https://canrc.org/news/rss Canadian & American Reformed Churches 2026-04-01T09:13:13-04:00 <![CDATA[Press release of Classis Manitoba (Carman West) convened on March 27, 2026]]> https://canrc.org/7562 On behalf of the convening church, Rev. James Slaa welcomes all the delegates. He reads Ephesians 2:11-22 and invites all present to sing Hymn 52:1, 2. The following memorabilia were noted: a) Retired pastors: the life circumstances and continuing service of Rev. and sr. John and Agnes Van Rietschoten, and Dr. and sr. Andrew and Inge Pol; b) Rev. Dathan Pleiter and his wife Katrina of Elm Creek as they continue to grieve the loss of their son Asher in October of last year; c) Rev. James Slaa and his wife Miriam of Carman West with the sudden passing of Miriam’s father Rev. W. denHollander in January; d) the church at Winnipeg Grace continues in its vacancy; e) Candidate Todd Linde, who is working in the Grace church for several weeks; f) Rev. Adrian Tams was ordained as missionary of the church plant at Ambassador Niverville in November. Rev. Slaa leads in prayer.

The credentials are examined and found to be in order. Classis is declared constituted and the officers suggested by the last classis take their place. Rev. Dathan Pleiter is the chairman, Rev. James Slaa clerk and Rev. Carl Van Dam vice-chairman. The agenda was adopted.
Rev. Adrian Tams, missionary in Niverville, signs the form of subscription and is seated as an advisor at Classis.

The following fraternal delegates are welcomed and seated at Classis: Rev. Richard Anjema of the Providence United Reformed Church in Winnipeg, Rev. Christopher Drew of the Grand Forks Orthodox Presbyterian Church and Rev. Kevin Pulliam of the Christ Reformed Church of the Reformed Church of the United States of Minot, North Dakota. Candidate Todd Linde was also welcomed. 

The Classis treasurer report is received with thankfulness. The church at Carman West has inspected the books of the treasurer and found them to be in good order. The church of Winnipeg Redeemer reports that the archives were inspected and found in good order. The report for the deputies for contact with provincial government is received with thankfulness.
In closed session, the church visitation reports for the churches of Carman East, Carman West and Elm Creek are received with gratitude. After each report, the church was remembered in prayer. The church visitations to Winnipeg Grace and Winnipeg Redeemer were postponed to April due to inclement weather.

The chairman asks the questions re Article 44 of the Church Order. One church asks advice regarding matters of pastoral oversight. In closed session, advice is given.
Rev. Kevin Pulliam of Christ Reformed Church of Minot, ND speaks words of greetings to Classis. He shared some of the recent developments in the Northern Plain Classis. Plans are being made to ordain a missionary and associate pastor to serve in the classis. The classis is active in reaching out to churches and pastors of other denominations in the area which are not content to remain in their churches because of the unfaithful direction of their churches.
Rev. Christopher Drew of Grand Forks OPC speaks words of greetings from the OPC Presbytery of the Dakotas to Classis. He requested our prayers for the Presbytery since there was the possibility of losing a congregation due to unfortunate difficulties in the past. There is also a real need for more men to come forward to serve as new pastors and teachers, as well as in mission, since there are quite a few retirements.

A letter of greetings is received from Rev. Greg Lubbers of the URCNA Classis Central U.S. and read to Classis.

Rev. Richard Anjema of the Providence United Reformed Church in Winnipeg speaks words of greetings to Classis. Recently their church hosted a forum for church leaders on Bill C-9. It was encouraging to see this event on this important topic well attended.

Rev. Dathan Pleiter brings these churches before the Lord in prayer.

The convening church for the next classis is Elm Creek and the date is set for June 26, 2026 with an alternate date of September 25, 2026. The suggested officers for the next Classis are: Rev. Joe Poppe as chairman, Rev. Dathan Pleiter, vice-chairman, and Rev. Carl Van Dam, clerk.

