that quench it.

Karl concluded his devotion with a prayer of commitment.

Introduction of Church Planting Pastors

New Church Development Commission Moderator Jeff Wenke introduced the following church planting pastors and each spoke briefly about their ministries and each shared a concern and praises that they desired the classis delegates to remember in their prayers.

Roy Pope – Oak Hills Community Church, Clovis

Ron Nunez – Living Grace Community Church, Oakland

Joe Valaasquez – Bethesda Community Church, Tulare

Jose Bautista – Iglesia Cristiana Emmanuel, Sacramento

Eddy Aleman – Iglesia Emmanuel, Chowchilla

Jeff Wenke – The Journey, San Jose

David Chu – Grace Gospel Community Church, San Mateo

Mark Holland – City Life Church (CRC), Sacramento

Antonio Pichardo – Iglesia de la Cruz, Modesto (Jerry Davelaar spoke on Antonio’s behalf).

Steve With – The Orchard, Brentwood (Jeff Wenke spoke on Steve’s behalf).

Following each presentation, representatives from among the classis delegates laid hands on the church planter and prayed for the concerns they raised.

Commissioning Service – Karl Overbeek

Karl Overbeek read the formulary for the Commissioning of Ron Nunez as Planting Pastor of Living Grace Community Church. Ron answered the nine formulary questions in the affirmative and signed the Classis Declaration for Ministers and Commissioned Pastors Book. Elders and ministers gathered around Ron for prayer and laying-on of hands.

Introduction/Acceptance of Candidates Under Care – Dick Evers

Dick Evers, Chairperson of the Candidate Care Committee, introduced the following persons who are currently under the care of classis as a candidate for ministry. Each spoke briefly about their spiritual journey and where they are in the preparation process.

Frances Nelson – City Church of S.F.

Paul Trudeau – City Church of S.F.

Andrew Yamamoto – City Church of S.F.

Michael Edmondson – Christ Community Church

Jason Mariano – Christ Community Church

Dick reported that Jason Mariano was interviewed by the Candidate Care Committee after receiving his application to come under care of classis and the favorable recommendation from the consistory of Christ Community Church. Based on this interview, the Leadership Development Commission, through its Candidate Care Committee recommends that Jason Mariano be received under the care of classis and enrolled as a candidate for ministry.

Dick read the formulary for receiving Jason under the care of classis and Jason responded by reading the Declaration for Ministry Candidates.

ACTION #1: M/S – To receive Jason Mariano under the care of classis and be enrolled as a candidate for ministry. CARRIED.

IV. SERVANT TEAM REPORT

Miraloma Community Church Transition – Don Werkhoven

Don Werkhoven called the attention of the delegates to material related to the transition of the Miraloma Community Church (Motions from the Servant Team Regarding MCC, Miraloma Membership and Financial Data, 1991-2006, Crises Intervention Timeline with Miraloma Community Church). Don explained that after meeting with Pastor Beryl and the Miraloma Consistory it was determined that because of the “long-term decline in participation and membership” MCC was no longer able to fulfill the functions of a local church as defined by classis. On January 19, 2007 the Servant Team sent, on Classis Letterhead Notification of Intent to Supersede the Consistory to the MCC consistory. As required by the BCO, on February 15, 07 the members of the Servant Team met with the MCC Consistory “to show cause why that consistory should not be dissolved and the church and its property be administered under the direction and supervision of the classis.”

Following the Feb. 15, 07 meeting the Servant Team determined that the MCC Consistory’s rebuttal to the intent to supersede fell short of providing a compelling vision and plan for turning around a long-term decline in membership and participation. As a result, the Servant Team presents the following motion which requires 2/3 affirmative vote of a quorum present for adoption:

ACTION #2: M/S – To supersede the Consistory of Miraloma Community Church and to place the administration of the church and its property under the direction and supervision of classis, based on the condition described in BCO Chapter 1, Part II, Article 7, Section 12 g. “long-term or rapid decline in participation or membership”. (Vote tally: 38 eligible voting delegates – 32 affirmative, 4 opposed, 2 abstained). CARRIED.

