The Delegates of Classis Michigan met at the Covenant United Reformed Church in Kalamazoo on June 6, 2006. Chairman for the day was Rev. Art Besteman, with Rev. Brian Vos serving as Vice-Chairman and Rev. Wybren Oord serving as Clerk.

After the chairman led the delegates in singing and prayer, the business of the day began with several reports. The Clerk’s Report and the Treasurer’s Report were approved. The Health Insurance Report was received for information. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen presented the Missions Committee Report in which he gave a summary of the biannual Mission Rallies and distributed information regarding the Missions Support of the local churches.

During the lunch break, Rev. Steve Arrick gave a presentation of the Covenant United Reformed Church near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Delegates rejoiced with Rev. Arrick in the increased interest that the Reformed faith has gained in the east.

As is policy in the classis, three churches reported on activities taking place in their midst. The pastors of Trinity of Caledonia, Dutton, and Cornerstone of Hudsonville gave positive reports about the Lord’s work within His Church as represented in the respective locations. Following these very positive reports, the classis was saddened to receive a request from the Elders of the Eastmanville URC seeking to depose their pastor on the grounds of breaking both the seventh and the ninth commandments. After hearing from the Elders and the Church Visitors, Rev. B. Vos offered prayer that the Lord would grant wisdom to the delegates concerning the solemn decision that lay before them. The delegates then voted by ballot in which a unanimous decision was granted to depose Rev. Steve De Boer from office on the grounds that he had sinned against the seventh and ninth commandments. Prayer was offered for the Eastmanville Elders, the Congregation, and Mr. and Mrs. De Boer and their family.

A special motion was approved to thank Church Visitors, Rev. Casey Freswick, Rev. Ed Marcusse, and Rev. Wybren Oord for their work in assisting the Elders of Eastmanville in the above matter.

In closing matters, the next meeting of classis will be October 10, 2006 at the Walker URC; the host church was thanked; and Rev. B. Vos closed in prayer.

Respectfully submitted, Rev. Wybren H. Oord Clerk of Classis Michigan