From the Worldwide Faith News archives www.wfn.org


CRC Synod Delegates Challeneged to Seek Wisdom


From Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>
Date Tue, 15 Jun 2004 22:39:18 -0700

Grand Rapids, Mich. - Synod 2004 of the Christian Reformed Church (CRC)
opened
on Saturday morning with a challenge to delegates to seek wisdom in one
another's counsel.
Rev. Pedro Aviles, the pastor of Grace and Peace CRC in Chicago, Ill., based
his opening devotions on the book of Proverbs.	"In the counsel of many there
is wisdom," he said. "No one person here is wiser than the group as a whole.
We need each other."
Aviles also noted that wisdom involves doing things. "Wisdom is more than
knowing," he said. "Wisdom is also knowing what action to take."
Delegates also elected officers.  As president they elected a synod veteran,
Rev. Joel Boot, pastor of Ridgewood CRC in Jenison, Mich.  This is Boot's
eighth synod; he served as vice president in 2001.
Synod 2004 broke new ground by electing Rev. Emmett Harrison as vice
president.  Harrison, the pastor of East Side CRC in Cleveland, Ohio, is the
first African American to be elected as an officer of synod.
In an interview, Harrison said it is a privilege to serve.  He said the vote
sends a positive message about the CRC's efforts to be an open, inclusive
church. "A lot of people have worked very hard for this day to happen."
As first clerk, synod elected Rev. William T. Koopmans, the pastor of Cephas
CRC in Peterborough, Ontario.  The second clerk is Rev. Wayne Brouwer, the
pastor of Harderwyk Ministries CRC in Holland, Mich.  Brouwer brings
continuity to the executive, having served as president of Synod 2003.
-30- 


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