News

PRC and Sister-Church News for the Week of July 29, 2018

On this thirtieth Lord's Day of 2018, July 29, we note the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, mission fields, and sister churches.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

JCalvin Univ MexicoCity 2018

Sitting area at Juan Calvin University, Mexico City, site of the PRC conference on the covenant this past week (cf. flyer below)

Mexico conference July 2018
Cf. the first note below for more on this trip to Mexico and the activities of the men involved

  • We repeat this week the note of last week from the bulletin of First PRC-Grand Rapids:  "The exploratory trip to Mexico which our congregation is sponsoring is quickly approaching.  Plans are, D.V., for Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. R. Kleyn to travel to Mexico City July 24 accompanied by two translators, Mr. Doner Bartolon (Georgetown PRC) and Mr. Samuel Vasquez (Redlands PRC).  They will be speaking four consecutive nights at the Juan Cauvin University.  Rev. Griess will join them on Saturday, July 28.  They will be preaching on Sunday, July 29 at three churches in Mexico City.  On Monday, July 30, Rev. Kleyn will return home.  Prof. Cammenga and Rev. Griess will then shift their focus to other contacts that Mr. Bartolon has in the National Presbyterian Churches.  Their time will include a youth conference (with speeches on God's Will and Sexual Purity), a church conference on the Five Points of Calvinism, a lecture on Postmodernism, and preaching on August 5.  They will return home on August 6.  Please remember this work in your prayers, asking also for the Lord’s leading regarding this endeavor." Reports are that all went well this past week, and that the conference speeches were well received. For pictures and more information, visit Rev. R. Kleyn' Facebook page.

  • With the emeritation of Rev. K. Koole near, this notice will be of interest to those in the Grand Rapids, MI area (from Grandville PRC's bulletin today): "The open house for Rev. Koole's retirement after faithfully serving our churches for 40 years will be held this evening. We will be having a short program immediately following the evening service so please stay in the sanctuary. Nursery will be provided throughout the program. The open house will be held at Hope School starting at 8:00 p.m."

  • The Council of Grandville PRC announces the following concerning the calling of a minister on loan to our sister church in Singapore: "Council reminds the congregation of our acceptance of Synod's appointment to be the calling church for the minister on loan (MOL) to Singapore. At our recent meeting we formed a trio consisting of Rev. G. Eriks, Rev. S. Key and Rev. R. Kleyn. We have scheduled a Congregational Meeting for August 5, 2018, directly following our evening service, to vote for one from among these men to receive the call to serve as MOL for our sister church in Singapore. May the Lord of the Church bless this endeavor for the glory of his name."

  • 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 recent bulletin: "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." Untll then, Pastor-elect Langerak is keeping busy supplying various pulpits in the churches of Classis West.
  • Today Rev. A. Brummel has a classical appointment to Heritage PRC. Following him, Rev. S. Key (Loveland PRC) will be there for two Sundays.

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.

    • Announcement from Byron Center PRC: Synod will reconvene, D.V., on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at 8:00 a.m., at Byron Center PRC in Byron Center, MI (please note the change of venue from the June meeting).  Delegates in need of lodging should contact Mr. Mike Elzinga (clerk-at-byronprc.org).
  • 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 2016 1

PRC Seminary News:

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

  • The beginning of the new season of instruction is only a month away, with classes scheduled to begin on Wednesday, August 29. Besides our seniors (Matt K. and Jacob M. - internships), we will have two other seminary students this year: third-year student Josiah Tan and first-year student Marcus Wee, both from our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC. In addition, four young men will be taking different levels of pre-seminary Greek from Profs. R. Dykstra and B. Gritters.

  • 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 (616-531-1490). The pdf version is also still available for free download. Visit this page to find out the contents and begin reading.

  • The PRC Synod 2018 took a decision urging “the churches and the pastors in particular in their public prayers to pray the Lord of the harvest for able, faithful, and devoted pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11) for us and our children, as well as for the gathering of the elect out of the nations (Matthew 28:19).” A number of ministers are nearing the age of emeritation, and the number of students in the seminary at this time will not be sufficient to fill the upcoming needs of our churches either in our own congregations or in the work of missions. Please remember this urgent need in your prayers and encourage young men whom you observe to have the gifts to consider the ministry.

  • The seminary is 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 five weeks (from mid-July to the end of August) and Prof. R. Cammenga is  part of an exploratory mission trip to Mexico with Rev. R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC in Spokane, WA), 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 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.

