The Final Day of Synod

Monday, June 20, 2011
Synod finished its work at about 8:30pm Monday. During this long but profitable day as the Holy Spirit gave grace and strength the synod continued to treat the material of the committees of synod, made up of slaves of Jesus Christ who serve the church in so many ways. Although the synod does not formally thank all the members of those committees, certainly, as churches and a synod, we are thankful to God for those who labor on the many standing committees of synod. The synod did take the time to thank our stated clerk - Mr. Don Doezema, our synodical treasurer - Mr. David Ondersma Sr., our bookkeeper - Mrs. Pamela Bos, the seminary professors and the support staff at the seminary for their faithful work in the service of our churches.
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Synod dealt with proposals that came from the Domestic Mission Committee. The DMC objected to the grounds Synod 2010 used for not calling a western home missionary. Synod did not sustain this objection. The DMC proposed tenure for domestic missionaries. Synod decided to refer this matter back to the DMC for more study and possible reformulation. The DMC brought a proposal that the denomination take over the unofficial website of our denomination. Since 1996 Rev. VanBaren has developed a website presenting the Protestant Reformed Churches on the internet, which has become an important part of the witness of our churches. Due to his age, Rev. VanBaren reported that he is ready to hand over this website to the care and oversight of others. A committee of the DMC met with Rev. VanBaren with a view to the denomination taking ownership of the website prca.org. Synod approved the denomination taking ownership of the website prca.org from Rev. Van Baren, and appointed the DMC to take on the responsibility of monitoring its content as well as maintaining it weekly. Synod then expressed its thanks to Rev. Van Baren for his dedicated service in developing the website and demonstrated this thanks with an honorarium of $7500.
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Synod also dealt with matters concerning the seminary. Ryan Barnhill, a member of Hudsonville PRC, was admitted to the seminary beginning in the fall. The Theological School Committee (TSC) reported that the seminary received a $700,000 bequest with another bequest of about the same amount coming from the estate of Glenn Snyder, a man in New Jersey who enjoyed reading the Standard Bearer. Synod approved hiring Mr. Charles Terpstra full-time for one year to complete the reviewing and cataloging of the Theodore Letis Library and to continue his work in digitizing the card catalog of the library. Since January 2008, Mr. Terpstra has been working on this project part-time, has made good progress on it, but has much to do yet.
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Synod treated financial matters of the denomination. Emeritation for 11 ministers and 1 spouse was approved in the amount of $322,419. In this way the churches are privileged to support financially the slaves of Christ who are no longer able to give themselves fulltime to the ministry. Synod approved subsidy for 9 churches in 2012. Synod adopted a budget for 2012 of $1,690,100, which means an assessment of each family of $871 (a decrease from 2011 of $62, or 6.6%).
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Finally, synod decided to accept the invitation of the Protestant Reformed Church in Crete, IL, to host Synod 2012, which will convene on June 12, 2012.
May the Lord of the church bless the decisions and work of our synod. May we be encouraged in the unity we have as churches and continue to go forward as slaves of Christ in the churches we love.
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A special word of thanks to our reporter, Rev. Garry Eriks and to our faithful photographer, Mr. Don Doezema.


Committee 1: Prof. R. Cammenga; Elder R. Vermeer; Rev. S. Key; Rev. G. Eriks; Elder Kaptein
Materials on which they gave advice: Contact committee report; Catechism Book Committee; Letter from Faith re Three Classes.

Committee 2: Elder J. Van Baren; Prof. B. Gritters; Rev. R. Kleyn; Rev. K. Koole; Elder H. Ferguson
Materials on which advice was given: Domestic Mission report; Appointment of Synodical deputies; Report of Synodical deputies re Rev. D. Holstege




Committee 3: Elder J. Andringa; Elder T. DeVries; Rev. A. Brummel; Rev. R. Van Overloop.
Materials on which they gave advice: Foreign Mission Committee report; Psalter Distribution; Catechism Book distribution; Stated Clerk's report.



