Beloved brethren of the South Central Classis, grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. As I write this report, the world around seems to be in a state of turmoil. Major earthquakes, wars, unrest across the Arab world and economic difficulties are all around us. But it is in times such as these that we can gain great comfort from the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and assurance in God's providence.

In last year's President's Report, we went on somewhat of a tour of the congregations, starting out west. This year, we'll do the same thing, only we'll start in the east. At Trinity Reformed Church in Sioux Falls, SD, I can report that things are going well. We have visitors on a regular basis and our auditorium is usually pretty full. We built on to our building and added classrooms, offices, and a library which is being used by Heidelberg Theological Seminary (HTS). HTS began having classes at our facility last fall and that seems to have been a good move for the seminary. Rev. Maynard Koerner has accepted a position as associate pastor at Trinity and in addition to teaching classes at the seminary, also teaches a section for our catechism class. Although I regularly see Rev. Koerner during the week in the office, I rarely see him on Sundays. This is because he keeps busy filling pulpits in the area. The same goes for Rev. Herman Van Stedum who has retired and lives in nearby Harrisburg.

Heading south, we come to Menno, SD. Rev. Scott Henry has now been at Menno for seven years. He has received a call to Lancaster, CA, and he has accepted that call. His last Sunday in Menno will be the last Sunday in May. Let us keep both Rev. Henry and the congregation in Menno in our prayers as they go through this time of transition.

In Vermillion, SD, Rev. Robert Grossmann continues his ministry there. Vermillion has been a mission work for a number of years but they have become self-supporting and are no longer in need of mission funds. Rev. Grossmann does a weekly radio program that covers a five state area. We are thankful that the gospel can be preached by one of our men to such a wide area.

In Mitchell, SD, the congregation is doing well. Rev. George Syms had some health concerns last year and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. He is recovering and has taken some steps to improve his health. While Rev. Syms was recuperating, Rev. Howard Hart picked up the slack. It can be a tremendous blessing to have a reliable, retired minister in the congregation, as Mitchell has in Howard Hart. Rev. Hart was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year and is starting to slow down a bit, but we pray for many more fruitful years.

Going down to Sutton, NE, Rev. Darrell Kingswood continues his ministry at Hope Reformed Church. In addition to the regular work of the ministry, Rev. Kingswood has served on some special committees. He was on the committee to work with Rev. Dan Rogers, and he also is on the synodical committee on "Biblical Sexual Morality."

Also in Sutton, Emmanuel Reformed Church has undergone a real trial. Their pastor, Rev. Dan Rogers, resigned and was suspended by Classis because of a heavy drinking problem. That issue will be further dealt with at this Classis meeting. Emmanuel has called a new man, Rev. Joe Vusich, who is a very capable man. May the Lord grant a time of peace and healing to all involved in this situation.

In Lincoln, NE, Rev. Lee Johnson and his wife are contributing to the growth of the church by bringing into this world their fifth child. Statistically, it looks like the numbers are down at the Lincoln congregation, but this is because they have been purging their rolls and have erased a number of members who have either moved or are not attending for some reason.

In Rapid City, Rev. David Fagrey is now in his thirteenth year serving that congregation. They continue to show signs of growth and have become debt free. Their very nice facility and parsonage have been paid off. Rev. Fagrey also does a weekly radio program.

Going west to Colorado Springs, CO, Rev. C. W. Powell continues to pastor the flock there as well as teaching at New Geneva Theological Seminary (NGTS). The congregation at Colorado Springs is using technology to spread the Word. The hits on the church web site remained steady through the first seven months of the year with more than 90,000 hits and more than 30,000 downloads of material. Unfortunately the web site was "hijacked" and hits fell off to practically nothing for a while but they have begun to recover.

In Limon, CO, Rev. Matt Powell reports signs of growth in that congregation. They did receive some building damage as the result of a storm, but that has been remedied. In addition to the regular work of the ministry, Rev. Powell is also working on his Th.M. and plans to work towards a Ph.D. He is currently teaching one class at New Geneva.

In Greeley, CO, Rev. Jon Blair reports good things and growth in that congregation. Like Rapid City, the congregation in Greeley has also paid off their building debt. They are also now self supporting so they have requested to come off missions assistance.

