Brothers,

In accordance with Church Order Article 3 and Appendix 2, the Consistory of Covenant Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa has extended Mr. Daniel Hofland's licensure to exhort. Dan is in his final year of seminary studies at Mid-America Reformed Seminary. 

The Consistory of Covenant Reformed Church- Pella, Iowa 

Dear Brothers in Christ,

The Consistory of Escondido United Reformed Church has extended the license to exhort of Mr. John Kirby for another year. Mr. Kirby is nearing the completion of his studies at Westminster Seminary California. We heartily recommend him to the churches.

The Consistory
Escondido United Reformed Church

Brothers in Christ,

In accordance with Church Order Article 3 and Appendix 2, the Consistory of Escondido United Reformed Church in Escondido, CA hereby announces our intention to conduct a licensure exam of Mr. Mourad Chorbajian. Mr. Chorbajian is a member of Escondido United Reformed Church. Mr. Chorbajian is a student at Westminster Seminary California.

Lord willing, the exam will be conducted at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at our church facility.

We invite other consistories to observe or comment.

On behalf of the consistory,

The Council of Bethel United Reformed Church Brockville, ON, with thankfulness to the Lord, wishes to inform the churches of the Federation of the call extended to candidate Michael Wall of the Faith Reformed Church in Telkwa, B.C. to be our minister of Word and sacraments. Please keep candidate Wall and his wife Heather in prayer as he considers the call extended to him. We pray that the Lord would make it clear where He would have candidate Wall serve at this time.

Dear Brothers in Christ,

The Consistory of Zion United Reformed Church (Sheffield, ON, CA) has extended the license to exhort of Mr. Alexander Proudfoot for another year. Mr.Proudfoot is nearing the completion of his studies at Mid-America Reformed Seminary. We heartily recommend him to the churches.

Every blessing,
John Slotegraaf
Clerk of Consistory

Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield

The Surrey Covenant Reformed Church wishes to inform the churches in the URCNA that the congregation has called candidate Michael Wall. We ask the churches to pray for our brother and his family. 

The consistory of the Burlington URC wishes to announce the renewal of the license to exhort for Mr. Jeremy Vander Lei, a student at Mid-America Reformed Seminary.

With thankfulness to our God, the Council of Immanuel United Reformed Church, DeMotte, IN informs the churches of the federation that Rev. Joel Wories has accepted our call to serve as our next Minister of the Word and Sacrament. We praise our Lord for His answer to our prayer to provide us an undershepherd.  We ask that you would be in prayer for the Wories family during their time of transition and for the Wellsburg Iowa congregation as they seek God's will during their upcoming vacancy.

Mark Van Der Molen, President of Council

The Consistory of Living Water Reformed Church, Brantford, ON wishes to remind that churches that Brother Bruce DeVisser has been declared a Candidate for Ministry in the URCNA churches. He is heartily recommended to the churches and he can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 519.222.2930

On Sunday, September 29, 2024, Providence Reformed Church of Meridian, Idaho was organized under the supervision of Christ Reformed Church of Nampa, Idaho. This was done with the concurring advice of the September 10-11 meeting of Classis Pacific Northwest, in accordance with Church Order Article 22.

With thankfulness to God, the consistory of Faith Reformed Church of Telkwa BC announces that Michael Wall, a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, has sustained his Candidacy Exam conducted at the meeting of Classis Western Canada held on March 4, 2025. The consistory declares Michael a candidate eligible for call to the office of Minister of the Word and Sacraments, and heartily recommends him to the churches of the URCNA.

The Consistory of 1st URC Oak Lawn wishes to announce the renewal of the license to exhort for Mr. Anthony Sato, a student at Mid-America Reformed Seminary. 

On Sunday March 2, the work of Rev. Richard Stienstra, minister emeritus at Grace URC in Dunnville, was completed on this earth, being promoted into glory by his heavenly Father at the age of 92. 

