The Presbytery of South Dakota will be commissioning a new class of CREs at its July 11th meeting via Zoom. These ruling elders have completed all the coursework despite the COVID-19 pandemic! Some classes had to be delayed and others conducted via Zoom, but they finally got the job done.
The CRE Training consists of classes in the areas of Reformed Theology, Bible, Pastoral Care, Polity and Administration, Worship & Sacraments, Preaching, and Congregational Mission.
The classes are held one Saturday a month from 9 to 4 p.m. except for December. This year the classes were held at the Lake Gospel Church in Willow Lake. They were a wonderful host church and fed us well for lunch and snacks. Thanks so much!
This year’s presenters were The Rev. Janice Palmer, The Rev. Kevin Veldhuisen, CRE Gayle Janzen, and The Rev. Dr. Carolyn Visser.

This year’s class consisted of the following ruling elders:

Robert Brooks–First, Huron

Tracy Bultena–Westminster, Sioux Falls

Donna Flint–First, Brookings

Robert Flint–First, Brookings

Elizabeth Fox–First, Brookings

Lance Griese–First, Britton

Louise Van Poll–First, Huron

Marshall Edleman–Lake Gospel, Willow Lake

Each of these new CREs are trained to serve as pulpit supply, moderators of sessions (if appointed by CPC), and able to provide the sacraments of baptism and The Lord’s Supper.
Our hope is to have a celebration of their commissioning at the next in-person meeting of the Presbytery. Please welcome them as you are able.

CRE Commission:
Jerry Bertelson
Jerry Lutkemeier
Janice Palmer
Gayle Janzen
Carolyn Visser
Steven Johnson