Last, but not least, we end up in Rock Springs, WY. Rev. George Horner will soon be celebrating his one year anniversary as the pastor of that congregation. Rev. Horner and his wife Mary Jo did have a health scare with Mary Jo being diagnosed with a brain tumor. But he reports that the brain tumor has been eradicated and she appears to be in excellent health. We praise the Lord for that.

Another area I would like to report on is the area of missions. As previously noted, both Greeley and Vermillion are now self-supporting and no longer receiving mission support. Limon is receiving mission funding from Classis, but has already requested a reduction in support.

Last October, the missions committee flew to Sherman, TX, where Rev. Neal Riffert has been working with a group of believers. That work seems to be going well and the missions committee has requested mission support of $1500 per month for that work. We should continue to support this work with our money, time, and prayers.

Rapid City has indicated a desire to start a work in Scotts Bluff, NE. There is a Bible study going on there and the congregation in Rapid City is seeking to discern the Lord's will about what to do next. Let us keep the situation in Scotts Bluff in our prayers. In the past, our Classis has had a Regional Home Missionary who could oversee some mission works. It worked well in the past and perhaps it is time to reconsider that program.

All in all, it was a relatively quiet year in the South Central Classis. We are seeing signs of growth in many congregations. Let us pray that the Lord would continue to help us grow and to give us wisdom that we might bring the gospel and plant churches in our Classis.

Respectfully Submitted,
Ron Morris

On Tuesday morning, March 1, 2011, the delegates of the Covenant East Classis converged on the city of Kansas City, MO, at Northland Reformed Church. Reverend Ron Potter called the meeting to order and led the delegation in prayer, followed by an edifying devotion before the body, from the Gospel according to Mark 10:17-22, urging us to abandon those things which hinder us from following Jesus Christ. The opening role revealed that nine ministers and four elders were present.

This year there was a changing of the guard in Covenant East Classis. After three years of faithful service, Reverend Ron Potter asked to not be nominated for the office of President again this year. He served the classis extremely well as its distinguished leader during his time as president, readily giving wise counsel as well as patient encouragement whenever needed, and has undoubtedly set the bar very high for those whom the Lord in His wisdom will call to fill his very able shoes. This year it was the will of the body that that man would be Reverend Randall Klynsma. The Reverend Jim Sawtelle was elected as the Vice-President, with the Reverend Kyle Sorensen being elected again to serve in the capacity of Stated Clerk. Jim Drewes, an elder delegate from Peace Reformed Church, in Napoleon, OH was re-elected to serve as our classis treasurer. Our Classis was blessed this year to have in attendance two fraternal delegates. They were the Reverend Harold Miller, of Classis Central U.S. of the United Reformed Churches of North America, and the Reverend Wes Bredenhof, of Classis Ontario West, of the Canadian Reformed Churches. Also in attendance as a visitor was Les Morten, an elder from the Sovereign Grace Church in Gettysburg, PA.

One of the reoccurring themes that seemed to make its way into some of the meal time devotions, and even the final devotion before parting between the delegates this year was taken from Psalm 133: "How good it is when brothers dwell in unity." The 26th annual meeting of Covenant East Classis was one that will undoubtedly be remembered as such. Everything from the debates that took place, to the fellowship that was enjoyed by all of the delegates, seemed to be seasoned with love and mutual concern for one another. Laughter was commonly heard from the dining room, and any other place that the delegates were gathered to spend time enjoying one another's company. The parochial reports, and the heartfelt prayers that followed each one, showed both the faithfulness of our ministers in carrying out their respective callings, and the faithfulness of our Sovereign God in providentially caring for the needs of the churches of our Classis.

I have come to enjoy the time during Classis when these reports are read and the delegates get the opportunity to share in one another's joys and sorrows alike. This year the Classis Executive Committee maintained contact with Sovereign Grace Church in Gettysburg, PA. As a result of that contact, Sovereign Grace Church, of Gettysburg, PA, has made the decision to call Rev. Jay Fluck to serve as their pastor serving out of bounds of classis, under the purview of Covenant East Classis, with the thought that Rev. Fluck would assist them as they continue towards a possible union with the RCUS. As a result of that call, Rev. Fluck appeared before this session to be examined in order to be welcomed as a minister in Covenant East Classis. Rev. Wes Brice conducted the examination of Rev. Fluck, and then allowed for questions from the floor. Having sufficiently answered all questions, the exam was arrested and sustained, and Reverend Jay Fluck was welcomed and received by all of the brothers of classis.

