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ABSTRACTOF THEMINUTESREFORMED CHURCHIN THEUNITED STATES(EUREKA CLASSIS)57th ANNUAL SESSIONHeld in theARTAS REFORMED CHURCHArtas, South DakotaMay 22-25, 1967
ABSTRACT OF THE MINUTES OF THE57th ANNUAL SESSION OF THEREFORMED CHURCH IN THE U.S.The Eureka Classis, Reformed Church in the U.S.,convened for its 57th Annual Session at the Artas ReformedChurch, Artas, South Dakota, May 22, 1967, 8:00 p.m.The Sessions were opened with a sermon by Rev. MauriceRiedesel. Vice President Norman C. Hoeflinger conductedthe service. After the President had declared the meetingopen for business, it was determined on the basis of certification for Elders and the reading of the Roll that therewere fourteen pastors and fourteen Elders present, a quorum.The following were elected on Tuesday morning asOFFICERS for the classical year 1967-1968: PresidentPresident—Rev. Norman C. Hoeflinger, Manitowoc, Wis.Vice President—Rev. Robert D. Stuebbe, Bakersfield, Calif.Stated Clerk—Rev. Peter B. Grossmann, Eureka, S. D.Treasurer—Mr. Donald Greiman, Garner, Iowa 50438LIST OF MEMBERSPastors:Donald W. Treick, 1408 South Lincoln, Aberdeen, S. D. 57401Sam M. Allison, Ashley, N. D. 58413Robert D. Stuebbe, 420 Columbus, Bakersfield, Calif. 93305Peter B. Grossmann, 309 'H' Ave., Eureka, S. D. 57437William Warren, Route 3, Garner, Iowa 50438Hessel Stevens, Hosmer, S. D. 57448Vernon Pollema, Upham, N. D. 58789Norman C. Hoeflinger, Route 3, Manitowoc, Wisconsin 54220Chester Ploeger, Menno, S. D. 57045Lloyd Gross, 124 22nd Street, S.W., Minot, N. D. 58701Robert E. Grossmann, 317 S. Garfield, Pierre, S. D. 57501Calvin J. Stuebbe, 235 James St., Shafter, California 93263Norman L. Jones,utton, Nebraska 6 979Emil Buehrer, P.O. Jr., Box 534, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54305(without charge)Dr. John M. Zinkand, Westminster Theological Seminary,Philadelphia, Pa. 19118 (without charge)D. E. Bosma, Eureka, South Dakota 57437 (retired) *Robert Klaudt, 1333 Castaic, Oildale, California 93308 (retired) *The asterisk (*) indicates those not present at the sessions. There are pastoral vacancies at Emery, South Dakota,.and Heil, North Dakota.1
Elders:Rudolph Opp, Leola, South Dakota 57456Otto Dockter, Venturia, North Dakota 58489Albert Stoller, 1827 Chevy Chase Dr., Bakersfield, California93306Theo. Koerner, Bridgewater, South Dakota 57319Sanrow Koerner, Eureka, South Dakota 57437Addis Greiman, Garner, Iowa 50438A. A. Stegmeier, 800 Mandan, Bismarck, N. D. 58501William Ochsner, Artas, South Dakota 57423Otto Borkirchert, Roscoe, South Dakota 57471Jacob Feil, Anamoose, North Dakota 58710Ben Mettler, Upham, North Dakota 58789Alfred Hackmann, Newton, Wisconsin 53063Calvin Streyle, Freeman, South Dakota 57029Fred Reuer, Fort Pierre, South Dakota 57532Marvin Weidenbach, 357 Atlantic, Shafter, California 93263Kenneth Kauk, Saronville, Nebraska 68975FRATERNAL DELEGATES AND VISITORSThe Rev. Ronald Jenkins minister of the OrthodoxPresbyterian Church at Hamil, South Dakota representedthe General Assembly of that denomination at the Classissession. He was given the floor to bring fraternal greetings from his church,Treasurer Donald Greiman was welcomed as a visitorto Classis.RECEPTION OF NEW MINISTERSRev. Donald W. Treick, pastor of the Aberdeen-LeolaCharge, having come into Classis in the past Classical year,was welcomed by the President.2
RELIGIOUS SERVICESMonday—May 228:00 p.m.—Opening Worship ServicesSermon by Maurice RiedeselConducted by N. C. HoeflingerTuesday—May 239:00 a.m.—Devotions by E. Buehrer8:00 p.m.—Sermon by R. D. StuebbeConducted by C. J. StuebbeWednesday—May 249:00 a.m.—Devotions by S. AllisonThursday—May 259:00 a.m.—Devotions by D. W. Treick8:00 p.m.—Worship ServiceSermon by W. WarrenConducted by H. StevensSTANDING COMMITTEES OF CLASSISOvertures: S. Allison, L. Gross, D. Treick, Otto Dockter,Kenneth KaukServices: D. Trieck, C. J. Stuebbe, E. Buehrer, TheodoreKoerner, A. A. StegmeierMissions : C. Ploeger, H. Stevens, R. D. Stuebbe, A. A. Stegmeier, Jacob FeilFinance: R. Grossman, R. D. Stuebbe, D. Treick, AlbertStoller, Sanrow KoernerNominations: V. Pollema, C. Ploeger, N. Jones, H. Stevens,Calvin Streyle, Marvin WeidenbachExcuses: R. D. Stuebbe, N. Jones, S. Allison, Alfred Hackmann, Albert StollerPublications: N. Jones, R. Grossmann, V. Pollema, WilliamOchsner, Marvin WeidenbachMinisterial Aid: H. Stevens, W. Warren, M. Riedesel, FredReuer, Alfred Hackmann3
