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PRC and Sister-Church News for the Week of July 1, 2018

Colossians 1 16On this twenty-sixth Lord's Day of 2018, July 1, we note the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, mission fields, and sister churches.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

  • From Calvary PRC's (Hull, IA) bulletin today we find this special note of interest: "Rev. D. Holstege will be giving a presentation on the work in the Philippines while he is in the area on furlough. The presentation will be held at Calvary PRC on July 1 at 7:45 p.m. Plan on attending!"

  • Related to that is this announcement in First PRC-Holland (MI)'s bulletin: "The Council has invited our former pastor, Rev. D. Holstege, to give a presentation on his work in the Philippines in our church next week Sunday, July 8, after the evening worship service. A time of fellowship will follow. All are welcome!"

  • From Pittsburgh PRC's bulletin today we find this brief note: "Pastor and Mary Bruinsma are traveling to Redlands, CA this week for the Young Adults Retreat. We welcome Seminarian Matthew Kortus and his family into our midst as he will fill our pulpit today."

  • As a follow up to that notice about Sem. M. Kortus, we find this significant note in Trinity PRC's bulletin today - and another special notice in light of the fact that her new sanctuary is not quite ready yet (but see the final note below - they are getting close!):

    • Today marks the beginning of the six month internship for Seminarian Matt Kortus. Matt is leading the worship services today in our Pittsburgh PRC. The first services that he will lead here at Trinity will be on July 22. Included as part of our dedication program on July 10 will be a welcome for Matt and Sarah. We pray for God’s blessing on this internship.
    • On account of the heat and humidity, the consistory has arranged for our second service to be at 2:30 at Hudsonville PRC. Since worshipping there we have not informed the congregation of the smoking policy of Hudsonville PRC, which is that there is to be no smoking on the grounds of the church. Again, we are thankful for Hudsonville’s willingness to allow us to use their facility.
    • The congregation is invited to a dedication program for the new addition on the evening of Tuesday, July 10. At 6:30 pm the cornerstone will be set for those who would like to watch. The program will begin at 7:00pm in the new sanctuary. Refreshments will be served immediately following the program at approximately 8:00pm in the old sanctuary.

  • And speaking of Seminary internships, Hudsonville PRC had this notice in her bulletin today about Sem. J. Maatman: "The internship of Mr. Jacob Maatman begins today. He will not be present with us because he is leading the worship services in Bethel PRC. His wife Rachel and son Calvin plan to be with us today and we welcome them warmly. Jacob plans to give the first sermon of the internship on July 15."

  • On May 13 Candidate J. Langerak announced his acceptance of the call he had received from Heritage PRC (Sioux Falls, SD) on April 29. His examination will now take place at the meeting of Classis West on August 29 at Peace PRC (cf. note below under "Denominational News). In that conection, this additional information was given in Heritage's bulletin today: "Pastor-Elect Langerak’s ordination and installation service is scheduled for Friday, August 31, 2018 at 7 PM. at Heritage PRC. The service will be conducted by Rev. Rodney Kleyn."

  • From Covenant PRC's (Spokane, WA) bulletin today we find this announcement about the Young People's Retreat this week: "Young People’s Camp is this week, Monday through Thursday, at Camp Sanders in Sanders, ID (about an hour Southeast of Spokane; it is the only thing in Sanders, ID, so not hard to find). Young people who need a ride should be at church tomorrow afternoon no later than 1:30 PM. Families and members of our congregation are encouraged to join us for the following activities, even if you are not staying at the camp:
    • Speech from Rev. S. Regnerus, Monday, 7 PM, “Communion with God” (come for singing at 6:45 pm)
    • Outdoor games and recreation: Wednesday Noon-5PM
    • Speech from Rev. R. Kleyn, Wednesday, 7 PM, “Personal Devotions” (come for singing at 6:45 pm)

  • Reminder from 1st PRC in Edmonton, AB: The dates for the 2018 Family Conference are coming up quickly. We plan to host the conference July 20-22, 2018 D.V. Hear from our speakers: Rev. B. Huizinga, N. Langerak and J. Marcus on the topic of 'Seeking The Lord'. Mark your calendars and finalize your plans to attend what promises to be an edifying time of growth and fellowship with saints from Canada and abroad, as well as an opportunity to see some of the beauty that God has created here in Canada. For more information or to register, please visit our website https://edmontonfamilyconf.wixsite.com/conference2018, or contact Scott Ferguson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., For those that prefer the phone, you can call (780)489-6470.

  • Southeast PRC in Grand Rapids has made a special announcement and request concerning a significant event in her history: "Southeast Protestant Reformed Church (formerly Fourth PRC) will be celebrating 75 years of existence in March of 2019.  A book is being developed to commemorate this event.  If you have memorabilia, pictures, anecdotes, etc. relating to this history and are willing to share, please contact Tim Pipe Sr at 616-890-2545 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.."