The chairman notes with thankfulness that nothing censurable was said or done during the meeting. The Acts of Classis are presented and adopted. The press release is presented and approved. Rev. James Slaa closes the meeting with prayer.

For Classis,
Rev. Carl Van Dam, vice-chairman at that time

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]]> 2026-04-01T00:00:00-04:00 <![CDATA[Press release of Classis Northern Ontario (Owen Sound) convened on March 26, 2026]]> https://canrc.org/7529 The meeting was opened by the convening church in a Christian manner. Various matters of
memorabilia were mentioned in prayer. The delegates from the church of Orangeville
examined the credentials and found them to be in good order. Classis was constituted. The
officers proposed by the previous classis were appointed: Rev. E. Onderwater as chairman, Rev.
S. Vandevelde as vice-chairman, and Rev. J. Ludwig as clerk. After adopting the agenda, Rev.
Mark ten Haaf, then, signed the form of subscription.

Church visitation reports were received for Arthur, Guelph Living-Word; and Orangeville
Canadian Reformed Churches.

Question period according to CO article 44 was held. All the churches affirmed that the ministry
of the office bearers is being continued and that the decisions of the major assemblies are
being honoured. Advice was given to three churches regarding proper church government.
A proposal was received from the Church Taking Care of the Archives (Owen Sound) to change
the regulations of Classis concerning their responsibilities. Classis adopted the following
change: “The church responsible for the Classis archives shall set up and administer electronic
document storage. All required documents shall be archived utilizing adequate redundancy.”
Arthur Canadian Reformed Church was appointed to convene the next classis meeting
(suggested date: June 17, 2026; alternate date: September 16, 2026).

Personal question period was not made use of and the chairman judged that Christian censure
was not necessary. The Press Release was read and approved. The meeting was closed in a
Christian manner.

Rev. S. Vandevelde,
Vice-chairman at the time.

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]]> 2026-04-01T00:00:00-04:00 <![CDATA[Rehoboth-Ebenezer Adopts New Name: Unity Canadian Reformed Church]]> https://canrc.org/7496 The newly merged Rehoboth-Ebenezer CanRC of Burlington, Ontario has adopted the new name of "Unity Canadian Reformed Church."