Education and Student Aid: J. Zinkand, V. Pollema, W. Warren, Otto Borkirchert, William OchsnerExamination and Licensure: L. Gross, M. Riedesel, J. Zinkand, Kenneth Kauk, Jacob FeilBenevolences: W. Warren, M. Riedesel, H. Stevens, BenMettler, Theodore KoernerSPECIAL COMMITTEES (to report in 1968)Reformed Directory of Worship: N. Jones, H. Stevens, N. C.Hoeflinger, E. Buehrer, R. Grossmann, Harry HiebTo Study Heidelberg Catechism Workbook by N. Jones: J.Zinkand, N. Jones, L. Gross, Kenneth KaukTo Study Doctrinal Question "Who Shall Vote in the Congregation Meeting?" : a committee of six to be appointed by the Executive Committee, as follows: R. D. Stuebbe, R. Grossmann, H. Stevens, N. Hoeflinger, WilliamOchsner, Albert StollerPERMANENT COMMITTEESForeign Missions: Robert Grossmann Convenor (3 yrs.),Albert Stoller (3 yrs.), R. D. Stuebbe (2 yrs.), RudolphOpp (2 yrs.), C. Ploeger (1 yr.), V. Pollema (1 yr.)Home Missions : W. Warren (chairman), C. J. Stuebbe, N.Jones, Addis Greiman, Kenneth Kauk, Marvin WeidenbachPublications : N. Jones (chairman),, D. Treick, V. Pollema,Calvin StreyleMinisterial Aid : V. Pollema (chairman), P. Grossmann, A.A. Stegmeier, Ben MettlerBoard of Trustees : L. Gross (chairman), V. Pollema, A. A.Stegmeier, Jacob Feil, Ben MettlerExecutive Committee: N. C. Hoeflinger, P. Grossmann, Alfred Hackmann
ON THE STATE OF THE CHURCHThe Eureka ClassisReformed Church in the U.S.Esteemed Brethren:"Hold fast and repent." These words are spoken bythe Lord Jesus to the church at Sardis. They recur repeatedly to all the churchs addressed by the Lord in theRevelation that He gave the Apostle John. They also areappropriate to our own church. There are many things towhich we must hold fast, and many things of which wemust repent.The Lord says, "Remember therefore how thou hastreceived and heard, and hold fast." What we have beenprivileged to receive is the "faith once delivered to thesaints." It is this precious heritage that we must keep, ourReformed Faith and practice. It is God given—a supernatural revelation and redemption—inscribed in the infallibleScriptures of the Old and New Testaments and handed downto us through faithful generations of those whom God hasestablished by His grace.In this day of anti-supernational secularization of thechurch, of situational ethics and synergistic ecumenicity involving not only all socalled Christian churches but even allreligions, we praise God abundantly that every pastor andchurch of our denomination report the faithful preachingof the gospel and instruction in the Heidelberg Catechism.Too often we take this part of our report for granted without realizing that this is most important ; so called progressin other areas may be evidence of decay rather than growthif the truth of the Word of God is no longer affirmed andproclaimed in pulpit and classroom. Other Reformed Churches staunch for many generations are now nearing doctrinaldefection, and some are dangerously near apostacy. "Holdthat fast which thou hast." May God hold us fast in trulybiblical doctrine and practice.Holding fast does not preclude repentence, for holdingfast may be mistaken for dead orthodoxism as the late R.B. Kuiper called it. But true orthodoxy is never dead, andthe true church is a living church ; however a congregationor a denomination may become dead: "thou hast a namethat thou livest, and art dead."Parochial reports from year to year indicate that Reformed practice easily slips into a routine. It may not be5
