The Synod elected the following officers: Rev. Vernon Pollema, President; Rev. Jim Sawtelle, Vice President; Rev. Paul Treick, Secretary; Elder Ted Griess, Treasurer. In addition, Rev. Paul Treick was elected as the Editor of the Reformed Herald.
There were several highlights of the Synod, perhaps the most important was the recognition of the 500th birthday of John Calvin. In recognition of Calvin's 500th birthday, Rev. Eric Kayayan was a guest of the Synod and gave several presentations. Rev. Kayayan is the French Radio preacher of the Reformed Faith and Life Broadcast. In addition to the Wednesday morning devotion and the Wednesday evening sermon, he presented a lecture to the assembly on Thursday afternoon entitled, "Calvin Between Facilis Brevitas, Confessio, and Institutio: Instruction of Faith in Geneva." In this lecture Rev. Kayayan reminded the delegates and guests that Calvin placed a great deal of emphasis on making the confession a useful document in the life of the church, particularly in terms of the instruction of the youth. He pointed out that the covenant youth at a young age were required to be instructed, to give an account of their faith before the elders, and that fathers were held responsible to see to the instruction of their children. In the opinion of this reporter, this lecture was a great encouragement in regards to the RCUS practice of Confirmation.
A second highlight was to have Rev. Thomas Mayville, who teaches at Knox Theological College, in Mbale, Uganda, present at the Synod. This work in Uganda is in conjunction with the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and with the express emphasis upon providing training for men seeking the gospel ministry in the Free Reformed Church of Kenya. Rev. Mayville gave a report of his work. We are very grateful to God for this opportunity to extend the Kingdom of Christ. It is a very difficult work with very difficult circumstances for Rev. Mayville and his wife. We praise God for them, their willingness to serve, and encourage all of our readers to uphold them in prayer. Rev. Mayville has one more year remaining in his commitment to teach in Uganda. The Foreign Missions Committee is seeking someone willing to replace him next year. We trust the Lord will provide.
A third highlight I would mention is the fellowship which is always enjoyed by the delegates. It is truly special to spend time in the fellowship of like-minded officers and members of the Church of Jesus Christ. This reporter has now been present at 32 annual Synods. Certainly at times these meetings can be difficult and at times they are tedious. But it is always great to do the work of the Church, to debate the issues facing the Church, to even work late hours to get it accomplished. The President of Synod, Rev. Vernon Pollema, is to be thanked for his guidance through the procedures which can at times become difficult. A special thanks should also go to the delegates who give of their time and effort. The elders give of their time to come to Synod. The pastors always have more to do back in their congregations than they have time for. But the work of the Synod, the highest court of the Church, is also very important. It is important that the time is taken to do it well and to serve the Church faithfully at every level. God has truly blessed the RCUS throughout the years.
As this reporter reflected on the meeting of Synod, the word "routine" came to mind. In many ways it was a Synod which dealt with the routine business of the Church, with the exception of the recognition of the 500th year of the birth of John Calvin. The word "routine" might sound boring, but it is good when the church is simply involved with the business of the church. We rejoice that the Lord has blessed the RCUS with a unified commitment to the work of the church and that we are not dealing with major controversy.
In this normal work of the church several things should be mentioned. In regard to publications, the workbook by Rev. Norman Jones has been republished. This has been a great tool in the instruction of the youth, andwe trust that it will continue to be used. In the area of foreign missions we continue to support and work with the Free Reformed Church of Kenya and the Evangelical Reformed Confessing Church of the Congo. The Church in the Congo has had to deal with some difficulties in working with a couple of the native pastors. It appears that it will be necessary to reform the work in the Congo with a new church. We trust that the Lord will continue to bless this work as we deal with these issues. The RCUS also continues to have contact with Reformed churches and pastors in the Philippines.
The Synod is also involved in home missions and supports the following works: Grace Reformed Chapel, Northwest Arkansas; Grace RCUS, Greeley, CO; Providence RCUS, Vermillion, SD; Rehoboth Reformed Chapel, La Habra, CA; and Covenant RCUS, Chico, CA. In addition, funding was approved so that Redeemer Reformed Church of Minneapolis, MN, can begin a second work in that metropolitan area.
The Synod continues to support a number of retired ministers and widows. Funding was also approved in the area of benevolence and for one student under care. The standing judicial committee dealt with a request to consider making some changes in how the Synod conducts business in order to become more efficient. A special committee was erected to study this issue.
There was one special committee whose assignment was to study the possibility of establishing a process for the classes to visit congregations and consistories on a regular basis for oversight. This committee was continued to do further study.
The Treasurer's report indicates that the RCUS is doing well financially. For this we praise God for His goodness to His covenant people.
Several new ministers were received, including Rev. Sam Powell, Rev. James Grossmann, and Rev. Randy Klynsma who was also confirmed by the Synod as he comes from the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. It should be noted that there remain several vacancies in the RCUS. There is a need for students for the ministry.
Information was provided throughout the Synod regarding the health concerns of several pastors. These concerns were brought before the throne of God in times of prayer. It is vital that the members of the Church always keep their pastors in their prayers.
Obviously there was more business conducted at the Synod, but hopefully the above information will provide some guide to the reader as to what is happening in the Reformed Church in the United States.
In reporting on this Synod meeting, I cannot overlook the great work of the host congregation. The members of St. Paul's Evangelical Reformed Church did a great job of hosting the Synod. The delegates were well provided for, which is greatly appreciated.