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]]> 2026-04-01T00:00:00-04:00 <![CDATA[Press release of Classis Alberta (Edmonton Immanuel) convened on March 12, 2026]]> https://canrc.org/7464 On behalf of the convening church, Edmonton Immanuel, Rev. J. VanSpronsen welcomes the delegates, reads Luke 18:35-43 and Galatians 3:1-10, and leads in singing Psalm 16:1,4,5. In prayer, he remembers the following: the vacancies in Calgary; the ministers emeritus of the Classis, Revs. R. Aasman, J. Kalkman, J. Huijgen, W. Slomp, & B. Tiggelaar; the calls made by Coaldale to Candidate Q. Vandermuelen, by Calgary to Rev. J. vanSpronsen, along with his subsequent decline, and presently by Edmonton-Providence to Rev. J. Torenvliet; the tensions in Neerlandia; the work on a new building in Devon; the ongoing work of the Seminary; and the outreach of Mission Edmonton.
The credentials are examined and found to be in order. All primary delegates are present. Rev. VanSpronsen declares classis constituted, and the proposed executive take their places: Rev. J. Peters, chairman; Rev. K. Wieske, vice-chair; Rev. C. Swaving, clerk.
The provisional agenda is adopted, with the addition of a request from the churches at Calgary and Coaldale for pulpit supply. Classis decides that the peremptory examination of candidate Quentin Vandermeulen will be live streamed.
Classis proceeds to the peremptory examination. The required documents are found to be in order, with the exception of a copy of the letter of call and the letter of acceptance. Coaldale undertakes to send these documents digitally.
Candidate Vandermeulen presents his sermon proposal on Luke 19:1-10. Classis enters into closed session to discuss the sermon proposal. The deputies of Regional Synod West, Rev. J. Poppe and Rev. B. Wielenga, who arrived just before the sermon presentation, are welcomed and seated at the table.
Classis decides that the sermon proposal is sufficient, and that the examination can proceed. The deputies of Regional Synod give concurring advice.
Candidate Vandermeulen is examined in OT exegesis, NT exegesis, Knowledge of Scripture. During the first part of these exams, some elementary students from Parkland Immanuel School are welcomed and stay to observe for a time. The chairman reads Psalm 141 and leads in prayer, asking the Lord for a blessing on the food. Classis breaks for lunch.
After a delicious lunch, the examination continues in the areas of Doctrine and Creeds, Church History, Ethics, Church Polity, and Diaconiology. Classis is informed that the digital documents necessary for approving the call have been received from Coaldale.
Classis enters into closed session, and judges the examination to be sufficient. The delegates of Regional Synod West give concurring advice. Classis approbates the call, declaring that the way is open for brother Vandermeulen to be ordained to the ministry as pastor of Coaldale Canadian Reformed Church. In open session, the chairman, with appropriate remarks, informs brother Vandermeulen of the joyful news.
Rev. K. Wieske reads from 2 Corinthians 4:5-7 and leads the assembly in thanksgiving prayer followed by the singing of Psalm 134:3 . Opportunity is given to congratulate brother Vandermeulen. Classis expresses gratitude to the deputies for Regional Synod, for their attendance, participation, and concurring advice. They are dismissed from their duty at Classis.
Edmonton Immanuel church reports that the Classis archives have been inspected and are complete, with the exception of one Taber church visitation report. This lacuna has since been remedied.
The church visitors report on a church visitation to the church at Devon. The chairman leads the assembly in thanksgiving prayer, asking for the Lord's continued blessing upon this church.
Classis receives a report from the archivist. Classis decides that going forward, a copy of all the documents of each classis shall be stored digitally, on a hard drive in a fireproof safe, one in the Edmonton Providence church building, and another in the home of the archivist. Classis mandates the archivist to digitize the existing files in the archives.
Classical pulpit supply is granted to the Church at Calgary. The request of the church at Coaldale for pulpit supply is denied, and Coaldale is given advice on other ways to find pulpit supply during the period during which their new minister is beginning his ministry.
Question period as per Article 44, CO is held. The delegates of each church declare that ministry of the office-bearers is being continued, that the decisions of the major assemblies are being honoured, and that there is not any matter in which the consistories need the judgment and help of classis for the proper government of their church.
Edmonton Providence is appointed as convening church for the next Classis on June 11, D.V. The alternate date is September 10. Suggested executive officers: Rev. G. Veurink, chair; Rev. J. Peters, vice-chair; Rev. K. Wieske, clerk.
The church at Calgary is appointed to speak on behalf of classis at brother Vandermeulen's ordination, to take place, the Lord willing, on March 29, 2026.
Personal Question Period is held. With thankfulness, the chairman deems censure according to Article 34, CO to be unnecessary.
The Acts of Classis are read, approved and adopted.
Classis decides that the Press Release will be approved by the executive.
Rev. G. Veurink leads in closing devotions.

On behalf of Classis Alberta (Edmonton Immanuel March 12, 2026),
Rev. K. Wieske, vice chair at that time

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]]> 2026-03-25T00:00:00-04:00 <![CDATA[Rev. Jake Torenvliet declines call to Providence (Edmonton)]]> https://canrc.org/7463 Rev. Jake Torenvliet of the Redemption Canadian Reformed Church in Flamborough has declined the call extended to him by the Providence Canadian Reformed church in Edmonton. 

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]]> 2026-03-25T00:00:00-04:00 <![CDATA[Press release of Classis Central Ontario (Burlington Fellowship) convened on March 13, 2026]]> https://canrc.org/7431 Rev. Hilmer Jagersma, on behalf of the Convening Church - Fellowship Canadian Reformed Church in Burlington - welcomed the classis delegates and called the meeting to order. Rev. Jagersma read Ephesians 4:1-6 and offered a brief reflection and prayer.