Reverend Stienstra was called to the ministry several years after immigrating to Canada with his family, serving for within in the Christian Reformed Church.  In 1992, while serving in Dunnville, he was actively involved in the early formation of the URCNA, both within his own congregation and in the broader assemblies.  He remained in Dunnville with his wife Trudy during their retirement, but was active on a weekly basis filling vacant pulpits, both within the URCNA and the CanRC.  He also continued to serve on several committees within classis and synod; the most dear to him being CERCU; investing considerable time and energy into the early efforts toward unity with the Canadian Reformed Churches.  In his later retirement years he spent much of his time translating books from Dutch into English.  Through his efforts, books and articles written by authors such as A. Kuyper, K. Schilder, S.G De Graaf, A. Janse, H. Veldkamp and others were given new life in the North American context and also overseas.  He continued translating until the day of his passing.  

Ever grateful for good health and strength in his later years, he also developed an increasing longing to be with the LORD, remarking often how good it was to be a child of God, and how wonderful it will be to dwell with Him.  That desire is now a reality.  

He is survived by his wife Trudy, his six children, and many grandchildren. 

The Funeral visitation will be at the Grace Reformed Church in Dunnville, ON on Monday, March 10 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 11 at 2:30 p.m. in the Grace Reformed Church, with Rev William den Hollander officiating. Livestream will be made available.

Psalm 92:12-15: The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.  They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”

The Council of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, IA, would like to inform the federation that the call extended to Rev. Nick Alons has been declined. We wish Rev. Alons the Lord’s blessing as he continues his ministry at Lynwood URC. May the LORD continue to guide our church in our search and provide a pastor in His good time.

The Council of Covenant Reformed Church, Kansas City, has, at his request, transferred the ministerial credential of Rev. Stephen Lauer, emeritus, to the Presbytery of Southern California of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, where he was received at their February 7-8, 2025 meeting.

It is with gratitude to God that the Council of Covenant Reformed Church in Kansas City, Missouri would like to announce the installation service of Rev. Matthew Nuiver to be held, Lord willing, at Covenant Reformed Church at 5 pm on Sunday, March 9th, 2025.

The consistory of Phoenix United Reformed Church is pleased to announce that Gavin Poe was ordained and installed as planting pastor of Inheritance United Reformed Church on Friday, January 24, 2025. Please pray for Rev. Poe and the core group as they move forward in the coming months! 

The Council of Immanuel United Reformed Church of DeMotte, IN, with the approval of our congregation wishes to inform the churches of the Federation of the call extended to Reverend Joel Wories of Wellsburg United Reformed Church in Wellsburg, IA, to be our next pastor. Please keep Rev. Wories and his wife Kayla in prayer as he considers the call extended to him. We pray that the Lord would make it clear where He would have Rev. Wories serve at this time.

Mark Van Der Molen, President of Council

The Council of Doon United Reformed Church of Doon, IA, with thankfulness to the Lord, wishes to inform the churches of the Federation of the call extended to Reverend Nick Alons of Lynwood United Reformed Church in Lynwood, IL, to be our pastor. Please keep Rev. Alons and his wife Allison in prayer as he considers the call extended to him. We pray that the Lord would make it clear where He would have Rev. Alons serve at this time.

With joy in the LORD, the consistory of The West Sayville Reformed Bible Church (West Sayville, New York), announces our intention to examine Mr. Jared Rodriguez for licensure to exhort in accordance with the Guidelines of Appendix 02 of the Church Order on the evening of April 03, 2025 from 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. (31 Rollstone Avenue, West Sayville, NY 11796). Any consistory is invited to send observers or offer objections. May the Lord send more workers to gather His harvest!

The Council of Bethel United Reformed Church in Calgary, Alberta would like to inform the federation that the call extended to Rev. Todd De Rooy has been declined.  We wish Rev. De Rooy the Lord’s blessing as he continues his ministry in Redeemer United Reformed Church in Orange City, IA. May the LORD continue to guide Bethel in their search and provide a pastor in His good time.

With joy and thanksgiving to God, the consistory of Redeemer Reformation Church of Regina, SK, CND, announces that Elder Daniel Mundell sustained his licensure examination in accordance with the Guidelines in Appendix 2 of Church Order on February 2nd, 2025. He has been granted a license to exhort for one year. He will continue to serve his current congregation as an elder and licensed exhorter and we also heartily commend him to the churches of our federation as well.

