Rockford Reformed Church
Dear Rockford Reformed Church Family and Friends,

Here’s a just a quick note to prepare us a bit further for our annual congregational meeting coming up soon on December 8 at 5 pm. Our meeting will begin with a presentation of our deacons and elders for the New Year for our vote of affirmation and then a presentation of our proposed budget for 2020 for our approval. Absentee ballots for the elder/deacon vote will be available at the back of the sanctuary this Sunday. 

As I noted in my letter of two weeks ago, the following candidates are presented for our vote: James VandenHeuvel and Dan Jenema as deacons, Eric Ringnalda and Stephanie Bergman as shepherding elders, and Kevin Johnson as an administrative elder. A short bio for each of these candidates will be provided in your email early next week. Similar to last year, we did not work to develop an extra slate of candidates from which a decision would be made by drawing lots or a vote of the congregation. We believe that God gives his Spirit, his Word, and elders and deacons who are equipped for knowing the candidates and for choosing those who are most qualified, gifted, and align with the biblical qualifications (see this link for further explanation). 

The elders carefully evaluated the nominations received from the congregation and developed a list of those whom we were most confident were gifted to serve and aligned with the biblical criteria. The candidates were then presented to the consistory for further discussion and approval. The approved candidates were asked to prayerfully consider whether they feel called to serve. Those who are glad to serve at this time are then presented at our congregational meeting for a vote of affirmation.

As we meet for our congregational meeting, the steaming potatoes and pulled pork may get cold and so we will work to keep things moving. One way we do that is by including the minutes of our last congregational meeting with this letter so that you can read them beforehand and we can approve or make any corrections without having to read them during our meeting.

Chris Orvis has developed a summary of our proposed 2020 budget and some explanation of the most significant changes for inclusion with this letter as well. This gives you an opportunity to ask Chris or any consistory member about any questions that you may have before our meeting.

Happy Thanksgiving! God’s blessings for us are far beyond what we could deserve or imagine. We give him the glory and praise for his immeasurable grace. I look forward to starting in with Advent and the Messiah sermon series with you all on Sunday!

Pastor Tim

Annual Congregational Meeting
Sunday, December 8, 5pm in the gym
Meet in the gym at 5 for the meeting followed by a potluck dinner! Nursery will be available for the meeting portion of the evening. On the agenda: vote of affirmation for elder and deacon candidates, 2020 budget, and ministry updates.
Potluck Assignments
Main course will be provided (pulled pork).

Care Groups 1 and 2: salads
Care Groups 3 and 4: sides
Care Groups 5 and 6: desserts