  • Randolph PRC is also celebrating her 75th anniversary - this summer. These items were in her bulletin today:
    • "The 75th Anniversary Committee asks that the entire congregation stay after church on Sunday morning, July 8, for a whole congregational picture to mark our 75 years as a congregation. This will be for the book that the committee is preparing.

    • The 75th Anniversary Committee is working on publishing a booklet in connection with our celebration being planned for August 25. Each family and confessing individuals still living with their parents will receive one copy of this booklet free of charge. If you would like additional copies at a cost not to exceed $10 each, please sign up on the sheet in the narthex or email Sarah Hoksbergen by July 15."

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

  • Synod 2018: The PRC Synod completed its work for now on Thursday June 21 - it will reconvene on August 28 for a special examination. Summary reports on the decisions reached may be found under the News section of the PRC website.

  • Classis East will reconvene at Faith PRC on Wednesday, July 18.

  • Classis West meeting (note date and place changes): At the request of Heritage PRC (and Doon PRC), the Classical Committee of Classis West has changed the date for the next meeting of Classis West to August 29. It had previously been scheduled for September 26. Also, at the request of Heritage PRC, the location also has been changed. Peace PRC will host the August 29 meeting of Classis where Pastor-elect Jonathan Langerak will be examined, while Heritage PRC will host Classis on March 6, 2019, the Lord willing.

Sem front May 2018 800x480

  • PRC Seminary News:

    • The Spring 2018 issue of the PRT Journal is now back from the printers and has been mailed out. If you would like to receive a print copy and are not on our mailing list, contact the seminary. The pdf version is also still available for free download. Visit this page to find out the contents and begin reading.

    • The seminary will be open daily during the summer months, including the library and archives. Staff will be available for assistance with any needs you may have.

    • Two of our professors have special trips planned this summer: Prof. R. Dykstra will labor in our sister church in Singapore (Covenant ERC) for six weeks and Prof. R. Cammenga will be part of an exploratory mission trip to Mexico with Rev. C. Griess (First PRC, Grand Rapids, MI) and Doner Bartolon, one of our pre-seminary students who comes from the area to be visited.

    • The upcoming internships of Seminarians Matt Kortus and Jacob Maatman begin officially TODAY. Sem. Kortus will be interning at Trinity PRC under Rev. N. Decker and his Council. Sem. Maatman will intern at Hudsonville PRC under Rev. G. Eriks and his Council. The internship program runs from July 1 to December 31.

    • The Seminary faculty along with Trinity PRC Evangelism Committee is working on plans for a Spring 2019 conference to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the great Synod of Dordt, 1618-19-2018-19. Look for details on this in the future.

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SISTER-CHURCH NEWS

  • Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, we note the following:

    • Synod approved the calling of a minister-on-loan to provide a pastor for our sister church in Singapore. Grandville PRC was again appointed the calling church for the calling of the MOL.

    • Rev. A. den Hartog and his wife Sherry continue to serve the CERC until Prof. R. Dykstra and his wife arrive in mid-July.

    • Her latest newsletter (JUNE 2018) - Reformed News Asia - was recently posted and may be found on this page. Watch for the next issue soon!

    • The latest young peoples' magazine, Salt Shakers, was received and posted recently (May 2018 - cf. image above). Check that out on this page.
  • The PRC now has an official sister-church relationship with the PRC in the Philippines, confirmed at this year's synod! We rejoice in this evidence of the Lord's blessing on the work in the Philippines and of the unity of Christ's church, which He gathers from all nations, tribes, and tongues. May the Lord grant us a mutually edifying and God-honoring relationship.

  • Concerning our sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC, we call attention to the following:

    • Covenant PRC's latest newsletter was received and posted recently (June 2018). And don't forget her other publication - Covenant Reformed News! That latest issue received last week (May 2018) may be found here.

    • It's not too late to join Reformed believers from around the world at the 2018 British Reformed Fellowship family conference at Hebron Hall in South Wales from Saturday, July 21, to Saturday, July 28. Our speakers, Prof. David Engelsma and Rev. Andy Lanning, will lecture on "The Reformed Family—According to the Word of God." Booking forms are due June 13 and are available at http://brfconference.weebly.com or contact Briana Prins (616-214-2779; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  • The PRC also has a "corresponding relationship" with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) of Australia. We remember these brothers and sisters in our prayers and labors too.

 
belgconf comm DJE 2018
The latest title from the Reformed Free Publishing Association - order your copy today! (cf. link below also)

SPECIAL NOTICES:

  • The PRC Denominational Directory is now for sale for just $15.00. To order please fill out an order form or by emailing Laura Huizinga @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Directories will be delivered to your church 1-2 weeks after payment is received.