too great a fall from routine to rut. We ought to guardagainst any tendency in this direction and repent of complacency and self-satisfaction with ourselves, our churchand our image. Happily our parochial reports indicate notonly a vigorous church life in most congregations, but alsoa healthy concern for wholesome discipline.We ought not to take pride in our smallness nor to beobsessed with becoming great. But we must be concernedwith maintaining a faithful witness both within the covenant community and without. It is evident that a thoroughcatechetical program is carried on in all our churches. Thisis the strength of our churches.How great is our involvement outside our own membership? Do two home missionaries and one foreign missionary salve our conscience in regard to our witness to theworld? Our relative unimportance numerically may lead usfalsely to conclude that we are unimportant altogether. Yetwe do have the only message that can save the world! Howeagerly and strenuously are we making it known to theworld? One California pastor reports visiting the city ofLodi to evaluate he possibility of beginning a Reformedwitness there. This type of effort ought to be imitated elsewhere and followed up everywhere. One of our ministers,a missionary at that, is presently available for a call tomission work, home or foreign. Dare we pass this opportunity by?In like manner, how do we see ourselves in relation tothe other churches? We reject the inclusivistic ecumenismof our day as being neither Christian nor biblical. We docontinue on friendly terms with the Orthodox Presbyterianand Christian Reformed Churches, but with reservations.Perhaps this is wise; we know that others have reservations about us. One parochial report states that one ofthese began conducting services in competition with one ofour churches. But in this day of involvement are we reallyinvolved? Even if we reject the idea of dialog, can we offhand reject the possibility that we have something to sayto the other churches and that we have a responsibility tospeak to them as well as listen to them. Humility does nottake away this responsibility. Perhaps the Reformed Ecumenical Synod opens a door to us to fulfill this area of responsibility. At least it merits our consideration.The Eureka Classis, Reformed Church in the U. S.,demonstrates its life and vigor in many ways. One way6
is the continued construction of new church buildings. Mennoand Newton have both completed buldings to be dedicatedthis summer. Shafter has constructed a new educationalbuilding. Several other churches have improved their facilities.The life of our church is also evidenced in the continuedactivity of our pastors. God has provided us with a nearcomplete complement of pastors in recent years when somany other churches find a totally inadequate supply ofministers. We are grateful for the ordination and installation of Donald W. Treick in the Reformed ministry, serving Aberdeen and Leola. We regret the loss of Rev. M.Riedesel to our active pastorate during the past year whenhe undertook missionary work in another denomination. Itis hoped that we can again give him a call to service. Rev.P. Grossmann now serves the congregation at Eureka andRev. N. Jones replaces him at Sutton. Thus we are presently confronted with a vacancy in the Odessa Charge (ArtasHerreid) which we pray God shortly to fill. One minister ofClassis, Dr. Zinkand, serves on the faculty at WestminsterSeminary as Associate Professor of 0. T. Rev. Buehrer continues to serve the church in the field of production andpromotion of Christian literature. Two pastors are in retirement but are able to enjoy relatively good health.Our church's growing awareness of its needs and responsibilities is seen in its active support of several institutions organized and supported by Reformed churches. Ourchurch has richly benefitted from its association with Westminster Theological Seminary, and Westminster has recognized our church by electing one minister to the Boardof Trustees and another to its faculty.In recent years our young people have become increasingly aware of Dordt College. Dordt has granted to us thesame tuition rates as to the Christian Reformed Church.Dordt invites and merits the support of our congregations.Bethesda Hospital offers us a ministry of mercy, andopportunity for service and a place where our own members can receive Christian care at the time of emotionaldisturbance.But the spiritual condition of a church is not to begauged merely by the number of its members, the numberof its activities nor the number of institutions it supports.As one pastor has put it, "The seed of the Word is beingsown. The visible harvest thus far is meager to be sure.