Rev. Bryce De Zwarte of the Adoration URC in Vineland, ON has declined the call that was extended to him from the Rehoboth URC in Hamilton, ON. May the LORD continue to guide Rehoboth in their search for a pastor and so provide a pastor for them in his good timing. 

Immanuel Covenant Reformed Church of Abbotsford is pleased to recommend Rev. Charles Van Hoffen, a passionate and dedicated ordained minister who is currently serving in vacant pulpits while eagerly awaiting God's next calling. If your church is in search of a pastor with deep faith and a heart for ministry, we highly encourage you to connect with Rev. Van Hoffen.

Interested churches are invited to reach out directly at:  

 [email protected]

(250) 845-4425

The Council of Bethel United Reformed Church of Calgary, AB, with thankfulness to the Lord, wishes to inform the churches of the Federation of the call extended to Reverend Todd De Rooy of Redeemer United Reformed Church in Orange City, IA to be CoPastor and Minister of Preaching and Teaching. Please keep Rev De Rooy and his wife Chantelle in prayer as he considers the call extended to him.  We pray that the Lord would make it clear where He would have Rev De Rooy serve at this time. 

With joy and thankfulness to our Heavenly Father, the Council of the United Reformed Church of Prince Edward Island would like to inform the churches that Rev. Maurice Luimes, having emeritated from Immanuel Reformed Church in Bolton, ON will serve as pastor to our church for the next three to five years. An inauguration service, officiated by Rev. Martin Overgaauw, is scheduled for 7:00 pm on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

28 January 2025

With thanks to our faithful Father, the Consistory of Grace United Reformed Church of Alto, MI, wishes to announce that Mr. Joseph Sato has been granted a license to exhort, having sustained an examination by the Consistory, in accordance with Church Order Appendix 2. 

Joe is an M.Div. student at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids. We pray that the Lord would continue to bless our brother in his studies, and we heartily commend him to the churches. 

In Christ,
Rev. Doug Barnes
Consistory Chairman
Grace URC of Alto

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

With joy and thanksgiving to God, the Consistory of Trinity URC (Caledonia, MI) is pleased to announce that Mr. Geon Been Park and Tarciso Braz both sustained their licensure examination in accordance with the guidelines in Appendix 2 of the Church Order on January 14, 2025, and are granted a license to exhort for one year. We heartily recommend Mr. Park and Mr. Braz to the federation, and ask for your prayers as they both continue their studies at Puritan Seminary.

In Christ,

Paul Kik, Clerk

The Council of Rehoboth United Reformed Church of Hamilton, ON, with thankfulness to the Lord, wishes to inform the churches of the Federation of the call extended to Reverend Bryce De Zwarte of Adoration United Reformed Church in Vineland, ON to be our Minister of Preaching and Teaching. Please keep Rev De Zwarte and his wife Sara in prayer as he considers the call extended to him.  We pray that the Lord would make it clear where He would have Rev De Zwarte serve at this time. 

January 9, 2025

To: The Consistories of the URCNA

Dear Churches of the United Reformed Federation,

With thanks to the Lord, the Consistory of Eastmanville United Reformed Church certifies to our sister churches in the federation that Mr. Ricardo Sousa has met the requirements for licensure to exhort, including sustaining an examination by the consistory, in accordance with Church Order Appendix 2.

Mr. Ricardo Sousa is currently a ThM student at the Puritan Reformed Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We trust that the Lord will continue to build him up in knowledge, wisdom and experience. We commend Mr. Ricardo Sousa to you in the service of the Lord and His church.

With thankfulness to our God, the Council of Phoenix United Reformed Church would like to inform the churches of the federation that Mr. Gavin Poe has accepted our call to serve as our church plant pastor for Inheritance United Reformed Church. We praise our Lord for His answers to our many prayers over the last few years, and we ask that you would be in prayer for the Poe family during their time of transition. 