Committee 4: Prof. R. Dykstra; Elder T. Pipe; Rev. D. Kuiper; Elder E. Stouwie; Rev. C. Haak.
Materials on which advice was given: Theological School reports; Rector's report; Student Aid Committee.



Committee 5: Rev. J. Slopsema; Rev. J. Laning; Elder D. Ondersma; Elder G. DeJong.
Materials on which advice was given: Board of Trustees Report; Treasurer's Report and Financial Statements; Emeritus Committee; Finance Committee Report; Subsidy Requests; Synodical Expenses; Butget for 2012; Place and time of Synod 2012

Foreign Mission Matters

Friday, June 17, 2011: In his pre-synodical editorial, Prof. Dykstra called our attention to the many people involved in the work of the churches as slaves of Jesus Christ. This work of service in Christ’s kingdom was treated Friday, as Synod dealt with material from the Contact Committee, Foreign Mission Committee and the Domestic Mission Committee.
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The Contact Committee’s “sacred duty”, according to the preamble of its constitution, is “to manifest the true unity and catholicity of the church on earth in as far as that is possible.” During the entire morning session on Friday, the synod heard from the CC how they are carrying out this sacred duty with many contacts which are at different stages of contact: our sister-church in N. Ireland; Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Australia with whom we have a corresponding relationship; contacts in Germany, Uzbekistan, Namibia, Heritage Reformed Congregations, Portugal; and attending NAPARC. In many instances, synod simply approved the CC’s work with these contacts, but there are a few things that should be noted as highlights.
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The CC reported that Revs. Koole and A. Lanning attending the 50th Anniversary celebration of the EPC in Australia. Rev. Koole spoke at the celebration and our delegation had a one-day conference with some of the ministers of the EPCA.
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Rev. M. McGeown addressed synod on behalf of the CPRC in NI, expressing the warm greetings of our sister in NI. He also expressed thanks for the many benefits enjoyed in the relationship and informed synod about the missionary work being done in Limerick. Rev. Slopsema asked Rev. McGeown to express the greetings of the PRCA to the saints in N. Ireland and Limerick and the thanks we have for the sister-church relationship. Synod approved providing financial support for the mission work in Limerick.
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Synod approved sending observers to the 2011 meeting of NAPARC.
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The CC reported that the six churches in Namibia responded positively to the delegation’s presentations of the PRCA and our distinctives. But more visits are necessary to get to know each other better. Since the delegation returned these six churches have not extended another invitation for us to return. The CC informed synod concerning recent developments in these churches, which indicate they want to continue this contact. They do have internal struggles that have required their undivided attention. Yet these churches have decided to present to their classis (Classis Waterberg) a report of their meetings with our delegation in the summer of 2010 with the desire that the classis would begin corresponding with us. Synod approved sending another delegation to Namibia when an invitation for such a delegation is given.
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In the afternoon, Synod treated the material of the Foreign Mission Committee
because Rev. Smit, one of our missionaries in the Philippines, was present. The highlight of the afternoon was Rev. Smit’s address to synod concerning the ongoing work in the Philippines. He gave a brief update of the work being doing in the Berean Protestant Reformed Church and in the other congregations with whom they work. Rev. Smit expressed the heartfelt thanks of the Smits and Kleyns for the denominational support they have felt. Rev. Slopsema, our chair, expressed the thanks of synod for their dedicated service and assured Rev. Smit of our continued prayers for them and their work. After making decisions concerning the work in the Philippines, synod also approved the FMC’s work of investigating Myanmar as a possible field of mission labor.

Synod began to treat late in the afternoon material regarding the Domestic Mission Committee. Synod was not able to finish this material, so this is where synod will begin Monday morning, the Lord willing.
(Click on pictures to enlarge them)

Two Reasons for Rejoicing

Thursday, June 16, 2011 was a day of great rejoicing for Synod 2011 and the Protestant Reformed Churches for two reasons. The first is that synod approved the examinations of Mr. Nathan Decker, Mr. Brian Huizinga, and Mr. Jonathan Mahtani, declaring them candidates of the ministry of the Word and Sacraments eligible for call on or after July 16, 2011. Today these men were examined in Church History, Church Polity, OT History, NT History, and Practica. The examinations reminded the synod of God’s great gifts to the Protestant Reformed Churches: faithful seminary professors and gifted students who work hard.