This year the Classis held a pre-Classis fellowship and discussion on the Monday evening prior to the first official day of business. The delegates were treated to a very thought-provoking discussion on preventing child sexual abuse within our churches delivered by Attorney Matthew T. Nelson from Grand Rapids, Michigan. The lecture was followed by a time of questions and answers and was enjoyed by all of those in attendance. Overall, this was a very enjoyable meeting. The time spent working with the brethren was wonderful, the time spent worshiping Almighty God together, and listening to the preaching of the Word, delivered Tuesday evening by Rev. Ryan Kron, was both encouraging and edifying. And, of course, all the time spent in sweet fellowship was notably enjoyed by all.

The hospitality of the host congregation, Northland Reformed Church, was second to none as all of the delegates were constantly aware of their continuous labor of love towards all of us in attendance. But I would be doing all of you a horrible injustice if I didn't part with you with this one small piece of advice. If you are ever traveling in or through the Kansas City area, look up Elder Mark Fisher and beg him to have his son place some of his savory Kansas City barbecue before you. I promise you will not be disappointed The 26th annual meeting of the Covenant East Classis will remain memorable for many years to come as a time when the brothers indeed did dwell together in unity; and the food placed at the table before this delegate will remain in that special category of an event in my life.

Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Steven Altman

Changing of the Guard

The 265th Synod of the Reformed Church in the United States convened at Grace Reformed Church in Mitchell, SD, on Monday evening, May 16, 2011. The saints of Grace Reformed provided a delicious supper for the arriving delegates, and Synod began with a worship service conducted by Rev. Howard Hart, with Rev. David Fagrey preaching a sermon on Romans 5:3-5, entitled, "How to Suffer as Christians." Following the service, the opening roll call showed 44 ministers and 28 elders present as delegates.

Transition in Leadership

A major changing of the guard took place after Synod was called to order on Tuesday morning, as outgoing President Vernon Pollema and Stated Clerk Paul Treick requested that they not be renominated for office. Rev. Pollema served on the Executive Committee between 1979-2011 and was President of 28 Synods, while Rev. Treick served as Stated Clerk since 2002. Each insisted it was time to step aside and let others take up the mantle of leadership. The Synod extended its warm gratitude to Revs. Pollema and Treick for their many years of faithful service. The Synod proceeded to elect Rev. Jim Sawtelle as President, Rev. David Fagrey as Stated Clerk, Rev. Frank Walker as Vice President, and Elder Ted Griess as Treasurer. Rev. Treick was later reelected as Editor of the Reformed Herald. May the Lord greatly bless all of these men in their service to Christ and His church.

This year's Synod welcomed two new ministers: Rev. Jimmy Hall, pastor of First Reformed Church in Herreid, SD; and Rev. Ryan Kron, the mission work pastor of Redeemer Reformed Church in Golden Valley, MN. Rev. Kron is working with the Redeemer consistory to plant a new church in the south metropolitan area of Minneapolis. May our gracious Lord abundantly bless the labors of these men.

Fraternal Delegates and Visitors

The 265th Synod was blessed by a number of fraternal delegates, visitors, and spokesmen from Reformed churches and institutions. Rev. Tom Tyson of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC), Rev. Ralph Pontier of the United Reformed Churches in North America (URCNA), and Rev. Joe Poppe of the Canadian and American Reformed Churches (CanRC) were welcomed as fraternal delegates, and each brought warm greetings on the floor of Synod.

Among the other visitors in attendance were Dr. Joseph Pipa, President of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, who brought greetings and provided an update on the seminary; Mr. Virgil Tinklenberg, President of International Theological Education Ministries (ITEM), a parachurch organization whose purpose is to teach and train church leaders in Eastern Europe; Elder Don Buysse from Sovereign Grace Church in Gettysburg, PA, which is looking to join the RCUS under the leadership of Rev. Jay Fluck; Mr. Ray Schnabel, Executive Director and Registrar of Heidelberg Seminary in Sioux Falls, SD; and Mr. Stacy Kooistra, a member of Trinity Reformed Church, Sioux Falls, SD, who addressed the body on legal guidelines for church discipline.