The Council of Grace United Reformed Church of Simcoe County would like to inform the churches that, at his request and after receiving concurring advice at the September meeting of Classis Ontario East, Pastor Martin Overgaauw has been granted emeritus status effective December 31, 2024.  We are thankful to God for Pastor Overgaauws' 11 years of faithful service to our congregation, as well as his 22 years of of combined ministry including both Grace URC and Salem URC in Bowmanville.  We pray for God’s blessing on Martin and Cynthia as they enter retirement.  Pastor Overgaauw is available to support the URCNA churches with pulpit supply.

Clerk of Council, Mark Bandstra

The Council of Immanuel Reformed Church of Bolton would like to inform the churches that, at his request and after receiving concurring advice at the September meeting of Classis Ontario East, Pastor Maurice Luimes has been granted emeritus status effective January 20, 2025.  We are thankful to God for Pastor Luimes' 28 years of faithful service to our congregation, as well as his 35 years of of combined ministry including both Bolton/Nobleton and Lynden, WA.  We pray for God’s blessing on Maurice and Christine as they begin this new stage in ministry with a move to PEI to support the URCNA church there.

~ Clerk of Council, Harold DeVisser

The Council of Salem United Reformed Church in Bowmanville, Ontario would like to inform the churches of our federation that Rev. Simon Lievaart of Bethel United Reformed Church in Smithers, British Columbia has declined our call to serve as minister of the Word. Please remember to keep keep Salem and the other vacant churches in Classis Ontario-East and around the federation in prayer.

The Council of Phoenix United Reformed Church in Phoenix, AZ would like to inform the churches of our federation that we have extended a call to Mr. Gavin Poe from Salem, MO to serve as church plant pastor at Inheritance United Reformed Church.  Please keep Mr. Gavin Poe and his family in prayer as he considers the call extended to him. 

Leave of Absence. The Consistory of Cornerstone United Reformed Church in Hudsonville, MI, announces that it has granted its Senior Pastor, Rev. Philip J. Vos, a six-month medical leave of absence. Counsel has been given to the Elders that recommends a period of rest from his pastoral duties to aid in the treatment that he is currently receiving for debilitating dizziness. Please pray for Pastor Vos and his family, along with the congregation of Cornerstone, as they wait upon the Lord for His provision in this matter.

Sincerely,
Rob Brinks
Clerk of Consistory
Cornerstone URC

The Council of Salem United Reformed Church in Bowmanville, Ontario would like to inform the churches of our federation that we have extended a call to Rev. Simon Lievaart of Bethel United Reformed Church in Smithers, British Columbia to serve as minister of the Word. Please keep Rev. Lievaart and his family in prayer as he considers the two calls that are now before him.

The Consistory of Grace United Reformed Church of Alto, MI, wishes to inform the churches that it intends to examine for licensure Mr. Joseph Sato on Monday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. (D.V.). Any minister or elder in the URCNA is welcome to attend; and any URCNA Consistory is welcome to render observations and/or objections.

Mr. Sato has completed a year of studies at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary and is a member at Grace URC.

For more information, please contact Rev. Doug Barnes at 269-331-7120 or via email at [email protected].

The Eastmanville URC consistory has agreed to examine Ricardo Sousa (currently a Th.M student at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, and a member of Eastmanville) for a license to exhort on January 7, 2025 at 7pm.

The examination will be held at the Eastmanville United Reformed Church. Any minister or elder in the URCNA is welcome to attend. Thank you

The Consistory of Eastmanville URC

With thankfulness to our God, we would like to inform the churches of the Federation that Rev. Matthew Nuiver has accepted our call to serve as Minister of the Word and Sacraments at Covenant Reformed URC in Kansas City, Missouri. We praise the Lord for His steadfast love and faithfulness! Please be in prayer for their family during the transition period.

On Behalf of the Council,

Pete Hondred (Elder)

With the approval of the congregation, the Council of Immanuel United Reformed Church, DeMotte, Indiana, has extended a new call to our pastor Roberto Rossi to serve as a Chaplain in the United States Navy, which call Rev. Rossi has accepted.  We pray for God's richest blessings on Rev. Rossi and his family as they prepare to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the soldiers and sailors in our armed services.  Soli Deo Gloria!

