News

PRC and Sister-Church News for the Week of August 26, 2018 *(Updated with Synod matter)

Prof9 10On this thirty-fourth Lord's Day of 2018, August 26, we provide the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, mission fields, and sister churches.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

  • Grandville PRC's Council 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 this evening. *UPDATE: Rev. N. Decker received this call.

  • 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 hosted by Peace PRC and held at CRETE PRC (*cf. note below under "Denominational News).  A call to worship led by the brother will be held the night before (Tuesday, Aug.28) at 7 pm in CRETE PRC. We pray that the Lord will uphold this brother as he submits to his examination this week.

    • 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."

    • From today's bulletin Heritage PRC gives notice of her pulpit supply today and next Sunday: "Seminarian Jacob Maatman will supply our pulpit today.   Seminarian Maatman is in his fourth year at our seminary and is currently serving his internship at Hudsonville PRC. We welcome him to our pulpit and fellowship today.  Next Sunday, Pastor-Elect Langerak will preach his inaugural sermon at our morning service, and Rev. R. Kleyn will preach for our PM service."
  • 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.

  • SE PRC (Grand Rapids, MI) informs her congregation and the PRC of this important news in her recent bulletin: "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!” And from today's bulletin we learn this: "The new owners, Redemption Church, will take possession of the property on Sept. 15."

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

  • Synod 2018: The PRC Synod completed the majority of its work on Thursday June 21. It will reconvene at Byron Center PRC THIS TUESDAY, August 28, for a special examination of Rev. D. Overway (Hope PRC, Walker, MI). Summary reports on the decisions reached may be found under the News section of the PRC website.
  • *UPDATE on the special meeting of Synod August 28, 2018:
    • Synod 2018 reconvened Tuesday August 28 at Byron Center PRC to conduct the Formula of Subscription examination of Rev. David Overway.  At the June meeting synod appointed the professors of the seminary to conduct the exam.  Prof. Cammenga, on behalf of the faculty, asked Rev. Overway the questions that were prepared by the professors.  Subsequent to the questions of the professors, the delegates of synod were given opportunity to ask questions.  After the exam a committee of pre-advice met to formulate a recommendation for synod’s consideration.  Synod passed the committee’s recommendation with its ground: 
      Recommendation: That synod approve the formula of subscription exam of Rev. D. Overway. Ground: Rev. Overway demonstrated that his convictions are in harmony with the Reformed Confessions regarding the the doctrines about which there were suspicions.
      May God use the decision for the welfare of Rev. Overway, Hope PRC (Walker), and our denomination.  
  • Classis West meeting THIS WEEK WEDNESDAY (note change of venue): Peace PRC will be hosting the meeting of Classis West on August 29 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. There is a special worship service scheduled for Tuesday night, Aug.28 at 7 pm at CRETE PRC, in which Pastor-elect J. Langerak will preach his specimen sermon. Classis will also treat her regular business at this meeting (ordinarily held the last Wednesday in September).

  • Classis East will meet in regular session on September 12th in Grace Protestant Reformed Church.

Sem front May2014 1

PRC Seminary News:

  • The beginning of the new season of instruction is THIS WEEK, 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."

  • 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.

  • 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 still 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 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.



 BRF Conf 2018 group
See the latest newsletter of Covenant PRC in Ballymena, N. Ireland (and news about the 2018 BRF Conference! - cf. group photo above)

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS

  • Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, we may note the following items:
    • Prof. R. Dykstra and his wife Carol returned home to the States this week after serving in CERC for 5 Sundays this summer. After an open Sunday today, Rev. D. Kleyn (missionary in the Philippines will be preaching and teaching for the saints there the next two weeks (Sept.2 & 9).

    • 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. He plans to answer this call by Sept.9.

    • Also, form her bulletin today we learn of this significant mission item: "Elders Leong and Wee will be travelling to Kolkata this coming Friday for the baptism and Confession of Faith of some of the saints in the fellowship. Many of them are eagerly anticipating this special day. We rejoice with them and pray that the Lord will continue to bless our mission labours that His sheep may be gathered out of every nation, tongue and tribe into the sheepfold until our Good Shepherd Jesus Christ returns."
    • 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.

 rfpa 1
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.

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.

  • 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 prophecy of Jonah. The title of today's message is "The Wonder of Nineveh's Repentance" based on Jonah 3:5-9.

  • 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:

  • The 2018 PRYP's Convention was held the week of 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.

Titus pastor family
Remember in prayer Rev. Titus and his family as he ministers the Word in Myanmar.

 MISSION NEWS:

  • Remember in prayer our home missionary, Rev. A. Spriensma, who continues to labor in the West Michigan area and beyond. Today he is preaching in Bethel PRC in Roselle, IL.

  • 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: "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."

  • To read Rev. Titus' most recent report on the work going on in Myanmar (May 2018), visit 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 in the first service today and Rev. Kleyn in the second. Next week, Lord willing, Rev. Holstege will preach both times.

      • 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.

      • Rev. and Sharon Kleyn will travel to Singapore for the next two Sundays, DV, in order to provide preaching for the CERCS (Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church in Singapore), a sister church of the PRCA which currently does not have a pastor. May the Lord preserve their going out and their coming in.

    • Maranatha PRC:
      • Our Missionary, Rev. R. Smit will lead us in both services.

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 29 August 2018

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