Ministry of the Word

Each morning at 10:00 AM, the delegates were encouraged to turn their hearts to the Word of God as a minister led them in devotions. On Tuesday, Rev. Jon Blair spoke on Psalm 126, challenging the men to set their hearts on the future joy of Zion. On Wednesday, Rev. Steve Altman exhorted the body from John 10:1-10, calling on the assembly to trust completely in the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Finally on Thursday, Rev. Jim West spoke on Hebrews 13:5-6, regarding God's emphatic presence which steels His people for spiritual battle.

The delegates met again with the congregation for worship on Wednesday evening, with Rev. Robert Grossman conducting and Rev. James Grossman preaching a sermon titled Following Christ's Pattern of Humility (Phil. 2:1-11). In a way, this worship service represented another changing of the guard, as Rev. R. Grossmann, who has served faithfully in the RCUS for nearly five decades, and whose father, Rev. Walter Grossman, was one of the original officers of the Eureka Classis, had the pleasure of introducing to the assembly his son James, a third generation ordained servant in the Reformed Church. It was a moving scene, and a testimony to the faithfulness of our God, "who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments" (Deut. 7:9).

Unity of the Spirit

Overall, the 265th Synod was a peaceful affair. It had its share of debates, of course, many of them turning vigorous at times. Yet thanks to God's blessings and the able leadership of new President James Sawtelle, the business of Synod was conducted decently and in good order, and no major controversies disturbed the peace of the body.

The most lively floor debate took place on Wednesday, when Synod considered changing the wording of Article 9 of the Belgic Confession. A special committee had been appointed by a previous synod to study whether the translation, "the Holy Spirit appeared in the shape of a dove" should be revised. That committee presented its report to this year's synod, recommending that the wording be changed to "the Holy Spirit appeared descending like a dove." A lengthy debate of this proposal ensued on the floor of Synod, and both positions were ably argued. Ultimately the body voted down the proposed change, 38-32, with one abstention.

Call to Missions

The RCUS is actively involved in planting churches, in fulfillment of our Lord's Great Commission. While each classis financially supports the mission churches in its own region, some of the churches receive additional assistance from Synod. This year's Synod voted to approve funding for the following mission churches: Grace Reformed Chapel, Northwest AR; Rehoboth Reformed Chapel, La Habra, CA; and Covenant RCUS, Chico, CA. Continued funding was also approved for Redeemer Reformed Church of Minneapolis, MN, which is planting a second church in the Minneapolis metropolitan area. In addition, Synod approved a recommendation that the 2011 Day of Prayer offering be divided equally between the Chico and La Habra churches to assist with their rental costs. Finally, Synod voted to make funding available for a new mission work in Dickinson, ND, contingent on the approval of the synodical and classical home missions committees. Earnest prayers are sought for all these Gospel works.

The RCUS also remains active in its efforts to spread the Gospel overseas. While the church does not currently support a full-time missionary, it encourages and provides assistance to churches in the Congo, Kenya, and the Philippines. The RCUS also continues to support Reformed Faith and Life, a French-speaking radio ministry, and the Middle East Reformed Fellowship (MERF), which works to encourage and strengthen churches throughout the Middle East, North and East Africa, and other Muslim lands.

Here are some highlights regarding the foreign missions churches the RCUS is assisting:

4  1. The United Reformed Church of the Congo (URCC) continues to grow and prosper. Currently there are 198 URCC churches and 23 mission works, with a total membership of 14,426 saints. The financial, prayer, and moral support of the RCUS has greatly encouraged these churches to continue in the Reformed faith. On a more sobering note, the 265th Synod voted to discontinue its relations with the Evangelical Reformed Confessing Church of the Congo (ERCC) due to a loss of confidence in its leadership.

4  2. Regarding Kenya, the 2011 Synod voted to approve initial steps toward the establishment of fraternal relations with the the Reformed Fellowship Church of Kenya (RFCK).

4  3. Synod also took initial steps toward the establishment of fraternal relations with the United Covenant Reformed Church in the Philippines (UCRCP).