Council of Immanuel United Reformed Church, DeMotte

The Council of Covenant Reformed Church in Kansas City, MO would like to inform the churches of our federation that we have extended a call to Rev. Matthew Nuiver of Faith URC of West Olive, MI to serve as minister of the Word and Sacraments. Please keep Rev. Nuiver and his family in prayer as he considers the call extended him. 

Rev. Dr. Fredrick (Fritz) Harms received and accepted a Call from Trinity URC Walnut Creek, CA to serve as a Theological Instructor in global missions under MINTS (Miami International Theological Seminary).

Per CO appendix 2, the exhorting license of Joel Haan (Immanuel Fellowship Church, Kalamazoo) has been extended for another year effective October 7, 2024.

With thanks to the Lord, the Council of Christ Reformed Church in Sioux Falls, SD is pleased to announce that brother Joseph Hamm has accepted our call to serve as Minister of Word and Sacraments. Lord willing, the ordination service for Mr. Hamm will be held on Tuesday, October 29 at 7:00 PM with Rev. Dr. Joseph Pipa, Rev. Dr. Patrick Morgan, Rev. Benjamin Davenport, and Rev. Kirk Gibbons participating. All who are able are invited to join us for this joyous occasion.

For the Council of Christ Reformed Church,

Mark Hoogwerf, Clerk

With thankfulness to the Lord, Christ Reformed Church of Sioux Falls, SD, has extended a call to candidate Joseph Hamm to serve as Minister of the Word and Sacraments. We pray that God will bless brother Hamm as he considers this call and how God may be glorified through his service.

With thanksgiving to God, the council of Christ Reformed Church in Sioux Falls would like to inform the churches of the federation that Rev Benjamin Davenport has formally accepted the call to serve as the church planting minister at the Providence Reformed church plant. Please continue to pray for Rev. Davenport and the other members involved with the church plant. The first worship service is planned for Sunday, November 3.

The Consistory of Covenant Reformed Church of Toronto wishes to inform the federation that the license to exhort of Mr.José Ramírez has been extended for one year, effective October 7, 2024.

Lawrence Simonse, Corresponding Clerk

With great joy, the council of Covenant URC, Byron Center, MI announces that Rev. Rodney Kleyn has sustained his colloquium doctum examination at classis Michigan on Tuesday October 8th, 2024 according to the URCNA Church Order Article 8; Appendix 5/6 and declared eligible for call by the sponsoring consistory as a minister of the Word and sacraments.

The conditions set forth in our call extended to Rev Rodney Kleyn have been met and the installation service is planned for the morning of Sunday October 20, 2024, DV

Thanks be to God for giving our brother the strength he needed during his examination and also for the love and support of his family. We continue to pray that we as congregation will be a blessing to them and also them to us in the years to come!

Council of Covenant URC, Byron Center.

The Council of Christ Reformed Church in Sioux Falls, SD would like to inform the churches of our federation that, having received the advice of classis pursuant to Article 47 of the church order at the fall meeting of Classis Central US, we have extended a call to Rev. Benjamin Davenport to serve as the church planting minister at the Providence Reformed church plant in Sioux Falls. Please keep Rev. Davenport, his family, and the planned church plant in your prayers.

On behalf of the Christ Reformed Church Council,

Organization of Peace URC: On September 26, 2021 Grace URC Portland prayed for 30+ members of our congregation as they committed to worship with our church plant, Peace URC in Vancouver, Washington. Since then God has blessed that ministry towards “organization." Over the past weeks the Grace URC consistory has acted to appoint officers of Peace URC and, according to our Church Order, we have transferred our members to their care. Last week, the council of Peace URC held its first congregational meeting, with a unanimous vote to call Rev. Chris Coleman as their minister of the Word. Pastor Chris has gratefully accepted that call and will be installed as minister on Sunday, October 27, 2024. Rev. Kim Riddlebarger will lead the organization service. We praise God for his great kindness and faithfulness to his church.

With thanks to our God, we would like to inform the churches of the federation that Rev. Chris Coleman has accepted our call to serve as Minister of the Word at Peace United Reformed Church in Vancouver, Washington. We praise the Lord for His steadfast love and faithfulness! We are planning for an installation service on Reformation Sunday, October 27th.

