I have been honored to serve as your president this past year. The year in God’s providence has proven to be both a challenge and a great encouragement. I would like to thank past presidents, Rev. Campbell and Elder Luquette, for their help. Also, I would like to thank Rev. Muether for his help and encouragement. Working with Rev. Grossmann and Elder Van Heest has been a blessing.
The RCUS celebrated her tricentennial; our Lord is truly faithful in all His deeds! During this past year, Covenant East Classis, in particular, and the RCUS, in general, have had sorrow. We had one church and one minister leave our denomination. While they departed for a sister communion, we will miss them and do pray for their continued sustaining by God.
God continues to sustain our work, and we give Him all the glory for it. As 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 says: “But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God–and righteousness and sanctification and redemption–that, as it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.’”
The Inter-Church Relations Committee made visits this year to four of our sister churches’ meetings. Rev. Dawn visited Classis Central US of the URC. Rev. Grossmann visited the OPC Presbytery of Wisconsin and Minnesota twice. Rev. Potter visited the Atlantic Presbytery of the RPCNA.
The Candidates and Credentials Committee reports that, while one student under care has asked to be removed, they are still working with two other men under care. They are also working with Grace RCUS in Rogers, AR, which became vacant when Rev. Carr, their previous pastor, took the call to St. John’s RCUS, Lincoln, NE. But, in God’s providence, they have a man seeking the call to that vacant pulpit. Praise God.
The church camp was blessed again meeting at Camp Sinawa on July 8-11, 2025. The theme was, “Who am I? Finding our Identity in Christ.” There were 47 campers and 22 counselors, with 7 of our 10 churches represented. They were thankful to all who helped and were part of the work.
The Missions Committee continues to work with Rev. Muether and Immanuel Reformed Fellowship in Pella, Iowa. Grace RCUS in Rogers is not requesting aid this coming year.
The Communications and Publications Committee continues to work with three Synodical committees, namely: Communications, Welcoming, and Publishing. They are pursuing corresponding relationships with churches and groups, especially
in Pennsylvania.
From Grace Reformed, Rogers, Elder Barker reports that the Lord has blessed the work there, though it was with sadness that Rev. Carr left to pursue another call. But the congregation is grateful for the ten years of service. They had three members join by profession of faith including an adult baptism. Elder Steve Mankins died and is with the Lord and is greatly missed. The Lord continues to sustain the work, and they ask for prayers.
From Covenant Reformed Church, Gettysburg, Rev. Rodriguez reports thankfulness for another year of ministry. He is currently preaching through Matthew, having preached through Exodus. He is currently taking one youth through confirmation class, doing studies on prayer on Wednesdays,
and leading a men’s breakfast monthly through Titus.
From Immanuel Reformed Fellowship, Pella, Rev. Muether reports he is preaching and doing outreach for God’s glory. He is looking to do tent making with chaplaincy ministries as he continues the mission work. He is continuing to seek to particularize the work with an augmented consistory, Lord willing. He continues to do outreach with various ministries, including Sola Soupa (a monthly soup supper with a study of the doctrines of grace) and services at three senior residential homes.
From Emmaus Road, Edina, Rev. Kron reports that they look forward to more men serving as officers, Lord willing. The congregation seeks to support missions in the RCUS and beyond. They are reaching outin the area with VBS and the local high school. They also do outreach at Brookdale Nursing Home.
From St. Paul’s Evangelical, Hamburg, Rev. Schnabel reports he’s been preaching through 2 Peter, Mark, and Exodus. The Lord has sustained his health by His grace. He has been taking two students through the Catechism. They also had joyful VBS with 21 children.
From Peace Reformed, Garner, Rev. Dawn praises God for His mercy and strength, as the congregation has lost seven members to death. Yet the Lord continues to work in Garner. They were able to participate with the Covenant East Youth Camp. He is encouraged to live by Philippians 4:8.
From Salem Ebenezer, Manitowoc, Rev. Grossmann reports they had four new members by profession of faith (including baptizing one) and two children were baptized. He is preaching through Joshua, 2 Kings, James, and Ruth. They finished a study through the Heidelberg Catechism. They also had 11 children at their VBS.
From Northland Reformed, Kansas City, Rev. Campbell reports the church has 10 people attending their new members’ class. Three first-time deacons were ordained and installed. They currently have four elders and six deacons serving. He has been preaching through Ecclesiastes, Jude, Esther, Acts, and 1 Timothy.
From Peace Reformed, Napoleon, Rev. Gobelman reports that he is grateful to be serving at Peace Reformed, having been installed in the summer. He has preached through Psalm 23, Jonah, and Matthew. They welcomed three covenant children through baptism. He and the elders are studying The Shepherd Leader by Timothy Witmer.
From Heritage Reformed Church, Waymart, Elder Wright reports that the Lord continues to sustain the saints at Heritage. They have been receiving the Word from several men, as they still seek a pastor. They enjoyed fellowship at the summer picnic, an annual hayride, and the Reformation celebration. They have continued to receive regular visitors.
From Messiah’s Independent Reformed Church, Holland, Rev. Macedo reports he has been preaching through 2 Samuel. They have several Bible studies. He and his elders share the duties of caring for the flock.
In Christ’s Service,
Rev. Samuel Rodriguez
President, Covenant East Classis