Classis of Chicago. Dear Pastors and Elder Delegates:

Transcription

1 Classis of Chicago Earl J. Vander Wall * Stated Clerk Lake Shore Drive * Orland Park, IL Phone: (708) chiclassisclerk@gmail.com Dear Pastors and Elder Delegates: Enclosed is the Agenda packet for the Winter Stated Session of the Chicago Classis. Please copy and distribute the appropriate number of copies for your pastors and elder delegates. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at chiclassisclerk@gmail.com Earl Vander Wall Stated Clerk

2 CHICAGO WINTER STATED SESSION FEBRUARY 20, 2016 TO: Ministers and Elder Delegates FROM: REASON: DATE: LOCATION: Office of the Stated Clerk Agenda for the Winter Stated Session of the Classis of Chicago. Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. Faith Community Church 910 Main Street West Chicago, IL You are expected to attend every session of the Classis of Chicago unless you are retired or are serving outside the boundaries of the Classis of Chicago. If you find it impossible to do so, you are required by the Rules of Order to send a letter to the Stated Clerk requesting Classis to grant you an excused absence. Requests for excused absences are also required of churches not represented by an Elder Delegate. Requests are to be mailed to: Earl Vander Wall Lake Shore Drive, Orland Park, IL 60467; or ed to: chiclassisclerk@gmail.com All delegates should study the Agenda carefully prior to the meeting so as to be properly prepared to discuss the various items. PLEASE BRING THIS COPY OF THE AGENDA WITH YOU TO THE CLASSIS MEETING! 2

3 CHICAGO WINTER STATED SESSION FEBRUARY 20, OPENING WORSHIP at 9:00 a.m. 2. ROLL CALL 3. GRANTING THE PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR TO GUESTS GEN-16-W-1 Recommendation to grant the privilege of the floor to the guests. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ORDER OF THE DAY a. Boundaries of the House 5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES GEN-16-W-2 Recommendation to approve the minutes of the Fall Stated Session on Oct.10, APPOINTMENTS a. Tellers b. Other Appointments 7. REFERRALS a. Correspondence 1. b. Requests for Excused Absences GEN-16-W-3 Recommendation to approve the requests for excused absences. 8. STATED CLERK'S REPORT ON ACTIONS ORDERED AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS Consistorial Reports are due to Earl TODAY. They may be submitted electronically also. Delegates to General Synod are from Downers Grove Community Church The 2016 General Synod will be held on the campus of Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois. It will begin on the afternoon of Thursday, June 9, and will adjourn on Tuesday, June 14, PRESIDENTS UPDATE ON THE STATE OF THE CLASSIS Gregg Pusateri 10. REPORTS OF PERMANENT COMMITTEES CHURCH CARE COMMITTEE Rich Schuler, Chairperson CANDIDATE CARE COMMITTEE Rev. Andy Rozendaal, Chairperson PASTORAL CARE COMMITTEE STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE Rich Van Swol, chairperson 12. COORDINATING COMMITTEE Minutes are available on the Classis website, and are for informational purposes only.

4 CHICAGO WINTER STATED SESSION FEBRUARY 20, REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEES Overture and Judicial Business Committee OJB-16-W-1 Recommendation to accept the proposed changes to the BCO R-40 & R PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA The 2015 General Synod adopted the following amendments to the Constitution of the Reformed Church in America and recommended them to the classes for their approval in accordance with the Rules and Amendments of the Government of the Reformed Church in America and the Disciplinary Procedures (Book of Church Order [BCO], 2015 edition, p. 73). A brief explanatory comment (not in bold) precedes each proposed BCO amendment; it is not part of the proposed change to the Constitution and is not being voted on by the classes. For further background information about the proposed amendments, refer to the 2015 Minutes of the General Synod, which are referenced by page number. You may also access General Synod reports that are referenced in this document by visiting Proposed amendment 1 comes as a result of a recommendation made to the General Synod by the General Synod s Commission on Church Order. Proposed amendment 2 comes as a result of a recommendation made to the General Synod by the General Synod s Ministerial Formation Certification Agency. The amendments in the text below are indicated with proposed deletions stricken out and additions underlined. 1. Elder Delegates to Classes (MGS 2015, R-40, p. 186) The Commission on Church Order was asked to clarify the maximum number of delegates to classis a local church may have. This amendment is intended to provide the sought-after clarity. From the perspective of the Commission on Church Order, the number of allotted delegates provided for by previous BCO editions has not changed. However, since the current wording can be interpreted in more than one way, some classes may view this amendment as a change in the maximum number of delegates to classis a church may have. Chapter 1, Part II, Article 3, Sec. 1 (p. 30 of 2015 edition) a. A church shall not have more than four elder delegates. A church with three hundred or fewer confessing members shall have one elder delegate. A church with more than three hundred confessing members shall also have one elder delegate, and an elder delegate for each additional three hundred confessing members or fraction thereof, up to a maximum of three additional delegates. A church shall not have more than four such elder delegates. b. A church without an installed minister shall have an elder delegate who shall not be counted as one of the above delegates allotted in subsection (a). c. A collegiate church shall have at least one elder delegate for each of its constituent congregations. 2. Classis Determination Regarding Ministry Experience for Other Candidates (MGS 2015, R-56, p.264)