On Behalf of the Council,

Robert Meredith (Elder)

The Council of Peace United Reformed Church of Vancouver, WA, wishes to inform the churches of the Federation of the call extended to Reverend Chris Coleman of Grace United Reformed Church in Portland, OR to serve as Minister of the Word. In 2019 Rev. Coleman was called by the Council of Grace URC to serve as a Church Planter in Vancouver. As Peace URC moves toward organizing, the Council of Peace URC, with the advice of the congregation, believes that he is the natural candidate to continue serving the saints of Vancouver, WA.

Please keep Rev. Coleman, his wife Melissa and their family in prayer as he considers the call extended to him.

The Consistory of Adoration URC (Vineland, ON) wishes to inform the federation that Mr. Eric Heida sustained his candidacy examination at the Fall meeting of Classis Ontario-East in Jordan, ON. Having received the concurring advice of our classis, we are delighted to declare him a candidate for the ministry of the Word and sacraments.

We only ask the churches of the federation to please be mindful of the fact that Eric has committed himself to a yearlong internship at the Hope Reformed Church of Brampton with Rev. John Bouwers, which internship will come to an end on June 22, 2025.  As his internship comes to an end, Eric will look forward to entertaining prospective calls from the churches.

May the Lord Jesus Christ use our brother to strengthen and increase His Church.

For the Consistory of Adoration URC,
Ian Korvemaker, Clerk

The Consistory at Trinity URC in Caledonia, Michigan would like to announce at the request of Rev. James Admiraal (Emeritus), his Credentials have been transferred to Trinity United Reformed Church in Caledonia, Michigan. We thank Cornerstone URC in Hudsonville, Michigan for their many years of covenant care for the Admiraal family, and Lord willing, look forward to being a blessing to the Admiral family for many years to come.

The Council of Escondido URC of Escondido, Ca, wishes to inform the federation that we have agreed to take supervising responsibilities of Covenant church plant, a church plant in Colorado Springs Co. Please pray for this work as we seek to expand the kingdom of Christ in Colorado Springs Co. Also, if you are in the Colorado Springs area, please visit and encourage the brothers and sisters of Covenant church plant. The plant meets at 3990 North Weber Street, Colorado Springs, Co 80907, and can be found online at https://www.urccovenant.org/.

It is with joy and thanksgiving to the Lord that the consistory of Escondido URC of Escondido, Ca. reports that Mr. Michael Luckmann, a graduate of Westminster Seminary California, has sustained his candidacy exam conducted at the meeting of Classis Southwest US on September 11 in Chino, Ca. Our consistory declares Mr. Luckmann, a candidate eligible for a call to the office of Minister of the Word and Sacraments in the URCNA.

The Consistory of Christ URC (Santee, CA) wishes to inform the federation that Mr. Cole Lindsay sustained his candidacy examination at the last meeting of Classis Southwest U.S. in the presence of his Consistory. Having received the concurring advice of the delegates to that meeting of classis, our Consistory is delighted to declare him a candidate for the office of minister of the Word. May the Lord Jesus Christ use our brother to strengthen and increase His Church.

For the Consistory of CURC,
Rev. William C. Godfrey

The Council of Salem United Reformed Church in Bowmanville, Ontario would like to inform the churches of our federation that Rev. Rob VanDoodewaard of Hope Reformed Church (FRCNA) in Powassan, Ontario has declined our call to serve as minister of the Word and Sacraments. Please remeber to keep keep Salem and the other vacant churches in Classis Ontario-East and around the federation in prayer.

With joy and thanksgiving to God, the consistory of Christ Reformed Church of Sioux Falls, SD reports that Mr. Joseph (Joe) Hamm, a graduate of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, has sustained his candidacy exam conducted at the meeting of Classis Central US held on September 9 and 10 in Rock Valley, IA. The consistory declares Mr. Hamm a candidate eligible for call to the office of Minister of the Word and Sacraments and heartily recommends him to the churches of the URCNA.