(to enlarge, click on picture)The second reason for great joy at synod was the decision taken by unanimous vote to establish a sister-church relationship with the Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church in Singapore. We give thanks to God for this relationship in which these two denominations may be a blessing and encouragement to each other, as we together are built on the solid foundation of God’s truth. Although Synod 2011 approved this action, the actual relationship will not be implemented until Synod 2012, the Lord willing, to make sure our other sister-church, in Northern Ireland, has no objections. May the Lord bless this relationship!

Synod will continue meeting Friday morning at 8:30am.


Seminary Graduation Night!!





Prof. Russell J. Dykstra, Commencement Speaker

PROGRAM


Graduates:Jonathan Mahtani; Brian Huizinga; Nathan Decker

Click on pictures to enlarge them

Beginning of the students' examination

Report of Synod 2011
Grandville Protestant Reformed Church
Wednesday, June 15, 2011

The church is “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone” (Eph. 2:20). This beautiful, indestructible foundation was on display as Mr. Decker, Mr. Huizinga, and Mr. Mahtani were examined in Dogmatics. From 8:30am until about 3:00pm, with a couple of breaks, Prof. Cammenga examined these three men on the following subjects of Dogmatics: I Introduction to Dogmatics, Theology, Anthropology, Christology, Soteriology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology. For those familiar with the Essentials catechism book, this examination covers all the material found in that book, but much more in depth. Although this is a long and draining examination, these young men gave a good account of their understanding of the foundation of the church. As churches we have many reasons to give thanks – for the truth of God’s Word, these young men who confessed the truth so beautifully, and a seminary who faithfully teaches these truths so the church receives the Bread of Life each Sunday.

After the examination was finished for the day, synod entered into some of the material of the agenda. One of the matters synod treated was the material of eastern and western home missions so that Rev. Bruinsma, our eastern home missionary, could be present before he returned home. Rev. Bruinsma did addresssynod, thanking the Domestic Mission Committee and Southwest PRC’s Council for their faithful work and support. He took time to explain briefly the steady progress being made in Pittsburgh. The synod also had an opportunity to express its heartfelt thanks to Rev. Bruinsma and his family for their faithful service on the mission field in the service of Jesus Christ.
Synod then dealt with a proposal from the Domestic Mission Committee to call a western home missionary. Synod declared the proposal of the DMC to call a western home missionary to be not legally before it because this matter did not appear in the printed agenda. One of the rules of synod states, “No proposals of importance shall be presented to synod that have not appeared on the Agenda, so that consistories and classes may have opportunity for previous deliberation.”
Synod then turned to material of the Contact Committee. Synod 2010 mandated the Contact Committee “to suggest changes to its constitution to Synod 2011 which make clear: a) That in the establishment of a corresponding relationship the ultimate goal remains the establishment of sister-church relationships; b) That in the establishment of a corresponding relationship the discussion of the essential differences that preclude a sister-church relationship will continue to take place.” Synod agreed with the advice of the Contact Committee to relieve the CC from the first mandate (letter “a” above) because this change conflicts with the present wording of the CC’s Constitution. The synod agreed with the advice of the CC concerning the second mandate (letter “b” above) so that the constitution now reads: “Discussion on areas of agreement and matters of difference by means of correspondence, committee visits, and conferences to confirm and strengthen our unity in Christ” (the words in italics are now added).
Synod will reconvene at 8:30am on Thursday to finish the oral examination of the seminarians, which should end in the middle of the afternoon, the Lord willing.

