SYNOD 2012 MONDAY 7TH 2012
Br Brian Vaatstra welcomed all present and opened by asking all to sing “All Hope is found in Christ alone”
Br Brian read from Colossians Ch 1:1-8; and expounded on that passage reminding Synod of the hope of the gospel. Br Brian read the credentials from each Classis present and reported on the supervised procedure of the election of the Moderamen
The Moderamen of Synod 2012 is:
Chairman: Rev John Westendorp;
Vice Chairman: Rev John De Jongh;
First Clerk: Br Ian de Graaf;
Second Clerk: Br John Bylsma;
Br Westendorp made a few introductory comments thanking the delegates for their confidence in appointing the Moderamen. It was noted that there were 20 first-time delegates to Synod.
Br Westendorp reminded the delegates that they were here to represent their Classis and encouraged all to speak with truth and in love.
Br John Westendorp acknowledged the passing into glory of the following ministers of the gospel since the last Synod, Revs Peter Van Dam, Bill Deenick, Harry Hoving and also the CRCA administrator, Br Rob Vander Noord.
Br Westendorp welcomed various delegates from various denominations represented.
Br Westendorp asked all delegates to Synod to stand, thereby showing their allegiance to the Form of Subscription used by the CRCA.
The Vice-chairman, Br John De Jongh advised Synod on the procedure and rules of debate that would be followed with the giving of reports, discussions, as well as making delegates aware of the time constraints.
Br Westendorp also advised Synod on how various overtures, reports would be handled as well as appointing a committee to watch the finance aspect of decisions reached.
Br John Zuidema was appointed as the Church reporter for Synod.
Correspondence for Synod was received and CRC of Myanmar; CRCNA; Reformed Church of Indonesia; Crossroad Bible Institute of Australia; NGK from SA;
BOM
Br Troy Vander Noord, on behalf of the BOM addressed Synod explaining the Financial State of the CRCA. As at the end of March, the Balance was $28,000.00 where as it should be $172,000 as per a 1991 Synodical decision.
MAMA
Br Tony Deenick reported on MAMA advising Synod that loan funds are about $680,000.00. It was noted that MAMA’s administration is to be taken up by BOM. Some encouragement was given to ensure that funds not be used to ‘fix’ the CRCA financial difficulties, but that they remain available for their intended purpose.
SUPERANNUATION
Br Peter Abetz presented the Superannuation Report. Special note was taken of Br Rob Vander Noord’s input into this Committee and especially his pastoral heart. The SIC will write a note of thanks to Mrs Vander Noord for all the work Br Rob has done on behalf of the CRCA.
DENOMINATIONAL MINISTRY COACH.
Br Jack De Vries, Ministry Training Coordinator, reported on some of his work that the Ministry Formation Workgroup have been doing in trying to fulfill the Four Fold Task as adopted by Synod.
Br Jack reported on some of the coaching he has done in various churches using the NCD surveys; the church planting that is being done and the work that is currently being done at Pioneer Community Church at Mackay. Br Jack also reported on the TASK 3 (BILD) training sessions that are being done at the RTC.
OVERTURE 12 ROLE OF COUNSELOR.
Br Don Bradshaw presented the overture asking Synod to adopt this overture as a consensus to the role of a Church Counselor. After a slight change Synod adopted the overture.
OVERTURE 4
Overture 4 from Tasmania was presented. Overture 4 asked Synod to create two Classes in Tasmanian on the 1st of July, 2012. The Overture was defeated.
Br Gerald Vanderkolk closed the morning Session in prayer and lunch was enjoyed by all.
The afternoon session was opened by singing “Take my life and let it be” and Br K.J. Tromp led in prayer.
MINISTRY TRAINING WORKGROUP
Br David Groenenboom presented the report for the Ministry Formation Workgroup. After several questions and discussion, the report was dealt with, including the re-appointment of Br Jack de Vries as the Denominational Ministry Coach. The Chairman of Synod thanked the disbanding MFW for their work and especially Br Jack’s work within the denomination.
Overture 9 WA - NIV 2011
Br Ben Murphy presented the WA Classis Overture asking Synod to appoint a study group to assess the suitability of the 2011 NIV version for pulpit and devotional use. The chairman asked this overture be redrafted during the tea interval.
Br Bas Hartog closed the afternoon session with prayer.
The evening session began with singing “All the way my Saviour Leads”. We were led in prayer by Br Rob Letter.
OVERTURE 9 WA – (NIV 2011 continued.)
Synod discussed and adopted a revised WA Classis Overture setting out some time constraints for the new study group to adhere to. Synod adopted this revised Overture in its entirety.
RCYC REPORT
Br Richard Schoenmaker introduced the RCYC Report. We then watched a video clip over recent youth events including the recent National Youth Convention.
Brs Jonathan Vandenberg and Ray Rus presented a report of their Web-pages for the youth and gave more detailed report on the Convention and its planning and the on-going things that have been happening in the local churches as a result of the convention.