The consistory of Christ Reformed Church in Nampa, ID wishes to inform the URCNA that Mr. Lawrence Gale has sustained his candidacy exam in the presence of his consistory and with the concurring advice of Classis Pacific Northwest on September 10, 2024. We hereby declare him to be a candidate for the office of minister of the Word and sacraments.

The consistory of Christ Reformed Church (Nampa, ID) wishes to inform the URCNA that Mr. Kris Wassam sustained his ordination exam at the meeting of Classis Pacific Northwest on September 10, 2024. The classis subsequently declared Mr. Wassam "eligible to be ordained as a minister of the Word and sacraments among the United Reformed Churches in North America" (per Appendix 4.2.e.). 

Mr. Wassam has been called to serve Providence Reformed Church in Meridian, ID, a church plant of Christ Reformed Church in Nampa, ID. His ordination service is scheduled for this Friday, September 13, 2024, at 7:00 PM at 1150 E. Pienza St., Meridian, ID 83642. Rev. Nick Smith and Rev. Dr. Daniel Hyde will be leading the service.

The Consistory of Oceanside URC (Carlsbad/Oceanside, CA) wishes to inform the federation that Mr. Gavin Poe sustained his candidacy examination at today's meeting of Classis Southwest U.S. in the presence of his Consistory. Having received the concurring advice of the delegates to that meeting of classis, our Consistory is delighted to declare him a candidate for the office of minister of the Word. May the Lord Jesus Christ use our brother to strengthen and increase His Church. He may be contacted at [email protected] or 417.343.1589.

For the Consistory of OURC,

Rev. Dr. Daniel R. Hyde

Following the closing of Redemption Reformed Church in Chilliwack, BC, Rev. Charles Van Hoffen is currently left without a call in the URCNA. His credentials are being held by Immanuel Covenant Reformed Church of Abbotsford, BC, where he is a member. Rev. Van Hoffen continues to be an active ordained minister preaching in vacant pulpits and plans to do a number of courses to become further equipped for ministry. Because his son is beginning Grade 12 at Credo Christian High School, and his wife is teaching in John Calvin Christian School, Rev. Van Hoffen is committed to staying in the Chilliwack area for the upcoming school year. Rev. Van Hoffen desires to serve God as a minister of His Word. Immanuel Covenant invites interested churches who are seeking a pastor to reach out to Rev. Van Hoffen at [email protected] or (250) 845-4425.

Dear Brothers in Christ,

The Consistory of Christ URC (Santee, CA) has extended the license to exhort of Mr. Ben Phelps for another year. Mr. Phelps is currently a student at Westminster Seminary California. We heartily recommend him to the churches.

Every blessing,
Rev. William C. Godfrey
for the Consistory of Christ URC

The Consistory of Covenant United Reformed Church of Pantego, NC wishes to inform the federation that we have extended Mr. Chirs Rouse's license to exhort for another year, effective August 2024. We heartily recommend him to the churches to fill pulpits. 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

With joy and thanksgiving to God, the Consistory of Christ United Reformed Church (Santee, CA) is pleased to announce that Mr. Shon Barrett sustained his licensure examination and has been granted a license to exhort for one year. We heartily recommend him to the federation and ask for your prayers as he continues his preparations for pastoral ministry.

Sincerely,
Rev. William C. Godfrey
for the Consistory of Christ URC

The Council of Salem United Reformed Church in Bowmanville, Ontario would like to inform the churches of our federation that we have extended a call to Rev. Rob VanDoodewaard of Hope Reformed Church (FRCNA) in Powassan, Ontario to serve as minister of the Word and Sacraments. Please keep Rev. VanDoodewaard and his family in prayer as he considers the two calls that are now before him

With gratitude to God, the Council of Bellingham URC in Bellingham, Washington would like to announce the installation service of Rev. Jason Vander Horst to be held, Lord willing, at Bellingham URC at 7 pm on September 13th, 2024. The installation service will be officiated by Rev. Ben Davenport, Rev. James Ogle, and Rev. Scottie Wright.