  • *The Psalter App is now available for Android as well as for IOS (Apple) devices. For more info visit: https://psalterapp.weebly.com

  • Looking for Reformed literature and a solid Reformed and biblical magazine to read, including perhaps some graduation gift ideas? Visit the Reformed Free Publishing Association's website (www.rfpa.org), where you will find information on books in all major Christian categories, as well as on the bi-monthly periodical, the Standard Bearer. You will also want to read the RFPA's Spring Newsletter!

  • Are you searching for spiritually edifying music as well as for Bibles and other Reformed literature? Visit the Reformed Book Outlet in downtown Hudsonville, MI or visit their website.

  • *Considering some pamphlets published by the PRC for use in evangelism and/or witnessing? Visit the PRCA Evangelism page for a complete list of materials available in digital format or by order from the publishing church.

PRYP Convention logo 2018

  • The 2018 PRYP's Convention will be held August 13-17, 2018 at Lake Geneva Christian Center in Alexandria, MN. The hosting churches of the Midwest are excited to have you join us for an upbuilding week of fellowship and fun!
    • *NEW NOTE! URGENT NEED OF MALE CHAPERONES for 2018 Young People’s Convention.  The convention is planned for August 13-17 at Lake Geneva Christian Center in Alexandria, MN.  To register, go to www.prcconvention.com, and follow the instructions under the Chaperone tab.  If you have any questions, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    • Registration for the 2018 PRYP Convention is now closed! All registrants are reminded to mail their paperwork and payment by May 31. Any paperwork postmarked after May 31 must include the $25 late fee.

RWH logo 1

Don't forget to listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday! Today Rev. C. Haak (Georgetown PRC, Hudsonville, MI) continues his series on Jesus' Beatitudes. The title of today's message is "Blessed Are the Merciful" based on Matt.5:7.

  • From the Reformed Witness Hour (RWH) Committee: the RWH has a new, updated website! Please visit reformedwitnesshour.org to watch our introduction video, view pictures and audio from our history, and read and listen to almost 20 years of past radio broadcasts! If you haven’t visited the RWH website recently, now is an excellent time to familiarize yourself with this important radio-internet ministry of the Reformed faith.

  • NEW RWH Station - The Cornerstone PRC Word and Deed committee has partnered with the Reformed Witness Hour to air their messages on the radio in the Chicago area. Beginning today, September 10, the broadcast can be heard every Sunday at 4:00PM on WYLL 1160AM or on the internet at www.1160hope.com. Please tune in and encourage others to do so as opportunity arises in your personal witnessing.

PRCP Classis 2018 2

A new delegate to the recent (June 12) meeting of the PRC-Philippines Classis signs the Formula of Subscription, expressing full agreement with and defense of the truths stated in the Reformed creeds.

 MISSION NEWS:

  • Remember in prayer our home missionary, Rev. A. Spriensma, who continues to labor in the West Michigan area and beyond.

  • The February/March 2018 newsletter of the Limerick Reformed Fellowship mission station is now posted on this page.

  • Have you read Rev. Titus' most recent report on the work going on in Myanmar (May 2018)? Find that on this page.

  • The latest Philippines mission newsletter was received and recently posted (April 2018) and may be found on this PRC webpage.

  • Don't forget to follow the Kleyn's blog on life and activities in the Philippines. And that also includes the Holstege's one! And the Smits once again too!

  • From this Sunday's bulletins of the Provident Christian Church in Marikina, the Philippines and the Maranatha PRC in Valenzuela we find the following notes concerning their pastors as well as concerning our missionaries and their labors today and in this coming week:

    • Provident CC:
      • Rev. Kleyn will preach for us today and will also lead the class on the Church Order (Article 83ff).

      • Next Sunday, the Lord willing, Rev. Leovy Trinidad (the pastor of the Maranatha PRC in Valenzuela) will lead us in worship and will preach for us. Rev. Kleyn will be preaching in the Maranatha PRC.

      • Rev. and Leah Holstege and their family are worshiping today in Doon PRC in Iowa, which is the calling church for the Philippines mission field and for the PRCA missionaries. Rev. Holstege is scheduled to preach in Doon and then also to give a presentation this evening in Calvary PRC. May God continue to bless the Holsteges during their furlough and travels.

    • Maranatha PRC:
      • Our Pastor, Rev. L. Trinidad will lead our first and our second services.

      • Next Sunday Rev. D. Kleyn will lead us in our First and Second services. He will continue the Lessons of the Belgic Confession after the Second Service.

Let us continue in prayer to the Lord for the fulfillment of the needs of these busy pastors and missionaries in the Philippines. May the Lord of the harvest give them grace to be faithful and encouraged in all their labors.
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Last modified on 01 July 2018

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