4  4. A full-time missionary is needed in Uganda, and the pastors of the RCUS were asked to prayerfully consider teaching a three-week class at Knox Theological College in Mbale.

God's Faithfulness

Ted Griess delivered the Treasurer's report, which showed that the RCUS is doing well financially. Thanks be to God for providing faithfully for His people even in difficult times. The contributions of God's people allow the church to continue supporting home and foreign mission works as well as a number of retired ministers and widows.

The following is the giving guideline per communicant member that Synod determined for the new year: Synodical Dues: $13.00; Home Missions: $19.00; Foreign Ministries: $24.00; Ministerial Relief: $80.00; Diaconal Ministries: $2.00; General Publishing: $2.00; Student Aid: $2.00; General Benevolences: $16.00; Hope Haven: $2.00; Greenville Seminary: $2.00; Heidelberg Seminary: $2.00; Mid-America Seminary: $2.00; New Geneva Seminary: $2.00; Ministerial Aid (capital fund): $15.00; MERF: $2.00; for a total of $185 per communicant member; and Reformed Herald: $18.00 (per family).

Other Items

Reporting on the work of Synod is a challenge, since a number of details are inevitably left out. Notwithstanding this concern, below are some additional items of interest that came out of this year's meetings:

4  1. The RCUS is increasingly concerned with perceived developments in the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands Liberated (aka GKNv) concerning homosexuality, divorce and remarriage, hermeneutics, and other matters. Synod instructed the Standing Ecumenical Committee to write a letter to BBK of GKNv on behalf of Synod, stating the parameters under which the RCUS will continue or discontinue sister church relations.

4  2. The RCUS is continuing a dialogue with Dordt College, with the aim of resolving the issues that caused the 264th Synod of the RCUS to remove Dordt College from the Synodical Guidelines for giving.

4  3. The standing Benevolence Committee was commissioned to research whether synod should pursue an RCUS group health insurance policy.

4  4. The special committee commissioned to write a paper, "Promoting a Biblical Sexual Morality," was given another year to complete its task.

Conclusion

It was a privilege for the author of this report to attend the 265th Synod of the RCUS. Throughout the four days of meetings, the times of fellowship with the delegates were particularly sweet and refreshing. Many delegate wives were able to attend, and they enjoyed visiting with old friends and making new ones, as well as fellowshipping together at a special tea hosted by Deborah Syms. Last but not least, the brothers and sisters of Grace Reformed Church did a great job showing hospitality to the delegates.

May our blessed Lord Jesus Christ be pleased to use the labors of the 265th Synod to glorify His name and expand His kingdom.

Rev. Joe Vusich
Emmanuel RCUS, Sutton, NE

President's Report on the State of the Church

265th RCUS Synod

Rev. Vernon Pollema

Esteemed Brethren:

Excerpts from the reports of the Presidents of the Executive Committees of the Classes (cf. The Constitution of the RCUS, Art. 111), moving from the West to the East, provide us with a panoramic view of the state (temporal and spiritual condition) of the Reformed Church in the United States:

Western Classis:

"After reading your reports, your President notes some severe congregational afflictions, especially for pastors. These afflictions are both spiritual and physical. Thus the morale of some of our men is at ebb tide. Also, some of our churches continue to bleed red ink. Yet, in other churches there are, perhaps, moderate improvements in their financial situations. This is in marked contrast to last year, when it seemed that most of us were hemorrhaging."

"The greatest need of the Western Classis concerns filling the two ministerial positions at Lancaster and Rehoboth Chapel. As you know, in the past it has been difficult to lure men outside of the Golden State to relocate here. Thus, virtually all of our empty pulpits over the past few years have been occupied by Californians." [Note: Since this report was given, both positions have been filled, again with present or former Californians.]

"The second issue is an important footnote to the Special Meeting of Classis concerning ministerial deposition. Although the procedure and result of the meeting was God-glorifying and all the issues were resolved in a Christ-centered way, it was clear that there was some confusion as to how much authority a Spiritual Council has over a minister of Classis. The problem was complicated by the fact that a few years ago Synod voted that all ministers become ministers of their local congregations. Yet the Constitution reads as if the Classis alone has authority over its ministers. Certainly, a Spiritual Council cannot depose a minister (Article 120), but this raises the question as to whether the selfsame Council has the authority to debar a minister from the Lord's Supper. I remind you that when a minister becomes a member of a church, be becomes subject to the fourth membership vow, promising that if he ‘should be found delinquent in doctrine or in life to heed its discipline,' that is, the discipline of the Spiritual Council of the congregation. . . ."