We must always remind ourselves that we can and mustsow the seed, and the Lord Himself will give the increaseas He sovereignly ordains."The Apostle Paul also reminds us, "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." At theclose of one and the beginning of another classical year, maywe be found faithful to our calling and to the use of everyopportunity afforded us. Our Lord, the faithful and truewitness says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock ; ifany man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come into him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To himthat overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne,even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Fatherin His throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what theSpirit saith unto the churches."Respectfully submitted,Norman C. HoeflingerEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 1966-1967Student Donald Treick was examined on May 30, 1966,by a committee appointed at the 1966 Classis session. Having sustained the examination, he was ordained on the sameday at Salem-Ebenezer Reformed Church, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He was installed as pastor of the Aberdeen-LeolaCharge on July 17, 1966.Executive Committee made recommendations for giving to the churches of Classis.A special committee on home missions procedure wasappointed.Maurice Riedesel resigned from the pastorate in Eureka,South Dakota, to become a missionary of the OrthodoxPresbyterian Church in Vineland, New Jersey.Peter B. Grossmann resigned the pastorate at Sutton,Nebr., and accepted a call to the Eureka Reformed Church.He was installed on November 13, 1966.Norman C. Hoeflinger, elected Vice President of Classisassumed the duties of President upon the resignation ofMaurice Riedesel from the office.Lloyd Gross, home missionary at Minot, North Dakota,requested and received permission to undertake secular workfor health reasons while continuing the mission work.Supply services for the Sutton Reformed Charge werearranged during their vacancy.8
Norman L. Jones resigned as pastor of the OdessaCharge (Artas-Herried) and accepted a call to the HopeReformed Church, Sutton, Nebraska. He was installed April23, 1967.Summer supply for the summer was arranged for: Dr.John Zinkand at Heil, North Dakota, student Stuart Pastineat Minot, North Dakota, and John Hilbelink at Emery, SouthDakota.Robert Grossmann was added to the Directory of Worship Committee.Robert D. Stuebbe was appointed fraternal delegate tothe General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Churchmeeting in Long Beach, California, April 24, 1967.Supply arrangements were made for the vacant OdessaCharge.The Johannestal Congregation of the Kassel ReformedCharge at Menno, South Dakota, was dissolved and the members transfered to the Zion Reformed Church of the sameCharge on May 5, 1967.Arrangements for the Classis meeting to be held atArtas, South Dakota, on May 22-25, 1967 were completed.CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS TO ELDERSThe Questions to Elders contained in Article 84 of theConstitution of the Reformed Church in the U. S. were putto the Elder Delegates at Classis. All answered yes to allquestions except Albert Stoller of Bakersfield who repliedto question three with "satisfactory" and question five with"as finances permit".REPORTS OF PERMANENT COMMITTEESForeign MissionsOur missionary to Korea, the Rev. Harvie M. Conn, andhis family spent the first half of 1966 in the United Stateson furlough. In that time he spoke 154 times to groups inseveral denominations, to Bible conferences and on collegecampuses. The family returned to Korea the beginning ofAugust. The new home built for the Conns in Korea by theOrthodox Presbyterian Foreign Missions Committee wasnot completed until the end of 1966 because of complicatedprocedures in getting utilities hooked up, etc. Mr. Conn'smain work centers around his teaching in a theological seminary of the Presbyterian General Assembly (Korean-Hap9-- 1111M1