All delegates were present. Rev. Jagersma declared Classis Central Ontario constituted. 

The appointed officers are Rev. Greg Davidson (Blessings Christian Church) as chairman, Rick Buist, (Elder delegate, Fellowship Church) as vice-chair, and Rev. Tony Roukema, (Rehoboth/Ebenezer Church) as clerk.

The agenda was adopted with a minor adjustment.

Rev. Davidson introduced Elisha (a visitor and currently apprenticing with Blessings Church) and the work he has been doing internationally. Elisha was given an opportunity to speak about his work in China.

Classis noted the following matters of memorabilia:
  • The merging of Rehoboth and Ebenezer was mentioned. It was noted the merged church was sending delegates for the first time.
  • Retired pastors were discussed in the various churches.
  • There is a call for Pastor Jake currently. 
  • Mercy purchased a property. 
The delegates from the churches were asked, according to CO Article 44, whether the ministry of the office bearers is being continued, whether the decisions of the major assemblies were being honored, and whether there is any matter in which the consistories need the help of classis. All churches answered yes, yes, and no, with exceptions for Fellowship and Blessings who answered yes, yes and yes.

Jubilee submitted a matter related to pulpit supply. Classis decided it was not a matter to be decided by Classis.

Fellowship sought concurring advice regarding preaching access according to CO 50 and CCO 12.1. Classis decided to approve the request.

Blessings sought concurring advice regarding preaching access for according to CO 50 and CCO 12.1. Classis decided to approve the request with one exception.

Blessings sought advice. Advice was given.

Classis made the following appointments for the next Classis:
  • The convening church for the next Classis will be Redemption Church.
  • The suggested officers for the next Classis:
    • Chairman: Rev. Clarence Vandervelde
    • Vice-chairman: Elder delegate from Redemption Church
    • Clerk: Rev. Ian Wildeboer
Next Classis Central Ontario is scheduled for June 12, 2026. Alternate date is September 18, 2026.

The Acts of Classis were approved and the Press Release was read and adopted.

Rev. Greg Davidson led in prayer and declared Classis Central Ontario closed.


For Classis Central Ontario,

Rick Buist (Vice-Chair at the time)

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]]> 2026-03-21T00:00:00-04:00 <![CDATA[Candidate Quentin Vandermeulen sustains his peremptory examination]]> https://canrc.org/7397 Candidate Quentin Vandermeulen sustained his peremptory examination at Classis Alberta on March 12, 2026. ]]> 2026-03-13T00:00:00-04:00 <![CDATA[Press release of Classis Ontario West (Chatham Eben-Ezer) convened on March 4, 2026]]> https://canrc.org/7364 On behalf of the convening church Chatham Canadian Reformed Church, Rev. Arjen Vreugdenhil opened the meeting of the delegates with reading Ephesians 4: 1-13 and speaking some appropriate words of meditation. After the singing of Psalm 127:1 & 4, Rev. Vreugdenhil led in prayer remembering the following matters: the continuing vacancy of Cornerstone Canadian Reformed Church, the call received and declined by Rev. Jeff Temple, that Rev. Struik was able to begin his work at Living Hope Canadian Reformed Church of Caledonia and the students presenting themselves for examination.

Classis was then declared constituted with Rev. Tim Van Beek as chairman, Rev. Steve Van Leeuwen as vice-chairman, and Rev. John Van Woudenberg as clerk. After adopting the agenda, the fraternal delegate from the ARP in Windsor, Rev. Jordan Van Amerongen, was seated at the table. Rev. Fred Struik, then, signed the form of subscription.