ACTION #3: M/S – To authorize a 6-month salary/benefits severance package for Beryl Banks and Jenny Kaskey to begin April 1, 07 and continue through Sept. 30, 07, or until gainful employment is obtained by either or both. CARRIED.

ACTION #4: M/S – To approve the Servant Team Report as presented. CARRIED.

· Prayer was offered for the Miraloma Consistory and Congregation during this transition period.

V. CONFESSION AND COMMUNION

President Arensmeier led the delegates in a time of reflection and confession. Delegates and guests were invited to a time of confession and asked to write a few words of confession on small pieces of ‘flash paper’. These written confessions were then placed in a metal pan and burned. All delegates and guests then partook of the communion elements.

ADJOURNED FOR LUNCH

VI. COMMISSION REPORTS

A. Congregational Development & Renewal Commission Report – Don Werkhoven

Don reported that Don Rowe, Moderator of the CD&R Commission, had requested an excused absence from the Stated Session due to the need to complete a move to a newly purchased home.

Partnering Church Model

Don directed the attention of the delegates to the Proposal for Financially Challenged Churches and the accompanying Issue Paper. He explained that a supervision/oversight gap frequently occurs between the time a church leaves the status of a “new church start” (3-year period) and when it becomes a self-supporting congregation. This proposal includes a provision for the Congregational Development and Renewal Commission to provide oversight for the next 2-years and to find partnering churches to help with the financial burdens that fledgling churches face.

ACTION #5: M/S – To adopt the “Partnering Church Model” and immediately implement its provisions under the direction of the CD&R Commission and the Classis Minister. CARRIED.

ACTION #6: M/S – To accept the CD&R Commission Report as presented. CARRIED.

B. Leadership Development Commission Report – Dwight Bailey, Moderator

Dwight distributed copies of the L.D. Commission Report dated 3/10/07. He highlighted the Mobilizing Leaders process that includes three persons in process to become Commissioned Pastors, and 30 in the Commissioned Leaders track.

Dwight reported that Glenn Spyksma has consented to have his name placed in nomination for Vice President of the Classis.

ACTION #7: M/S – To approve the nomination of Glenn Spyksma as Vice President of the Classis. CARRIED.

ACTION #8: M/S – To accept the L.D. Commission Report as presented. CARRIED.

· Prayer was offered for Dwight as Moderator of the Leadership Development Commission.

C. New Church Development Commission – Jeff Wenke, Moderator

Jeff distributed copies of the NCD Report entitled: March 2007 Classis Highlights. He called attention to the 6-Month Snap Shot Reports from 10 church plants.

Jeff also reported that $140,000 received from Elk Grove property non-refundable escrow funds was deposited in the Kingdom Investment Plan/Fund. The following two specific disbursements of these funds were authorized by the NCD Commission members: 1) $25,000 to New Hope Community Church for the Living Grace C.C. project; 2) $25,000 to Christ Community Church for Igelesia Cristiana Emmanuel Church plant project

ACTION #9: M/S – To approve the NCD Commission Report as presented. CARRIED.

· Prayer was offered for Jeff as Moderator of the New Church Development Commission.

VII. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

ACTION #10: M/S - To approve the minutes of the Sept. 23, 2006 Stated Session. CARRIED.

VIII. STATED CLERK’S REPORT

A. Elk Grove Property Sale Update. Stated Clerk Werkhoven reported that he and Karl Overbeek met with a land developer who is also a deacon and member of Christ Community Church. This developer has proposed entering into a joint venture agreement with the classis as a means for preparing the property for sale. His proposal includes the following 4-phase plan.

Phase I – Work with the Elk Grove Planning Commission to gain approval of a “tentative map” for the property. Once the tentative map is approved the property would be marketed for sale. If no buyers emerge for the asking price ($3.5 million) the developer moves to Phase II.

Phase II – Work with the Elk Grove Planning Commission and City Engineer to secure a “final approved plot plan.” When the “plot plan” is approved the property would again be marketed for sale. The asking price would increase because approved lots are more valuable to a builder/developer than a tentative map. If no buyers emerge for the asking price, the developer moves to Phase III.