5 CHICAGO WINTER STATED SESSION FEBRUARY 20, This amendment was proposed by the Ministerial Formation Certification Agency. Through it, the agency is seeking to assist classes to determine which of a candidate s prior experiences qualify towards fulfilling the at least five years ministry experience requirement for Other Candidates (commonly referred to as the Approved Alternate Route). The prior experience must assist the candidate to prepare for leadership as a minister of Word and sacrament. While this amendment still provides the classis with interpretive authority about the candidate s experience, the amendment clarifies the intended result of the five years of experience the experience will have prepared the person for the role of minister of Word and sacrament. Chapter 1, Part II, Article 12, Sec. 4b (p. 48 of 2015 edition) The classis shall determine: (1) The candidate has at least five years ministry experience and demonstrates leadership potential that prepares the candidate for leadership as a minister of Word and sacrament; (2) the candidate gives evidence of the call, gifts, and experience for the ministry of Word and sacrament; and (3) the candidate, for compelling practical reasons, cannot complete a master of divinity degree at an accredited seminary. 14. OLD BUSINESS 15. NEW BUSINESS Nominations Committee. Nominations Committee: We have two proposals: Proposal 1. To hold over the current president, vice president and past president. Rationale is that Steve just recently got elected to the office of vice president. It will allow him to gain more experience. We also believe that continuity is needed right now with reference to the upcoming Special Counsel, the possibility of a new Classis being started and realignment of the Chicago Classis. Proposal 2. To elect the slate listed below. (Rich was asked to contact several people to fill the vacancies that we have). Nominations: President: Stephen Orshonsky Vice-President: Stated Clerk: Earl Vander Wall Treasurer: Dan Luczak Church Care Chairperson: Rich Schuler Pastor Care Chairperson: Stewardship Chairperson: Rich Van Swol Candidate Care Chairperson: Andy Rozendaal Overtures & Judicial Business: Christopher Poest Note: Additional nominations may be received from the floor. GEN-16-W-4 Approval of a slate of officers of the Classis of Chicago. 16. TIME AND LOCATION OF NEXT SESSION Coordinating Committee: Sept. 19, 2016 at Calvary Church, Orland Park Fall Stated Session: Oct. 8, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. at La Capilla De Barrio, 3058 W. Armitage, Chicago, IL APPROVAL OF THE ROLL CALL

6 CHICAGO WINTER STATED SESSION FEBRUARY 20, GEN-16-W-5 Recommendation to approve the Roll Call by signature. 18. READING OF THE JOURNAL GEN-16-W-6 Recommendation to authorize the Coordinating Committee to approve the Reading of the Journal. 19. ADJOURNMENT WITH WORSHIP GEN-16-W-7 Recommendation to adjourn with prayer. 20. CLOSING PRAYER Stephen Orshonsky