"One thing is certain: the administration of discipline had a healthy effect upon us ministers and elders. I think that the result of the Special Classis Meeting resulted in an increased ‘fear of God' (cf. Acts 5:5, 11). Our action should cause us to hate sin with a holy passion. How can we save others, if we ourselves are in sin? God surely will not bless our congregations if we are physicians who need to heal ourselves. With regard to heart-purity, let us hear the Apostle Paul: ‘Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery¼' (Rom. 2:22)? Your President is reminded of a letter sent by Robert Murray McCheyne in 1840 to the Rev. Dan Edwards who was ordained to be a missionary to the Jews: ‘I trust you will have a pleasant and profitable time in Germany. I know you will apply hard to German; but do not forget the culture of the inner man,-I mean of the heart. How diligently the cavalry officer keeps his sabre clean and sharp; every stain he rubs off with the greatest care. Remember you are God's sword-His instrument-I trust a chosen vessel unto Him and bear His name. In great measure, according to the purity and perfections of the instrument, will be the success. It is not great talents God blesses so much as great likeness to Jesus. A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God.' Let us diligently attend to the culture of our hearts!"

South Central Classis:

"As I write this report, the world around us seems to be in a state of turmoil. Major earthquakes, wars, unrest across the Arab world and economic difficulties are all around us. But it is from times such as these that we gain great comfort from the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and assurance in God's providence." [As President Morris takes what he calls a "tour of the congregations," this year, from the east to the west, some of the "stops" were:]

"At Trinity Reformed Church in Sioux Falls, SD, things are going well. We have visitors on a regular basis and our auditorium is usually pretty full. We built on to our building and added classrooms, offices, and a library which is being used by Heidelberg Theological Seminary. HTS began having classes at our facility last fall and that seems to have been a good move for the seminary."

"The Greeley, CO and Vermillion, SD congregations are now self-supporting and no longer receiving mission support. The Limon, CO congregation is receiving mission funding from Classis, but has already requested a reduction in support."

"Last October, the missions committee flew to Sherman, TX where the Rev. Neale Riffert has been working with a group of believers. The work appears to be doing well and the missions committee has requested mission support of $1500 per month for that work."

"The Rapid City congregation has indicated a desire to start a work in Scotts Bluff, NE. There is a Bible study going on there and the congregation in Rapid City is seeking to discern the Lord's will about what to do next. . . . In the past, our Classis has had a Regional Home Missionary who could oversee some mission works. It worked well in the past and perhaps it is time to reconsider that program."

"All in all, it was a relatively quiet year in the South Central Classis. We are seeing signs of growth in many of the congregations. Let us pray that the Lord would continue to help us grow and to give us wisdom that we might bring the gospel and plant churches in our Classis."

Northern Plains Classis:

"We begin by considering the state of our membership. Looking at the statistics, our communicant membership has dropped again this year from 479 to 460, a loss of about 4 percent. In 2009 there were four students confirmed, but in 2010 there was not a single person confirmed. . . . We have 264 families and 523 baptized members. That means the average family had 1.8 members. Therefore, we must have a large number of single members in our churches-both very young and very senior."

"I believe the numbers show that we have an aging membership with fewer families with two parents and children. If this is true, there is only one alternative for our Classis, and that is evangelization. . . . Unless we have an infusion of new members, our membership will continue to decline."

"The Watertown, SD congregation receives financial assistance from Classis. For 2011 they are requesting a reduction of $1600 over 2010. This is a positive sign that the congregation is supporting seriously this work. This is real encouragement."

"Potentially, the most significant matter to be considered will be our attempt to establish a mission work in Dickinson, ND. The classical Home Missions Committee has recommended that we employ a home missionary in that town. Their report details the attendance at the Bible studies held there, and which would become the core group for a mission work. The questions Classis needs to ponder include the following: Is the core group described in the Missions report sufficient to justify hiring a missionary? Can the Classis sustain the additional financial commitment?"