dong Church). He is an Assistant Professor and the librarian. He is much engaged in preaching in the area aroundSeoul. He has also been busy writing theological works forthe seminary since such works are virtually non-existentin Korea. Mrs. Conn has resumed her language study. Theautomobile which was purchased with Classis funds hasbeen used by the Conn family since January, 1967.The chairman of the Classis Foreign Missions Committee met twice in the last year with the OPC committee.An effort is being made to work out a better relationshipbetween Mr. Conn and the Reformed Church in the U. S.The Classis adopted the following recommendations ofthe Foreign Missions Committee:"It is recommended that the Reformed Church in theU. S. establish a "Roll of Foreign Missionaries 'of the Reformed Church in the U. S." Individuals would be commissioned as foreign missionaries of the Church upon having sustained a theological examination and having signedthe formula of licensure. They would then be placed on theChurch's roll of foreign missionaries."The responsibilities of both the missionary and theChurch to each other would be spelled out along the following lines:1. When the Reformed Church in the U. S. commissionsa foreign missionary, it establishes itself as his supportingchurch and agrees to continue his support so long as it isevident that the Lord's call to his labor continues to be valid.2. The church thereby takes upon itself the responsibilityof upholding the missionary continually before the Throneof Grace in prayer, of encouraging him whenever and however possible in his labors, and agrees to encourage its congregations to provide whatever special provisions might bedesireable for furthering his labors.3. Missionaries on the roll of the Church shall have theprivilege of the floor at all Classis sessions although theyshall not, by virtue of their commission as missionaries, havethe right to vote.4. Commissioning as a missionary shall not be deemed asrestricting the activities or responsbilities of a missionarywho shall also be a minister on the roll of Classis, in whichcase the usual contitutional provisions concerning ministersshall apply.10
5. A commissioned foreign missionary of the Church shallbe deemed as licensed to preach in the churches. All constitutional provisions applying to licentiates shall apply tocommissioned missionaries.6. A commissioned foreign missionary of the Church shallbe responsible in preaching, teaching and conduct to maintainthe doctrinal standard of the Reformed Church in the U.S.He shall especially uphold and teach the Scriptures as theinfallible and inerrant Word of God, being guided by theHeidelberg Catechism as a summary of doctrine.7. Each commissioned missionary shall present a writtenreport of his activities to the annual session of Classis.8. Commissioned foreign missionaries shall keep abreastof the actions and stand of the Reformed Church in the U.S.and shall be privileged to take part in the discussion of issues. They shall be considered as taking part in the responsibility for the continuing purity of the Church."The Committee gave the following explanation of thefinancial report on the work of foreign missions:1. The financial report does not include the 3100. given.by Classis constituents and expended in 1966 for the pur-chase of an automobile for our missionary in Korea. Theautomobile purchased is a Land Rover, diesel engine, fourwheel drive vehicle.2. Housing cost for the Conns will be reduced to upkeepon the Seoul house, thus resulting in a saving of approximately 400. per year. This does not make up for the de-ficit mentioned below, however.3. As of January 1, 1967, the OPC Committee had expended 8819.28 more than it had received from Classis andother sources in support of the Conns. (This does not include the almost 16,000. borrowed to supply adequate housing for the family in Seoul.) The deficit had been as highas 9065.66 in September 1966 just after the large expenseof returning the Conns to the field. The deficit drops slowly while the Conns are in Korea but not enough to disappearby the time the large expense of furlough comes up again.4. The actual average cost of the Conn work in Korea forthe first five years, including furlough, but not administration, was 702. per month. This is quite a bit more thanClassis has been supporting.5. Note the high price of medical needs, over 900. last11