7 CHICAGO WINTER STATED SESSION FEBRUARY 20, CLASSIS OF CHICAGO COORDINATING COMMITTEE MINUTES January 18, 2016 Present: Rich Schuler, Rich Van Swol, Earl Vander. Wall, Gregg Pusaterri, Andy Rozendaal Guest: Wayne Van Regenmorter 1. Opening prayer and devotion by Gregg Pusaterri. 2. A motion was made, seconded, and carried to approve the minutes of the Coordinating Committee meeting on September 14, A motion was made, seconded, and carried to approve the minutes of Fall Classis meeting October 10, Clerk s report: a. General Synod is June 9-14, 2016, Trinity Christian College Palos Heights, IL. Downers Grove has been contacted about delegates: they will supply 2 delegates and we will move down the list to get the next 2 delegates for a total of 4 delegates. 4. Wayne Van Regenmorter gave a report: a. New Thing Classis - there was a meeting with the Coordinating committee in December, but there have not been any conversations between all the Classes involved. A suggestion was made that we have a complete assessment done of each of the Classes before decisions are made. The big unknown is what will happen with the report on a way forward coming out in April and how that will impact the RCA. b. Regional Synod will be held April 26, Delegates are Rev. Pedro Windsor, Rev. Chris Poest and Rich Schuler. Note: these are the current individuals who are serving a term with the Regional Synod. c. Next step is to have Regional Synod host meeting between Illinois/Florida Classis and Chicago Classis to discuss the impact of New Thing Classis on the existing structure. 5. Committee Reports: a. Church Care Committee - Rich Schuler gave a report on how the churches are doing. Recommendation will be coming from the Ivanhoe consistory to sell the parsonage. Living Springs has moved out of the building to a new location in Riverdale. Currently three organizations use the Ivanhoe church building. We also have the possibility of a church planter to use the church. This is in the early stages and the committee still needs to process. The committee agreed to combine First Reformed Church of Berwyn and CrossRoads Church as one identity/church. b. Stewardship Committee Rich Van Swol passed out an end of the year summary sheet. c. Pastoral Care Committee - No report. d. Candidate Care Committee Andy Rozendaal i. Lou Bury and Daniel Wang are under the care of Classis. ii. Lou Bury s exams will be February 20, 2016 at 8:00 AM prior to Winter Stated Session. 6. Overtures and Judicial Business: a Proposed Amendments to the Constitution of the Reformed Church in America. The 2015 General Synod adopted 2 changes; will be voted on at our Winter Classis meeting. OJB will recommend we approve these changes. 7. Synod of Mid-America has requested 2 representatives from Chicago Classis to a meeting on February 23, 2016 at Christ Community Church in Lemont to discuss and inform the classis regarding the recent changes in Camp Manitoqua s bylaws. Several names were suggested and they will be contacted to attend this meeting.

8 CHICAGO WINTER STATED SESSION FEBRUARY 20, Nominations Committee: We have two proposals: Proposal 1. To hold over the current president, vice president and past president. Rationale is that Steve just recently got elected to the office of vice president. It will allow him to gain more experience. We also believe that continuity is needed right now with reference to the upcoming Special Counsel, the possibility of a new Classis being started and realignment of the Chicago Classis. Proposal 2. To elect the slate listed below. (Rich was asked to contact several people to fill the vacancies that we have). Nominations: President: Stephen Orshonsky Vice-President: Stated Clerk: Earl Vander Wall Treasurer: Dan Luczak Church Care Chairperson: Rich Schuler Pastor Care Chairperson: Stewardship Chairperson: Rich Van Swol Candidate Care Chairperson: Andy Rozendaal Overtures & Judicial Business: Christopher Poest 9. DATES AND LOCATION FOR COORDINATING COMMITTEE AND CLASSIS MEETING: e. Winter Stated Session: Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 9a.m. at Faith Church, West Chicago, IL f. Coordinating Committee: Monday, September 19, 2016, at Calvary Church, Orland Park g. Fall Stated Session Saturday, Oct 8, 2016 at 9a.m. at La Capilla De Barrio, 3058 W. Armitage, Chicago, IL 10. Motion made, seconded and carried to adjourn. 11. CLOSING PRAYER Andy Rozendaal

9 CHICAGO WINTER STATED SESSION FEBRUARY 20, Chicago Classis Income-Expenses 2015 YTD Total Harris Checking Acct Beginning balance 01/2015 $72, Fidelity Transfer $130, Church Assessment Income Budget Actuals Church ` Berwyn, First $1, $1, Chicago, Crossroads $0.00 $0.00 Chicago, La Capilla del Barrio $ $ Chicago, Mt. Greenwood $5, $5, Downer's Grove, Community $7, $7, Jericho Road $0.00 $0.00 Lemont, Christ Community $30, $30, Lombard, Taiwanese Community $3, $3, Orland Park, Calvary $74, $74, Riverdale, Ivanhoe-Paid thru end of 2015 $0.00 $0.00 Stickney, Faith Community $5, $5, West Chicago, Faith Community $10, $10, Workmans Comp Audit Refund year 2013 and 2014 $1, Income Total $142, Expense Classis Meetings $ $ Church Care Committee $1, $ General Synod Assessments=51.73 x 1560 $80, $80, Miscellaneous $ $ Office Supplies $ $ Pastoral Care Committee $ $ Photocopies $ $0.00 Liability Insurance-Guide One $2, $1, Postage $ $41.37 Regional Synod Assessments=15.25 x 1560 $23, $23, Stated Clerk $7, $8, Student Care $4, $0.00 Treasurer $3, $3, Church Care Coordinator Expenses $4, $5, Travel $ $0.00 Church Assistance $7, $ Professional Developemnt Follow-up $5, $1, Manitoqua Ministries Chicago Classis Support $10, $10, Manitoqua Ministries Project Support (fy 2015 only) $15, $15, Church Care Coordinator Salary $48, $48, KEZ Grant Calvary $5, $5, KEZ Grant Christ Church $5, $5, KEZ Grant Crossroads $5, $5, KEZ Grant La Capilla del Barrio $5, $5, KEZ Grant Faith Stickney $5, $5, KEZ Grant Downers Grove $5, $5, Developing Leaders 2 year program plus expenses $5, $10, CityWave $75, $75, KEZ Grants for Churches ($70, Total) $54, $0.00 KEZ Grant Crossroads $10,000 Total ends in 5/2016 $5, $5, KEZ Grant Downers Grove $10,000 Total ends in 5/2016 $5, $5, KEZ Grant La Capilla $8,000 Total ends in 5/2016 $3, $3, KEZ Grant Faith Community Stickney $8,000 Total ends in 5/2016 $3, $3, Chicago Classis Expenses $137, $125, Fidelity Expenses $253, $207, Expense Total $390, $327, Checkbook balance $12,752.80