"This report has sought to detail the state of the Classis as we begin our 2011 spring meeting. We look back and see the good hand of God prospering us this past year. Let us be in prayer that the Lord will guide us unto His will as we chart our future."

Covenant East Classis:

"As I read the parochial reports . . . the words of the apostle John came to mind: "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth" (III Jn. 4). The churches of Classis are indeed walking in the truth and this is an occasion for great joy when it comes time for the annual report to Classis on the State of the Church."

"The parochial reports reveal that the churches of Classis are spiritually healthy and growing in grace. This does not mean that they are without their struggles from time to time, especially when it comes to the application of discipline to erring members, and the fallout from that, to attempting to reclaim those whose love for Christ has grown cold and who resist the entreaties of family members or their overseers. But it does mean that these disciplinary or reclaiming efforts are engaged in according to the truth of God's Word, thus reflecting on the faithfulness of our churches to the third mark of a true church (BC #29). This is a ground for great joy!"

"According to the reports . . . the Word of God is faithfully proclaimed by His called servants both in the formal worship services of the churches, the youth activities, the various gender related Bible studies, the Sunday School classes and in various mid-week Bible studies and prayer meetings, thus evidencing the first mark of a true church. What also characterizes these reports is the joy our ministers have in ministering the Word . . . even in the midst of personal struggles with health or the death of a family member or the personal injuries of family members that can so distract a minister."

"The reports reveal an earnest, prayerful desire to beseech the LORD for the needs of the church, but also that He will add to the church such as are being saved. We have not drifted into thinking that we can build the church apart from the grace of God. The dependence of our churches upon the Lord's blessings for their provision and growth and not upon the novel pop techniques again illustrates the desire to walk in the truth for without Him we can do nothing."

"Increasingly over the years the CEC has developed a healthy home missions' consciousness. This does not appear to be abating any time soon. At present we have home mission works in Bentonville, AR, in Waymart, PA and at present, a beginning work in the Minneapolis, MN area. In addition, the Executive Committee has been in contact with a family in SC and a representative of a small group in Richmond, KY who have shown interest in the RCUS. . . . The Executive Committee . . . has also been working with Sovereign Grace Church in Gettysburg, PA, who four years ago began to show interest in the RCUS. . . . The recent call of Rev. J. Fluck to be their pastor and thus to labor outside the bounds of Classis, has taken the possible union of Sovereign Grace Church to the RCUS to a higher level."

Some additional comments on the State of the Church

A comparison of membership and financial statistics shows the following: Communicant Members this Year and Total Receipts compared to last year indicate a decrease of -1% and -4% respectively. Giving to Synod Guidelines and Giving to Classis Guidelines this year compared to last year indicate a difference of -13% and +10% respectively. Giving to Synod per Communicant Member and the Giving to Classis per Communicant Member last year as compared to this year indicates a difference of -1% and +14% respectively. Although overall giving decreased slightly, the increase in giving to the Classes and the decrease of giving to the Synod is a move in the right direction. One other statistic of note is the 22% increase in the number of confirmations. However, that is more than offset by the decrease in the number of members received by Letter of Transfer and Profession of Faith, -23% and -5% respectively.

The immediately preceding figures point to the need for missions and church growth. In that respect, references to new works in the Presidents' Reports above and the Permanent Home Missions Committee Report are encouraging. Let us redouble our commitment to support these works and those already in existence in prayer as well as with our tithes and offerings.

This Synod will see a number of changes this year with regard to how it conducts its business and we will see how those changes work for us. For some, these changes were long overdue. For others (perhaps mostly the older generation), change is questionable, if not difficult. As a member of that older generation, permit me to offer a word of caution or a brotherly admonition. Change should come carefully and in some cases, not at all. We must give due honor and respect to the traditions of our fathers, especially as they have come down to us through the Constitution, the Directory of Worship, and the Rules of Order. To the one who will assume the office of President, I give this reminder: "He shall preserve order, guard against any violation of the Constitution of the Church and the Rules of Order, and endeavor to conduct all business to a speedy and proper conclusion" (The Rules of Order-Duties of the President, #9. Speaking of violations, how about Standing Rule #13!)

