This issue of *De Wekker* has an ‘international flavour’ thanks to an article on the work of Willianne Olweny in Kenya. It also contains no fewer than six classis reports.
In *Generations in the Church*, Willianne talks about her work in Kenya. Together with her husband, she shares food parcels and medical aid, as well as the Gospel. “I am convinced that this is the place where God has called me,” she says. Being available to God is also the subject of Rev. J. van ’t Spijker’s meditation. He asks us whether we are prepared to let ourselves be guided.
In the run-up to the new church year, the Book Review section examines the book *Be Followers* – Guidelines on the Ministry for Ministers and Church Councils.
In *Woordwerk*, Prof. Dr A. van den Os offers pastoral guidance for times of personal distress, drawing on God’s name as the Father of all comfort.
Following her column on smoking, Jeannet de Jong received many requests to address the issue of alcohol as well. She shares her views on alcohol consumption in and around the church. In the ‘Pastoral’ section, a woman asks how she can help her 22-year-old son. He is using drugs. And although he made his confession of faith last year, he seems to be losing interest in his faith. Rev. D. van der Zwaag responds.
In addition, attention is drawn to the death of Rev. W. van Sorge. An obituary will appear in the next issue of *Wekker*.
Since the 12 June issue, *De Wekker* has been featuring reports on the classes-in-formation. The editor-in-chief and managing editor explain the reasoning behind this decision. This issue includes the report from the East classis-in-formation.
At the Apeldoorn Classis, the delegates discussed in small groups whether they felt seen, heard and understood during the Classis meetings, and whether it would be desirable to reorganise certain aspects of the Classis’s work. Developments within the congregations were also shared. CGK Vroomshoop has announced in a letter that it no longer wishes to participate actively in the classis’s work. The classis has appointed visitators to engage in dialogue with Vroomshoop.
The Amersfoort Classis discussed the directive from Veenendaal-Pniël to establish a system of A and B classes. The directive was approved by a majority. The delegation to the Eastern Particular Synod has been appointed. From now on, a permanent moderamen will be in place.
The Dordrecht Classis mainly discussed the reports of (special) church visitations. The three congregations that took part in the general assembly of churches around Rijnsburg declined to receive the visitation. Dordrecht-Centrum has left the Classis. In response, the meeting decided to send a request to the synod asking it to clarify what consequences leaving a classis has for rights and obligations within the church organisation. Werkendam and Sliedrecht-Beth-El are once again being asked to receive the visitators.
In the Groningen Classis, the request from seven church council members of the CGK Groningen to establish a new congregation was the main item on the agenda. The Classis recognises the difficulties involved. The procedural steps required under church law to reach a solution are being discussed and prepared.
The Haarlem Classis discussed the declaration of intent drawn up last year, expressing a desire to seek each other out and remain united. In small groups, the delegates discussed the question: What is needed to work together fruitfully within the Haarlem Classis?
The Northern Private Synod has emphasised the request for the Hoogeveen Synod to be convened earlier than planned and has elected delegates for this purpose.
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