Classis examined br. Jeffry Uriate and br. David Koeze, both second-year students at the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary seeking permission to speak an edifying word in the churches. After judging their sermons to be sufficient, they were examined in doctrine and creeds. Both students sustained their respective exams. After promising not to preach or teach anything contrary to God’s Word as summarized in the Three Forms of Unity, with thankfulness, they were granted permission to speak an edifying word in the churches upon successful completion of their second year of studies at the seminary. This is valid for three years. 

Rev. Jordan Van Amerongen extended fraternal greetings to those assembled expressing appreciation for the recent pulpit exchanges and mutual support.

The chairman asked each church the required questions of C.O. 44. Chatham and London Canadian Reformed Churches asked for the advice of Classis.

Chatham Canadian Reformed Church requested concurring advice about a proposal to allow local pulpit exchanges with the Living Hope FRC of Chatham according to the federation’s rules for Ecclesiastical Fellowship. Concurring advice was given.

London Canadian Reformed Church requested advice on calling a missionary to do mission work in the city of London. Informal advice was offered by the delegates.

An ADHOC Committee Report was received regarding the finances of Grand Rapids. In order to allow time for further reflection, the committee was asked to resubmit this report to the next meeting of Classis.

The next classis will be convened by Trinity Glanbrook Canadian Reformed Church on May 20 and June 3, 2026 with the suggested officers being Rev. Steve Van Leeuwen serving as chairman, Rev. John Van Woudenberg as vice chairman, and Rev. Arjan Vreugdenhil as clerk. 

Opportunity was given for censure and thankfully was not needed. The chairman encouraged the delegates with the reading of 1 Timothy 6:11-16.

The Acts were adopted and Press Release approved. The chairman closed the meeting with prayer after which the delegates sang from Psalm 84: 5, 6.

Submitted by

Rev. Steve Van Leeuwen

Vice Chairman at the time.

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]]> 2026-03-10T00:00:00-04:00 <![CDATA[Jeff Uriarte sustains Licensure Examination]]> https://canrc.org/7333 With thankfulness to our Lord, Classis Ontario West, Mar 4, 2026, granted Jeff Uriarte, permission to speak an edifying Word in the Churches upon successful completion of his second year of studies at the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary. ]]> 2026-03-07T00:00:00-05:00 <![CDATA[David Kroeze sustains Licensure Examination]]> https://canrc.org/7332 With thankfulness to our Lord, Classis Ontario West, March 4, 2026, granted David Kroeze permission to speak an edifying Word in the Churches upon successful completion of his second year of studies at the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary. ]]> 2026-03-07T00:00:00-05:00 <![CDATA[Providence (Edmonton) calls Rev. Jake Torenvliet]]> https://canrc.org/7331 Providence Canadian Reformed Church in Edmonton has extended a call to Rev. Jake Torenvliet.

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]]> 2026-03-07T00:00:00-05:00 <![CDATA[Rev. Rolf den Hollander relieved of call to Cornerstone]]> https://canrc.org/7298 The Cornerstone Canadian Reformed Church in Hamilton has relieved Rev. Rolf J. den Hollander of the call they had extended to him.

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]]> 2026-02-24T00:00:00-05:00 <![CDATA[Rev. Jeff Temple declines call to Smithville]]> https://canrc.org/7265 Rev. Jeff Temple of the Providence Canadian Reformed Church (Hamilton) has declined the call extended to him by the Smithville Canadian Reformed church.

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]]> 2026-02-20T00:00:00-05:00 <![CDATA[Rev. Julius VanSpronsen declines call to Calgary]]> https://canrc.org/7232 Rev. Julius VanSpronsen of the Immanuel Canadian Reformed Church in Edmonton has declined the call extended to him by the Calgary Canadian Reformed Church.

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]]> 2026-02-10T00:00:00-05:00 <![CDATA[Spruce Grove Change of Worship Times]]> https://canrc.org/7199 Beginning on February 15th, 2026, the regular worship service times for the Spruce Grove church plant will change to 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM.

On March 8th, 2026, the worship service times will be at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM due to another event in the church building.

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