Meeting on March 3rd at Providence Reformed Church in Lodi, California, the Western Classis enjoyed excellent hospitality and good fellowship. Rev. David Voytek was elected as President, and Rev. Ruben Zartman was elected as the Stated Clerk. These men, along with Elder Eric Merz, comprise the Executive Committee for 2026. Elder Nathan Schlegel will continue to serve as the Classis treasurer.
The brethren of Classis said farewell to Rev. Douglas Schlegel who served the WC in various capacities (deacon, elder, and pastor) since 1993. At the meeting, Doug gave two reports: his final parochial report and the President’s Report. Concerning the latter, Rev. Schlegel observed that the true marks of the church were truly manifested in each of the churches. He highlighted four challenges that Classis faces: i) the challenges of technology; ii) the struggle to fill vacant pulpits; iii) coming alongside new elders and pastors to help them learn the specific forms of ministry of the RCUS; and iv) encouraging young men to pursue pastoral ministry. On this last point he writes, “Pastors and elders, look at the young men in your churches. Are there any who show the aptitude to serve as ministers of the gospel? Are there any who have a young zeal for the truths of the Bible? Have you encouraged them to seek to serve as a pastor? Do you present to them a good example of the life of a joyful servant of the Lord, or something else? Humanly speaking, the future pastors are in your Sunday School and Catechism classes right now. They attend the Heidelberg West Youth Camp. How many of you remember being encouraged to pursue the ministry and that made all the difference? Brothers, do not neglect your duty here.” The brethren extended their heartfelt appreciation of Rev. Schlegel and commended him to his new field of service.
Read the full article at: https://rcus.org/article/annual-meeting-of-western-classis-2026/?v=2ecd53e541df