Phase III – The developer would install the infrastructure (roads, utilities, etc) for buildable lots. The property would again be marketed for sale when the buildable lots are completed. Again, the price of the property would increase because the value of buildable lots is greater. Should no buyers emerge for the asking price, the developer moves to Phase IV.

Phase IV – The developer contracts with a builder to build out the property with single family residences.

All cost related to any of the four phases will be borne by the developer.

B. Proposed Amendments to the Constitution of the RCA.

Don called the attention of the delegates to the three proposed amendments to the Constitution of the RCA. He indicated a vote was necessary on each of the amendments individually.

1. Commissioned Pastor – This proposed amendment would allow a consistory to recommend a confessing member of a Reformed Church to the classis as a candidate to become a commissioned pastor, without first being an ordained elder. CARRIED.

2. Orderly Exchange of Ministers – To extend the orderly exchange of ministers to the Christian Reformed Church in North America. CARRIED.

3. Churches in Formation – This amendment clarifies how the celebration of the sacraments is to be accomplished in congregations that by definition do not have a board of elders. CARRIED.

ACTION #11: M/S – To approve the Servant Team Report as presented. CARRIED.

IX. TREASURERS REPORT

Treasurer Don Werkhoven distributed copies of the 2006 Year-End Profit & Loss Budget vs. Actual Statement and the Balance Sheet as of March 8, 07. He explained several unusual transactions that caused the expenditures to exceed budget projections.

ACTION #12: M/S – To approve the 2006 Year-End Budget Report. CARRIED.

X. ANNOUNCEMENTS

A. Review of Elder and Consistory Minutes. Don reported that the following Elder and Consistory minutes were reviewed and found them to meet acceptable standards:

Chinese Community Church	Living Faith Community Church
Church of the Chimes	New Life Community Church
Community Reformed Church	Miraloma Community Church
Cornerstone Community Church	Tulare Community Church

Minutes not available for review: Sonoma Valley Community Church and Lighthouse Community Church. These minutes will be scheduled for review at the Fall 2007 Stated Session.

B. Classis Resolution – Hope Community Church 50^th Anniversary

Don reported that Hope Community Church is celebrating their 50^th anniversary this weekend. They were officially organized as a Reformed Church in America congregation on March 11, 1957.

ACTION #13: M/S – That the Classis Resolution be presented to Hope Community Church in commemoration of its 50^th Anniversary. CARRIED.

WHEREAS, Hope Community Church was organized as a Reformed Church in America congregation on March 11, 1957;

WHEREAS, Hope Community Church is celebrating its Fiftieth Anniversary as an organized congregation of the Reformed Church in America;

WHEREAS, Hope Community Church has been faithfully served by Rev. Nicholas Gosselink (1957-1965), Rev. William Swets (1965-1968), Rev. Roger Kleinheksel (1969-1981), and Rev. John Oldenburger, Jr. (1980 to the present);

BE IT RESOLVED that the ministers, elders, and members of the Classis of Central California heartily congratulate you, the members of Hope Community Church for fifty years of faithful ministry in the Sacramento area. We thank God for your long and faithful service and pray that God will bless you as you continue to minister to the people that He has called you to serve.

· President Arensmeier thanked Pastor Jim Schoon and the members of New Hope Community Church for their hospitality in hosting the classis meeting and especially for the great lunch meal that was served.

XI. ADJOURNMENT AND CLOSING INTERCESSORY PRAYER

ACTION #14: M/S - To adjourn the 2007 Spring Stated Session of Classis. CARRIED.

Closing Prayer: President Tim Arensmeier closed the 2007 Spring Stated Session with prayer at 3:15 p.m.

___________________________________________ ___________________________

Tim Arensmeier, Classis President Date

___________________________________________ ___________________________

Don Werkhoven, Stated Clerk Date

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Agenda for 2007 Fall Stated Session

Web posted: September 13, 2007

Updated: September 20, 2007

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