year. Missionaries in oriental countries all suffer from manylocal diseases and the only way to keep them working is tobear this extra burden of high medical expenses.Financial Report-1966Deficit in Account 1/1/66Eureka ClassisO.P.C.OthersReceipts 7,585.00932.49215.00 (-4,662.02)8,732.49 4,070.47DisbursementsSalary and Child Allowance 4,094.25Education Allowance600.00915.40Medical and DentalHousing—Furlough 367.70Field155.01522.71Utilities—Furlough 283.82on Field 208.65492.47Travel—Furlough 1,689.79To Field 3,601.895,534.60242.92On Field106.94SecurityPension and Social306.60National Helpers316.78Other expenses12,889.75 (-8,819.28)Deficit December 31, 1966The above does not include 12,481.04 paid for the construction of a house in Seoul.Classis also adopted the following recommendations ofthe committee's report concerning the composition of thecommittee and the manner in which it shall operate:1. That the six members of the Permanent Foreign Missions Committee be appointed to staggered three year terms.two members being replaced each year. The status of an12
Elder member shall not change even though his status asa Classis delegate or consistory member changes.3. The Permanent Foreign. Missions Committee shall chooseits own officers as necessary.4. The Permanent Foreign Missions Committee shall beauthorized to formulate rules concerning the Classis foreignmissions program, to be approved at the following annualsession.Home MissionsThe vacant congregation at Heil, North Dakota, wassupplied by Dr. John M. Zinkand during the summer of1966. Dakota pastors supplied during the winter months.A Reformed Church in America pastor from Bismarck supplied when Classis pastors were not scheduled. The Committee noted that in order for this to be done correctlyClassis should approve of such an arrangement with a minister outside the Reformed Church in the U.S. The Heil congregation is to be commended for their desire to have worship services each Lord's Day.The vacant congregation at Emery, South Dakota, wassupplied by student W. Kakkes from Westminster Theological Seminary. Rev. C. Ploeger served the rest of theyear with Sunday school and worship services twice a month.Student John Hilbelink has been employed for the summerof 1967.The home mission work at Pierre is growing, not onlyin numbers, but also in spiritual things. They now pay 25.a month toward their pastor's support. They now number14 families.The home mission work at Minot, North Dakota, alsogrows in spiritual things. The sowing of the seed of theWord of God must be left to bring forth fruit by the powerof the Spirit. Pastor L. Gross is continuing with secularwork for medical reasons in addition to the pastoral duties.Student Stuart Pastine has been engaged for the summerto assist with Bible school and other work.Several prospects for future mission work have cometo the attention of the committee: Waukon and Burlington,Iowa ; Hastings, Nebraska ; Lodi, California. The committeefeels that something should be done in one of these citiesin the coming year.13
Classis adopted recommendations of this committee tohave next year's committee correspond with the ChristianReformed Home Missions Committee on their mission workin Bakersfield, California, because it has (a) taken fourfamilies from our congregation and (b) sent the peoplearound Bakersfield to a CRC church 75 miles away in preference to our church there.Next year's committee is to correspond with the Heilcongregation commending them for having weekly servicesand reminding them that pulpit supply from outside ofClassis must have Classis approval. (Constitution Art. 71)Rev. M. Riedesel was extended a call at 400. a monthplus 100. a month rental money for housing to work indeveloping a home mission work at Hastings, Nebraska.(Some time after Classis Mr. Riedesel declined the call.)Permanent PublicationsThe committee brought a lengthy report concerningprosposed improvements to the REFORMED HERALD.These recommendations were referred to the Standing Committee on Publications where action was taken to makemajor changes in the publication system. (See that reportfor complete details.)—A Heidelberg Catechism workbookby Rev. N. Jones was also considered and will be studiedfurther by a committee.Minister's PensionsThe proposal to purchase insurance and pension coverage for Classis ministers that had been considered forseveral years was finally decided against by the congregations. Therefore the present Ministerial Aid will be continued. Classis adopted several recommendations concerning the administration of this fund. The Permanent Ministerial Aid Committee was created, to consist of four members. An average of 2.50 per communicant member willbe the amount recommended in order to keep the fundbalanced and meet its obligations. A new committee wasselected at this session of Classis and requested to reportat this session, however, it was not able to bring satisfactory recommendations in such short a time. The PermanentMinisterial Aid Committee will thus report next year.—This committee is also engaged in the purchase of liabilityinsurance for Classis.14
