Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 08:36:27 -0500 From: Darrell Todd Maurina Reply-To: Darrell128@aol.com Organization: Christian Renewal/United Reformed News Service Subject: NR 99004: URC Classis Central US May Hold Special Session to Admit New Wisconsin Church NR #1999-004: Classis Central United States Cancels Meeting, May Hold Special Session to Admit New Wisconsin Church Classis Central United States of the United Reformed Churches didn't have any business for its scheduled March 9 meeting, but it may call a special meeting to admit a new church in Wisconsin. The expected cancellation of the March meeting produced one problem, however: a small group in Waupun, Wisconsin has left the Christian Reformed Church, begun worship services under the supervision of Oak Glen URC in Lansing, Illinois, and wants to join the denomination as an organized congregation. Under the URC church order, classes vote on admitting churches, but their decisions must be confirmed by synod - meaning the Waupun church would have to wait at least a year and possibly three years before being able to join the denomination. NR #1999-004: For Immediate Release: Classis Central United States Cancels Meeting, May Hold Special Session to Admit New Wisconsin Church by Darrell Todd Maurina, Press Officer United Reformed News Service (January 19, 1999) URNS - Classis Central United States of the United Reformed Churches didn't have any business for its scheduled March 9 meeting, but it may call a special meeting to admit a new church in Wisconsin. "There were no overtures and no [candidacy or ordination] exams," said classical stated clerk Rev. Ralph Pontier. "The only thing I know of is two churches wanted to request advice on a discipline matter, but neither of them indicated it was urgent. We also have to appoint church visitors." The expected cancellation of the March meeting produced one problem, however: a small group in Waupun, Wisconsin has left the Christian Reformed Church, begun worship services under the supervision of Oak Glen URC in Lansing, Illinois, and wants to join the denomination as an organized congregation. Under the URC church order, classes vote on admitting churches, but their decisions must be confirmed by synod - meaning the Waupun church would have to wait at least a year and possibly three years before being able to join the denomination. "We want to do that before synod so synod can act on it, otherwise we need to wait for the next synod to be ratified," said Pontier. "They've been soliciting salary support from at least ten different churches and just recently they got sufficient funds to extend a call, hopefully they will have a search committee going on." Pontier said the classis might also schedule examinations for ministerial candidates or for ordination, but that wasn't yet certain. "If all we have to do is to act on the Waupun matter we may hold a meeting during a break at synod, but that is only my idea and it needs to be discussed with the convening church first," said Pontier. Cross-References to Related Articles: [No related articles on file] Contact List: Rev. Paul Ipema, Pastor, Oak Glen Covenant Community Reformed Church 2224 Indiana Ave., Lansing, IL 60438-2107 H/O: (708) 474-0172 * OakGlenURC@compuserve.com Rev. Ralph Pontier, Stated Clerk, Classis Central United States (URC) 4608 Jackson Ave., Orange City, IA 51041-7446 H/O: (712) 737-4901 * FAX: (712) 737-3350 * E-Mail: rpontier@rconnect.com ---------------------------------------------------------- file: /pub/resources/text/reformed/archive99: nr99-004.txt .