Synod begins its sessions

Tuesday, June 14, 2011: Rev. Van Overloop, the president of Synod 2010, led synod in singing, Scripture, reading, and prayer to ask God’s blessings on our work. After synod 2011 was declared properly constituted, synod began its work by electing the following officers: President – Rev. Jim Slopsema; Vice-President – Rev. Ken Koole; First Clerk – Rev. Doug Kuiper; Second Clerk – Rev. Garry Eriks. The delegates arose and gave assent to the Public Declaration of Agreement with the Forms of Unity, as read by the president. Synod also took the time to welcome Rev. Martyn McGeown, who is attending synod as a representative of our sister-church in Northern Ireland.

President – Rev. Jim Slopsema; Vice-President – Rev. Ken Koole; First Clerk – Rev. Doug Kuiper; Second Clerk – Rev. Garry Eriks
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After these beginning decisions were taken, the synod and its visitors assembled in the sanctuary of Grandville PRC to hear the specimen sermons of Mr. Nathan Decker, Mr. Brian Huizinga, and Mr. Jonathan Mahtani. Synod was blessed with three edifying sermons that displayed the unique gifts given to each of the men and the blessing of the Holy Spirit upon their work. Synod approved the sermons, agreeing that the sermons were Reformed and that the men displayed the gifts to preach a sermon for the edification of God’s people. Synod took this opportunity to thank God for these men and to thank the seminary faculty for their faithful labors in preparing these men to preach the Word.

After approving the sermons of the seminarians, synod recessed for the rest of the day so that the committees of pre-advice could do their work. All of the material found in the agenda is divided between five committees of pre-advice which bring recommendations to the synod for how to deal with the matters before synod.
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Synod will begin again at 8:30am Wednesday morning for the oral examination of the seminarians in Dogmatics. May the Lord through His Spirit sustain them as they confess the truth of God’s word in their examinations.

The Protestant Reformed Synod -- 2011 at Grandville Prot. Ref. Church

   Welcome to the report of the Synod of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America.  The Synod convenes on June 14, 2011 at the Grandville Protestant Reformed Church at 8:30 a.m.  Visitors are always welcome.
   The highlight of this year's synod is the oral examinations of the three senior seminarians: Mr. Nathan Decker, Mr. Brian Huizinga, and Mr. Jonathan Mahtani.  They each will preach a specimen sermon on Tuesday, June 14 and then will be examined most of Wednesday and Thursday.  Graduation is scheduled for Thursday evening, June 16, at 7:30 at the Grandville PR Church.  Prof. Russell Dykstra will deliver the commencement address.
   The reports of synod's activities and pictures of the events are planned for this blog.  Invite others  to follow this as well.  It is our prayer that God may give wisdom and guidence to this gathering and that the decisions taken  may be pleasing to our God and for the direction and encouragement to the labors of the church both at home and on the mission fields.


On Monday evening, beginning at 7 p.m. at Grandville Protestant Reformed Church, a regular church service was held. The church was filled almost to capacity with members of synod, the Grandville congregation, and many visitors from the other Protestant Reformed Churches.
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop, president of Synod 2010, the pastor of Grace Protestant Reformed Church, preached the sermon. His text was Titus 1:1-4. The theme was: "Called to be Slaves of Jesus Christ." The sermon can be heard by clicking here.
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(To enlarge, click on picture)
Front row: Prof. R. CAmmenga; Prof. B. Gritters; Elder James Andringa;Rev. A. Brummel; Rev. R. VanOverloop; Prof. R. Dykstra; Elder Ted Pipe; Elder Ed Stouwie; Rev. S. Key; Rev. C. Haak; Rev. R. Kleyn; Rev. G. Eriks
Back row: Elder John Van Baren; Elder H. Ferguson; Elder Tom De Vries; Elder George De Jong; Elder Gary Kaptein; Rev. M. McGeown; Rev. K. Koole; Elder Bob Vermeer, Rev. J. Laning; Elder Dave Ondersma; Rev. J. Slopsema; Rev. Doug Kuiper