TrusteesThe Trustees carefully investigated and examined thefinancial books and transactions dating back to 1954. Alltransactions and monies are accounted for. Classis acceptedthis report as clarification and verification of the Trusteesfinancial affairs. Since no fund or bank balance is legallyrequired to be maintained, 1367.99 was transferred to theHome Missions fund of Classis. 500. was given to theEureka Reformed Church which was designated by Classisin 1953 to be responsible for the upkeep of the old Calvincongregation's cemetary near Eureka. Mr. Jacob Feil, Jr.,former treasurer of the Trustees, is to make the transferof monies as soon as possible.SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTSHome Missions ProcedureThe following was adopted as official Classis home missions procedure (composed of the 1965 report plus amendments) :"We believe that it is in accord with the teachings andexample of Scripture that our Home Mission Work be directly under the care and supervision of Classis which will appoint or elect a Home Missions Committee to take care ofthe work while Classis is not in session.The Home Missions Committee should at all times seekplaces where home mission work should and can be most effectively done, make definite plans for such work, and carryon such activities that will interest our congregations inthe growth and extenson of our Reformed witness here inthe homeland.The Home Missions Committee should at all times beresponsible to Classis, and should be limited by Classis init activities. To this end a full report should always be prepared for the Classis sessions telling of the work being done,and also of what possible new work might be started. TheCommittee should submit a complete budget to Classis forthe coming Classical year. This budget should include anynew work which may be started during the year. All churches which are receiving aid from Classis should request theiraid from the Committee before the meeting of Classis sothat these requests can be included in the budget.15,
A home missionary should be called by Classis. Thiscan be done through the Home Mission Committee, and themissionary will be directly responsible to Classis throughthe Commttee.An ordained minister of the Reformed church servingin a mission field shall have the authority to examine prospective members for baptism and/or church membership.After having a sufficient number of baptized Christians themissionary shall be authorized to organize a congregationand proceed with the election of elders and deacons. Afterthe congregation is organized and has a constitution, it shallpetition Classis for membership and along with its petitionalso submit a copy of its constitution. Before organizationof a congregation the missionary shall use the constitutionof the Reformed Church in the U. S. as his guide.A home mission may be undertaken and operated underthe support and authority of a local congregation as well asthat of the Classis. (a.) In such a case the missionary shallbe called by the local consistory and members of the unorganized mission shall be members of the sponsoring church.(b.) Such a mission shall be considered a part of the totalClassis mission program and reports shall be made to thePermanent Home Missions Committee in accord with theusual Classis procedure."Reformed Directory of WorshipThe committee met during the past Classical year toconsider changes and improvements to the proposed DIRECTORY OF WORSHIP. This report was sent to the ministersand delegates before the Classis meeting and at Classis 94changes and corrections were considered and acted upon.The changes and corrections will be incorporated into anew printing of the DIRECTORY which shall then be usedprovisionally for another year, to be considered for furtheraction at next year's meeting.On the Number of Elder Deleg
e Mee Uam o akoa 579 Ae ackma ewo Wiscosi 533 Cai Seye eema Sou akoa 579 e eue o iee Sou akoa 5753 Mai Weieac 357 Aaic Sae Caioia 933 Kee Kauk Saoie easka 975 AEA EEGAES A VTR e e oa ekis miise o e Ooo esyeia Cuc a ami Sou akoa eesee e Geea Assemy o a eomiaio a e Cassis sessio e was gie e oo o ig aea gee-igs fr h hrh, easue oa Geima was wecome .