 Psalms 133 1

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS

  • Concerning our sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC, we call attention to the following:
  • Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, we may note the following items:
    • From the PRC Contact Committee: "On behalf of our churches, Prof. R. Dykstra will be assisting our sister church in Singapore during their vacancy by preaching for them for 5 Sundays this summer. Prof. and Mrs Dykstra will be returning on August 21, the Lord willing. We as sister churches are thankful for the opportunity to be of assistance to our brothers and sisters in the CERC in Singapore."

    • Synod 2018 gave approval to the request of Covenant ERC in Singapore that a minister-on-loan be called to labor in their midst during their present vacancy, and appointed Grandville PRC the calling church.  In the coming weeks, Grandville will begin the calling process not only for a minister-on-loan for our sister church, but also for their own upcoming vacancy. The Contact Committee, at the request of Covenant ERC, is trying to make arrangements for ministers to supply pulpit in Singapore for 3 weeks or more at a time, until God provides a minister-on-loan for our sister-church. ) *cf. note above under Grandville PRC for her trio for calling a MOL.)

    • 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.
  • 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.

 
5PtsCalvinDEHH
Free book on the basic doctrines of Calvinism available on the PRC website

SPECIAL NOTICES:

  • 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.

  • Looking for Reformed literature and a solid Reformed and biblical magazine to read? 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!

  • If you are in need of spiritually edifying music as well as of Bibles and other Reformed literature, visit the Reformed Book Outlet in downtown Hudsonville, MI or visit their website.

  • 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

RWH logo 1

  • Don't forget to listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday! Today Rev. C. Haak (Georgetown PRC, Hudsonville, MI) brings part 3 a series on the OT prphecy of Jonah. The title of today's message is "The God Who Would Not Let Go," based on Jonah 1:4-17.

  • 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.

ESPECIALLY FOR THE YOUTH OF THE PRC:

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!

    • Mark your calendars for the Midwest Pre-Convention Singspiration to be held Sunday evening, August 12, at the Hull PRC. Join us in singing praises with the young people as they begin their convention week hosted by our area churches.

    • And for those in the Grand Rapids, MI area, note this singspiration: "The annual Pre-Convention Singspiration will be held at Fair Haven Church on Sunday, August 5, at 8:15 pm.  Please note that there will be no printed song sheets.  Fair Haven will project the lyrics, but you are welcome to bring your own Psalter if you would like."

  • Lynden PRC Young Adults Retreat updates: We have secured a location for our retreat during July 1-5, 2019! It will take place at Mt. Baker Bibleway Camp. Check it out at http://www.mtbakercamp.org/home.do. We hope to include activities such as a day trip to beautiful Artist Point, white water rafting, and more. Registration is set to open in February 2019, so don’t miss out! We encourage any young adults post-high school age to attend. Further details have been posted to our Facebook page: Lynden PRC Young Adults Retreat 2019. Request an invite to see these details, or message the group if you have any questions!

  • BL header lighthouse
    Are YOU a subscriber to the PR Young People's magazine, the Beacon Lights? Visit the website and find out why you ought to be.

2017 seminar 3
Seminar on Reformed church doctrine held in Myanmar 2017 (*cf. note below) - remember to pray for this work too!

 MISSION NEWS:

  • Remember in prayer our home missionary, Rev. A. Spriensma, who continues to labor in the West Michigan area and beyond. In that conection, pray for this specific work: "The Dorr [MI]Bible study meets at the library this Thursday, August 2, at 7:30 PM. We to continue our study in the gospel of John in chapter 1 at verse 35."

  • 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 (July 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:
      • The Holsteges arrived back to the Philippines last Tuesday, July 24. Thanks to our heavenly Father for safety in the thousands of miles traveled and for enabling us to see each other again today.

      • Rev. Holstege will preach both times today. After the first service, he will show some pictures from their trip to the U.S.

      • Rev. Kleyn will preach for the Bearers of Light Community Church today in Guiguinto, Bulacan. May the Lord bless our evangelism work there.

      • The Wednesday night class will meet this week at 7:30. Rev. Kleyn will finish teaching “The Declaration of Principles of the PRC.”

    • Maranatha PRC:
      • Our Pastor, Rev. L. Trinidad will lead us in both services and will continue the lesson of the Book of Revelation.

      • The Translation Committee will meet on July 31, 2018 at MPRC at 9:30 in the morning.

      • As we all know that the PRCA and PRCP is officially Sister-Church Relationship and now the Contact Committee of the PRCP wrote the Session of CECR of Singapore to establish the Sister-Church Relationship with them. Let us pray that the Lord will bless their meeting on July 26, 2018.

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 30 July 2018

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