Other matters of concern coming before Synod which touch upon the state of the church:

The Executive Committee Report includes the letter we were assigned to write to the Dordt Board of Trustees about a number of concerns brought to the attention of last year's Synod by the permanent Christian Education Committee and its Sub-Committee to Confer with Dordt College, resulting in the suspension of Dordt College from the list of approved colleges and from Guideline support. Also included, is the requested letter of response from the Dordt Board of Trustees to this year's Synod. These items will need to be referred to the Standing Education & Student Aid Committee for review and action.

The Sunday School Curriculum Sub-Committee of the Christian Education Committee is recommending that Synod move forward with developing an integrated Sunday School curriculum based on the 2010 revised pedagogical approach.

The Foreign Missions Committee reports that what are now the United Reformed Churches of the Congo (URCC), as opposed to the Evangelical Reformed Confessing Church (ERCC), continue to grow and prosper and the Reformed Fellowship Church of Kenya (RFCK), as opposed to the Free Reformed Church of Kenya (FRCK), is now receiving our financial support. The United Covenant Reformed Church of the Philippines (UCRCP) has formed its first classis consisting of three organized congregations with the possibility of a fourth, and is seeking a formal relationship with us.

The Interchurch Relations Committee includes the report of the delegation to Synod London 2010 of the United Reformed Churches of North America where major reports concerning Justification & the Federal Vision and the pro and con of reception of believers into communicant membership without requiring the parents to present their unbaptized children for the sign and seal of the covenant, were presented. The underlying issue of the latter was that of confessional church membership. Another report is that of the delegation to the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands, Liberated (GKNv) with some answers to the worrisome developments within that sister denomination the last number of years. Because of these developments, the OPC and URCNA have refrained from entering into closer ties with this denomination.

The Ministerial Aid Fund (MAF) has now surpassed the one million dollar mark. A decision will need to be made as to what to do with the amount in excess of the one million.

The Special Committee to Study the Belgic Confession, Article 9, and specifically the wording of the phrase, "the Holy Spirit appeared in the shape of a dove," has presented a very thorough report with the resultant wise and excellent recommendation to simply replace the phrase at issue with the Biblical text itself. The only question: Why the text of Luke 3:22 as opposed to that of the other Gospels?

What is the state of the Church? of the RCUS? Contrary to Mr. Harold Camping, the Church is alive and well and continues to exist both as an organism and an organization. Christ has ascended into heaven to "there appear as the Head of His Church, by whom the Father governs all things" (HC50). His Bride, the Church, continues to eagerly await His coming, when He "shall take me with all His chosen ones to Himself into heavenly joy and glory" (HC52). Again, contrary to Mr. Camping, I don't know when this will happen. However, this I know. Until then, Christ will continue to care for and build His Church. Her marks, i.e., the pure preaching of the Word, the proper administration of the sacraments, and the faithful exercise of discipline will continue "and the gates of hell shall not prevail against her" (Matt. 16:18).

Finally, allow me a point of personal privilege. I am most grateful for the privilege and honor of serving you in this office and for the respect and confidence placed in me over the years. The love and communion of this brotherhood is precious and a foretaste of that which will endure throughout eternity.

I conclude with a quote from my first President's State of the Church Report in 1980 after having received the gavel from the late and beloved Norman Hoeflinger in 1979. I believe it is as applicable now as then: "How distinctively Reformed should we be? Like the Reformers of all ages, we must go back to the Scriptures as our only rule and authority. May we never be divided in our evaluation of the Bible and as a confessional church, may our confession(s) never become a dead letter to us. May our preaching and teaching be based on the whole of the Bible and may our distinctiveness never go beyond the confines of Scripture. So may our distinctiveness be a worthwhile distinctiveness, ever realizing that although no human interpretation of Christianity can lay claim to perfection, consistent Reformed and Calvinistic theology is Christianity in its purest and most nearly perfect expression. Let us always test the spirits, steadfastly refusing to detract even a little from our Reformed heritage, "earnestly contending for the faith once delivered to all the saints" (Jude 3), confident that where that faith is preached and taught, the Lord will build a strong and healthy church."

Respectfully submitted,
Vernon Pollema