wfn.org | [CRC NEWS] Synod 2005 Opens with a Challenge

["Henry Hess" <hessh@crcna.ca>]

June 11, 2005  Palos Heights, Ill - Synod 2005 of the Christian Reformed
Church in North America convened on Saturday at Trinity Christian
College in Palos Heights, Ill. Rev. Sam Hamstra, pastor of the Palos
Heights Christian Reformed Church warmly welcomed the delegates to the
Chicago area.

Dr. Steven Timmermans, president of Trinity Christian College, also
greeted the delegates and invited everyone to enjoy the college's
facilities and hospitality.

Delegates elected Rev. Wayne Brouwer of Classis Holland to preside over
Synod 2005.  Rev. Stanley Mast of Classis Grand Rapids South is vice
president; Rev. Gordon Pols of Classis Hamilton is first clerk and elder
delegate Donald Dykstra of Classis Illiana is second clerk.

Brouwer told the delegates that, as leaders of the church, they should
do five things this week:
* Challenge the status quo;
* Inspire a shared vision;
* Enable others to act;
* Encourage the heart by speaking pastorally;
* Model the way - "express the best of our denomination."

Rev. Peter Borgdorff, Executive Director of Ministries for the Christian
Reformed Church, gave delegates an update on the condition of the
General Secretary, Rev. David Engelhard, who is on indefinite medical
leave since being diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in February.

Engelhard had surgery to remove part of the tumor, followed by radiation
and chemotherapy. An MRI to check the results of the treatment came back
inconclusive, Borgdorff said, and he encouraged delegates to pray for
David and Jeanne Engelhard.
He said Engelhard plans to visit synod briefly in mid-week if he is well
enough.

Delegates spent the rest of Saturday in committee meetings, except for a
midafternoon break to celebrate the 80th birthday of elder delegate
Kenneth Slager of Classis Kalamazoo.  On Sunday they will gather at 3
p.m. for a service of prayer and praise in Trinity's Ozinga Chapel.

Contact Henry Hess, Synod News Officer, at 708-293-2108.