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