Rev. Rodney Kleyn has accepted the invitation of Covenant URC of Byron Center to undergo a colloquium doctum; after which Rev. Kleyn will accept the call to serve as Minister of the Word and Sacraments. Please pray for God's blessings upon Rev. Kleyn and his wife Liz as they prepare for this transistion.

With gratitude to God the Council of Grace URC in Torrance announces that the installation service of Rev. Brian Cochran will be held, Lord willing, at Grace URC at 11am on August 31, 2024, officiated by Dr. Dan Borvan, Dr. Danny Hyde, Rev. William Godfrey and Dr. W. Robert Godfrey.

The Consistory of Escondido United Reformed Church of Escondido, CA wishes to inform the federation that we have extended Mr. John Kirby’s license to exhort for another year, effective Jul 2024.

The Consistory of Escondido United Reformed Church of Escondido, CA wishes to inform the federation that we have extended Mr. Drew Tilley’s license to exhort for another year, effective Jul 2024.

The Council of the United Reformed Church of Prince Edward Island wishes to inform the federation that the call extended to Rev. Daniel Hamstra was declined.  We wish Rev. Hamstra the Lord's blessing as he continues his labour of love in Trinity United Reformed Church in St. Catheranines, ON.

With joy and thanksgiving to God, the Consistory of Christ Reformed Church of Anaheim, California, announces that Mr. John Li was examined for licensure in accordance with the Guidelines in Appendix 2 of Church Order, and sustained the exam on July 15, 2024. He has been granted a license to exhort for one year.

The Council of the Rehoboth United Reformed Church of Hamilton, ON, wishes to inform the federation that Rev. Rich Anjema has declined our call to serve as our Minister of Preaching and Teaching.  We wish Rev. Anjema the Lord's blessing as he continues his ministry at Providence Reformed Church in Winnipeg and pray for His guidance as we continue to our search.

Brothers in Christ,

The consistory of Christ Reformed Church, Sioux Falls, SD has renewed the license to exhort of Mr. Joe Hamm for one year. He is a May 2024 graduate of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. The consistory commends him to the churches for service.

For the consistory,

Mark Hoogwerf, clerk

Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

The Consistory of Christ United Reformed Church, Santee, is pleased to announce the licensure examination of Mr. Shon Barrett, a student at Westminster Seminary California. Lord willing, the exam will take place at Christ URC in Santee, CA on Thursday, August 29 at 7 p.m. Upon sustaining his exam, Mr. Barrett will receive his license to exhort. Please pray for Mr. Barrett as he prepares for his examination.  

We are making this announcement pursuant to our Church Order, Appendix 2 so that we can provide "opportunity for other Consistories to render observation and/or objections." To that end, we also wanted to inform the federation that Mr. Barrett is in a candidacy program for chaplaincy in the U.S. Navy. Therefore, we face the possibility that his orders from the Navy may change, forcing us to adjust the date of his exam accordingly. So if you think your Consistory would like to send observers to this exam, please contact us so that we can keep you informed in the event we have to make a change. Thank you in advance for your consideration regarding these somewhat unique circumstances. 

Every blessing,
Rev. William C. Godfrey
for the Consistory of Christ URC (Santee, CA)

The Consistory of Providence Reformed Church of Winnipeg wishes to inform the federation that we have extended Mr. Bryce Klassen’s license to exhort for another year, effective August 30, 2024. 

As previously posted, we are thankful the Rev James Folkerts has accepted the call from Parkland Reformed Church of Ponoka, AB. We are pleased to inform you that Rev Folkerts will be installed, Lord willing, August 16, 2024 as Minister of the Word and Sacrament of Parkland Reformed Church with the participation of Rev William VanderWoerd, Rev Henry VanOlst, and Rev Fred Folkerts. 

The Council of Rehoboth United Reformed Church of Hamilton, ON, with thankfulness to the Lord, wishes to inform the churches of the Federation of the call extended to Reverend Rich Anjema of Providence Reformed Church in Winnipeg, MB to serve as minister of Preaching and Teaching. Please keep Rev Anjema, his wife Cher and their family in prayer as he considers the call extended to him.  We pray that the Lord would make it clear where He would have Rev Anjema serve at this time. 

Dear Brothers in Christ