Classis Southwest U.S. of the United Reformed Churches in North America held its 10th regular session on March 17–18, 2003, at the Escondido United Reformed Church in Escondido, California. The weather was as pleasant as the work to be done.
The main business of classis was the candidacy examination of Mr. Mark Stromberg, and the colloquium doctum of Rev. Gary Findley. Both men were examined in the areas prescribed by the Church Order and both sustained their examinations. Mr. Stromberg has been serving as stated supply and will be called by the newly formed Belgrade United Reformed Church of Belgrade, Montana. Rev. Findley, comes to us from the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, and will be called by the Covenant United Reformed Church of Fresno, California, to continue his work as a prison chaplain with the possibility of doing church planting in the future. We thank God for both these men.
On Monday evening, classis took time to hear reports of what God is doing among the churches. Several of the delegates reported with praise that God continues to bless and also challenge His church. We spent time together in prayer for the work of the ministry.
We had the privilege of receiving greetings from several guests and ecumenical observers. Rev. Ben Wickner of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church brought greetings from that denomination as well as information on the newly forming Providence Christian College. Dr. R. Scott Clark shared with the delegates about the work going on at Westminster Seminary in California.
Rev. Jay Fluck from the Western Classis of the Reformed Church in the United States brought greetings and words of encouragement. We were also informed about the work of International Theological Education Ministries by Mr. Barry Klaassen.
This fall, the delegates will conduct business in the northern-most church in our classis – the Grace United Reformed Church of Kennewick, Washington. That meeting is scheduled for September 16–17, 2003.
Respectfully submitted, Rev. Bradd L. Nymeyer, clerk Classis Southwest U.S.