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PRC and Sister-Church News for the Week of August 19, 2018

On this thirty-third Lord's Day of 2018, August 19, we provide the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, mission fields, and sister churches.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

  • The 2018 PRYP's Convention is now history. From the Council of Hull PRC comes this wonderful note: "The Young People’s Convention went very well this past week. We express our thanks to the steering committee and subcommittees for all of their work. They spent many hours preparing for this convention and their work is much appreciated. Thanks also to those who helped out in other ways, donating their time or items to assist in the work of hosting this year’s convention. We thank God for His blessings upon us and upon our covenant youth." *For more on this, see the young people section below.


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  • SE PRC (Grand Rapids, MI) also had a special note in her bulletin this week: "Southeast PRC has recently sold their church facility and anticipates worshiping at Adams School beginning Sunday, September 9. A luncheon and short program will be held Sunday, September 2 following the final worship service at the church at 5pm. We welcome all those interested in attending!”

  • The congregation of Grandville PRC voted Sunday August 5 to call Rev. R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC, Spokane, WA) from the Council's trio for calling a minister on loan to serve in our sister church in Singapore.  He plans to answer by Sept.9. We pray for the good guidance of the Holy Spirit as he considers this special call.

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  • Grandville PRC's Council has also formed its first trio from which to call a new pastor, following the emeritation of Rev. K. Koole. Its consists of Revs. N. Decker (Trinity PRC), Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon, IA PRC), Rev. E. Guichelaar (Randolph WI PRC). The congregational meeting will be held on Sunday evening August 26.

  • On May 13 Candidate J. Langerak accepted 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.
  • From today's bulletin of Heritage PRC in Sioux Falls, SD re her pulpit supply for the next two Sundays: "Pastor-Elect Langerak will supply our pulpit this morning, and Rev. R. Kleyn our evening service. We welcome our Pastor-Elect Langerak back to our pulpit and Rev. Kleyn and family to our fellowship. Rev. Kleyn is Pastor of Covenant of Grace PRC in Spokane WA. Next Sunday, Seminarian Jacob Maatman will supply our pulpit."

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

  • Synod 2018: The PRC Synod completed its work for now on Thursday June 21. It will reconvene at Byron Center PRC on August 28 for a special examination. Summary reports on the decisions reached may be found under the News section of the PRC website. In that connection we have this 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): The next meeting of Classis West has been set for August 29. (It had previously been scheduled for September 26.) Peace PRC will be hosting the August 29 meeting where Pastor-elect Jonathan Langerak (called by Heritage PRC, Sioux Falls, SD) will be examined, BUT the meetings will all be held in CRETE PRC. *Please note this change.

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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 week 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 (who arrived this week with his wife and son), 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. In that connection note this for PRC members and friends: "Seminary classes begin for the first semester on Wednesday, August 29.  If anyone would like to audit classes, the following classes are offered to auditors:  Ancient Church History by Prof. Dykstra, and Dogmatics (Christology) and Intro to Dogmatics by Prof. Cammenga.  If you are interested in attending, please call the seminary (531-1490) tomorrow to find out the day and time the class you are interested in will meet."

  • Seminary Convocation will be held Wednesday, September 5, at Providence PRC, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Prof. Gritters will be speaking on Acts 20:24 "None of these things move me..."  After the convocation address the student body will be introduced.  All are invited to attend. The program will be live-streamed (details on that to come).

  • The Spring 2018 issue of the PRT Journal is now available and may be picked up at the seminary. 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.

  • The Seminary faculty along with Trinity PRC Evangelism Committee are working on plans for a Spring 2019 conference to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the great Synod of Dordt, 1618-19-2018-19. The following announcement is now being publicized:

    Dordt 400: Trinity PRC is hosting a 3-day conference for the 400th anniversary of the Synod of Dordt on April 25-27.   Mark your calendars and visit our website at dordt400.org

    The Dordt 400 Conference includes a Writing Contest with great prizes.  If you are looking for a way to use your writing skills, visit our website at dordt400.org and start working on your essay.



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See the latest issue of the Covenant Reformed News

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS

  • 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. On August 5 the congregation voted to call Rev. R. Kleyn from a trio that also included Rev. G. Eriks and Rev. S. Key.

    • 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.

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

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Do you desire to know about the true God revealed in the Bible? Visit our pamphlet section to find a variety of good materials on God's work of salvation.

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.

  • 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

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  • 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 prophecy of Jonah. The title of today's message is "The Second Time" based on Jonah 3:1-4.

  • 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 was held this past week, August 13-17, at Lake Geneva Christian Center in Alexandria, MN. Pictures from the week can be found on Facebook and at the following link:

    Rev. Langerak’s Pictures

  • 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.

Gospel to all nations

 MISSION NEWS:

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

  • The August 2018 newsletter of the Limerick Reformed Fellowship mission station is now posted on this page. We rejoice in this wonderful news from the Limerick bulletin today: "For a number of years, beginning in 2011, Chester and Dale Mansona have been receiving catechetical instruction—Old and New Testament Bible History, Heidelberg Catechism, Essentials of Reformed Doctrine, etc.—with Pastor McGeown. Recently, they met with a delegation of the CPRC Consistory to request baptism and membership in the Limerick Reformed Fellowship, in which interview they expressed their trust in Jesus Christ, their agreement with and love for the truth as it is taught here, as well as their determination to live in godliness. With joy we announce that the CPRC Council approved this request. Therefore, their baptism and public confession of faith will take place, barring any lawful objections, on 2 September."
  • 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! And the Smits once again too!

  • From this Sunday's bulletin of the Provident Christian Church in Marikina, the Philippines 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. Holstege will preach both times today. Rev. Kleyn is preaching for the Bearers of Light Community Church in Guiguinto, Bulacan today.

      • Today, the SC and Rev. Holstege will continue to meet with each family regarding membership in this congregation and asking the three questions in the Form for Public Confession of Faith in the back of the Psalter.

      • Revs. Kleyn and Smit will travel to Negros Occidental this Monday-Tuesday to teach the pastors’ classes in Sipalay. May the Lord prosper their journey.

    • Maranatha PRC:
      • Our Pastor, Rev. L. Trinidad will lead us in both services. Next week Rev. R. Smit will lead us in both in services.

      • Let us continue to pray for this item that our Contact Committee II of the PRCP had written the Session of CERC, Singapore re establishing Sister Church Relationship with them.

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 26 August 2018

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