10 CHICAGO WINTER STATED SESSION FEBRUARY 20, Overtures and Judicial Business Committee The responsibilities of the Overtures and Judicial Business (OJB) Committee are: 1) To study and report on all overtures, grievances and appeals coming to Classis. 2) To formulate all overtures and judicial business to be presented to higher judicatories. 3) To consider all appeals and complaints, to determine whether the constitutional provisions have been followed, and to report the results to Classis. 4) To study proposed amendments to the Book of Church Order and make recommendations to the Classis at the Winter Stated Session. Thankfully, there is no judicial business currently before the classis, nor is the committee aware of any pending matters. Our sole work at this time has been to study the proposed amendments to the Book of Church Order and prepare advice to guide the Classis in its work (see below). A word about process, as this threatens to be confusing at times: all of the recommendations that follow come to the Classis as already-supported recommendations from the General Synod (in other words, we don t need to make a motion and have support; General Synod already did that). The Classis will be voting on the recommendations from the General Synod as-is (we cannot amend them); our job as OJB is to give you advice, which you are free to follow or to ignore. In the text of the amendments that follow, additions are underlined and deletions are struck through. OJB-16-W-1: To approve amending the BCO, Chapter 1, Part II, Article 3, Section 1, as follows: a. A church shall not have more than four elder delegates. A church with three hundred or fewer confessing members shall have one elder delegate. A church with more than three hundred confessing members shall also have one elder delegate, and an elder delegate for each additional three hundred confessing members or fraction thereof, up to a maximum of three additional delegates. A church shall not have more than four such elder delegates. b. A church without an installed minister shall have an elder delegate who shall not be counted as one of the above delegates allotted in subsection (a). c. A collegiate church shall have at least one elder delegate for each of its constituent congregations. This proposed amendment is an attempt by the Commission on Church Order to clarify the maximum number of delegates to classis a local church may have. Current wording of this section is confusing and has led to different interpretations and thus, differing numbers of allowable elder delegates. We believe that this amendment brings helpful clarity; therefore: Our advice is to vote in favor of OJB-16-W-1. OJB-16-W-2: To approve amending the BCO, Chapter 1, Part II, Article 12, Section 4b, as follows: The classis shall determine: (1) The candidate has at least five years ministry experience and demonstrates leadership potential that prepares the candidate for leadership as a minister of Word and sacrament; (2) the candidate gives evidence of the call, gifts, and experience for the ministry of Word

11 CHICAGO WINTER STATED SESSION FEBRUARY 20, and sacrament; and (3) the candidate, for compelling practical reasons, cannot complete a master of divinity degree at an accredited seminary. This proposed amendment comes from the Ministerial Formation Certification Agency and their work assisting classes in determining qualifications of candidates on the Approved Alternate Route toward ordination as a minister of Word and sacrament. This amendment seeks to clarify the intended result and focus of a candidate s previous experience, while still leaving responsibility for determining the appropriateness of this experience to the classis. We believe that this clarification is helpful; therefore: Our advice is to vote in favor of OJB-16-W-2. Moving forward, the classis will be best served by an O.J.B. committee which is more faithfully representative of the breadth of voices within the classis than is the current committee. Our classis contains a diversity of perspectives and, as the committee charged with bringing advice on changes to the Book of Church Order and processing any judicial matters before the classis, we need to ensure, as best we can, that our membership is reflective of the whole classis. To that end, additional members are most welcome and highly desired; especially women, persons of color, and persons from our larger congregations. Overtures and Judicial Business Committee: Rev. Christopher Poest, chair [ (office); poestopher@gmail.com] Elder Rich Van Swol (Mount Greenwood)