News

News from the PRC and Sister-Churches for the Week of September 30, 2018

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On this thirty-ninth Lord's Day of 2018, September 30, we provide the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, mission fields, and sister churches.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

  • Special event TONIGHT hosted by Faith PRC: "Please join us tonight for a slideshow given by our brothers from the BERG located in Giessen, Germany. The men are in the U.S. to meet with the Contact Committee to discuss the current condition of the Reformed faith in Germany and also doctrinal matters. The two elders from Germany are Dr. Jurgen Klautke and Mr. Jochen Klautke. The presentation will take place immediately following the evening service. After the presentation, there will be a time of fellowship, refreshments and baked goods in the fellowship hall. All are invited to attend."

  • On September 23 Rev. N. Decker (Trinity PRC, Hudsonville, MI) announced his acceptance of the call to Grandville PRC.

  • On September 23 the congregation of Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB) voted to extend a call to Rev. N. Langerak (Crete PRC, IL).

  • Grandville’s Council has formed a new trio from which to call a minister on loan to Covenant Evangelical Church of Singapore: Rev. G. Eriks (Hudsonville PRC), Rev. S. Key (Loveland PRC, CO), and Rev. W. Langerak (Southeast PRC, Grand Rapids, MI).  The congregation will vote, D.V., on Sunday evening, October 7.

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  • The new church building dedication for Peace PRC will be held at her Dyer location this Friday evening, October 5, at 7 p.m. (cf. picture to right) Rev. Barnhill will give the dedication message. The church choir, as well the children in K-8, will be singing praises to God. There will be refreshments and fellowship afterwards. All are welcome to join us in thanksgiving to God.

  • Having recently sold and vacated her former building, Southeast PRC (Grand Rapids, MI) is currently worshiping Adams Christian School in Wyoming, MI.

 DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

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PRC Seminary News:

  • Seminary is now in its sixth week of classses in this first semester. Continue to pray for the professors, students, and staff as they busy themselves in the work of training men for the gospel ministry.

  • The internships of Seminarians Matt Kortus and Jacob Maatman 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 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 details have been announced:

    Dordt 400: On behalf of the PRC Seminary, 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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*Worship place of Launceston Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Australia (cf. below)

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS:

  • Concerning our sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC, we may note the following:
    • From her bulletin of Sept.23: Rev. & Mary Stewart [are in] N. America., returning Tuesday, 9 October. Rev. Stewart will lecture for Eastside Christian School (26 September) and the RFPA (27 September) and in Pittsburgh (3 October), and will preach in Wingham PRC (30 September) and Southeast PRC and Zion PRC (7 October)."

    • And in that connection, here is bulletin note about her pulpit supply: "Rev. Koole arrives this Friday. He will be preaching for the CPRC on the next 2 Lord’s Days, and taking catechism classes on 1 & 8 October."

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

  • Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, we may note the following items (from her bulletin today):
    • Rev. A. Spriensma and his wife are currently ministering to the saints in the CERC. Today is their final Sunday there. From today's bulletin is this note: "We again are thankful to God for their willingness to assist in the pulpit supplies for these three Lord’s day. Rev Spriensma will also be making a special presentation on missionary and evangelism work in the United States this Lord’s day at 11.30am. Do take this opportunity to hear first-hand the domestic mission work of our sister church."

    • CERC also has a note in today's bulletin about her next supply: "This week we also welcome Rev. Joseph Holstege, his wife Lisa and their son, Jacob into our midst. They will be arriving... on 5th October 2018..... They will be here till 29th October 2018. Rev Holstege will assist us with pulpit supplies for the next four Lord’s day and also conducts Catechism and Pre-confession Classes. For this we are thankful to our God for His provision for Covenant."

    • Grandville’s Council has formed a new trio from which to call a minister on loan to Covenant Evangelical Church of Singapore: Rev. G. Eriks (Hudsonville PRC), Rev. S. Key (Loveland PRC, CO), and Rev. W. Langerak (Southeast PRC, Grand Rapids, MI).  The congregation will vote, D.V., on Sunday evening, October 7.

    • Her latest newsletter (AUGUST 2018) - Reformed News Asia - was recently posted and may be found on this page.

    • The latest young peoples' magazine, Salt Shakers, was received and posted recently (JULY 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.

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Are YOU receiving and reading the Standard Bearer? For more information, *see below.

SPECIAL NOTICES:

  • 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 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.

  • Have you visited the Reformed Book Outlet in downtown Hudsonville, MI recently? If you or a friend are interested in spiritually edifying music, as well as in Bibles (and Bible study materials!)  and other Reformed literature, do so, or visit their website.

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  • Don't forget to listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday (on radio or on the Internet)! Today Rev. C. Haak (Georgetown PRC, Hudsonville, MI) completes his series on the OT prophecy of Jonah. The title of today's message is "A Greater Than Jonah Is Here" based on Matthew 12:41.

  • 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.

  • A new Spanish edition of the RWH is being produced and may be found on this YouTube channel (PRC Espanol). Look for new messages each week - and help spread the word!

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ESPECIALLY FOR PRC YOUTH:

  • 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.

  • The latest young peoples' magazine of Covenant ERC in Singapore, Salt Shakers, was received and posted recently (JULY 2018 - cf. image above). Check that out on this page.

  • *Girls Conference at Georgetown PRC:  "Shine as Lights in the World" (Grades 9-Post High/College) Nov. 10, 2018.  Good Speakers - Music - Q&A Panel.  Be inspired to live for Jesus boldly by shining His light!  Take a friend or two!  Register: https://shineaslights2018.eventbrite.com   

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Meeting place of the Community Bible Study being sponsored by Byron Center PRC (*cf. note below for this week's meeting)

MISSION NEWS:

  • Remember in prayer our home missionary, Rev. A. Spriensma, who continues to labor in the West Michigan area and beyond.
    • Currently he and his wife are in Singapore serving our sister church, Covenant ERC, returning this week.

    • *From Byron Center PRC's (calling church) bulletin this week comes this note about a work our missionary is involved in: "The Dorr Bible Study meets again this Thursday, October 4, at 7:30 PM. Invite neighbors and friends as we continue our study through the gospel of John. We look next at Jesus' encounter with Nicodemus in John 3."

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

  • 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 bulletins of the Provident Christian Church in Marikina and the Maranatha PRC in Valenzuela, 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 at PCC today, and Rev. Kleyn will preach for the Bearers of Light Community Church in Guiguinto.

      • After the first service, Rev. Holstege will teach Essentials Lesson 3 on the “Essence and Names of God.” There will be merienda after class at 11:00.

      • The Wed. class will meet this week, DV, at 7:30. We will consider the “historical aspect” of the rules of Biblical interpretation. All are welcome to join!

    • Maranatha PRC:
      • Today, our Pastor, Rev. L. Trinidad will lead us in both services and after the second service he will teach the Eschatology.

      • The Translation Committee has just finished their work of translating the Heidelberg Catechism in Tagalog and we thank the Lord for the wisdom, knowledge, and strength.
      • Our Missionaries and PRCP are planning to conduct a Conference in commemoration with the Synod of Dordt, dated November 1618 to May 1619.

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.

Last modified on 30 September 2018

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