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News from the PRC and Sister-Churches for the Week of October 7, 2018*(Updated)

Psalms 61 2On this fortieth Lord's Day of 2018, October 7, we provide the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, mission fields, and sister churches.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

  • We congratulate Rev. M. DeVries and his wife Dawn as he celebrates 40 years in the ministry this month (ordained in Southwest PRC in October of 1978). We find this special note in Kalamazoo PRC's bulletin (his current charge) today: "This evening after the service we will celebrate Rev. De Vries' 40 years in the ministry. We will be having a short program followed by a light supper. 'And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding', Jeremiah 3:15. We welcome Prof. R. Cammenga to our pulpit this evening. He has been asked to lead our service in connection with our celebration this evening."

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

  • On September 23 the congregation of Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB) voted to extend a call to Rev. N. Langerak (Crete PRC, IL). Rev. Langerak intends to answer this call on October 14.

  • 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 this evening. *UPDATE: Rev. W. Langerak has received this call.

  • Did you know our Canadian churches will celebrate their national day of Thanksgiving tomorrow, Oct.8?  First PRC of Edmonton, AB, Immanuel PRC in Lacombe, AB, and Wingham PRC in Ontario will hold worship services tomorrow morning to mark the event and give praise to God for His manifold blessings.
  • Bethel PRC in Roselle, IL is planning a special Reformation Day lecture again this year. This year the event is scheduled for this Friday October 12 at 7:30 PM  in her sanctuary, with Prof. Ronald Cammenga of the PRC Seminary speaking on the topic, “Getting The Gospel Right: Celebrating 400 years of the Canons of Dordt”.

Peace PRC 2018 2

  • This past Friday evening, October 5, Peace PRC held her new church building dedication at her Dyer location  (cf. picture to left) Rev. R. Barnhill gave the dedication message and the church choir and the congregation's children participated in singing for the program.

  • 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 seventh week of classses in this first semester. The first practice preaching session will be held Monday, Oct.7, with J. Tan delivering his sermon. 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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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 the note about her pulpit supply: "Rev. Koole ... 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):
    • CERC has a note in today's bulletin about her current pulpit/catechism supply: "This Lord’s Day we are thankful for the Lord in bringing Rev. Joseph Holstege, Lisa, and Jacob into our midst to bring the precious Word of God. Rev Holstege will be here for four Sundays in October where he will be assisting us in pulpit supply, catechism class and pre-confession class."

    • 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 TODAY*UPDATE: Rev. W. Langerak has received this call.

    • 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.

reformationreturn
What will you read this month in connection with the celebration of the great Reformation? We have plenty of pamphlets and articles available! (*see below)

SPECIAL NOTICES:

  • *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. That also includes many items related to the Reformation of the 16th century. Visit these pages for more information.
  • 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.

  • 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.

RWH logo 1

  • Don't forget to listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday (on radio or on the Internet)! Today Rev. W. Bruinsma (pastor of Pittsburgh PRC) begins his four-month service on the program. The title of today's message is "Chosen to Be a Special People" (1) based on Deuteronomy 7:6-9.

  • 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 YP and YA:

  • Young Calvinists is holding another Talking Points! Rev. C. Griess will be speaking on the topic of music and how it impacts and influences our lives. Trinity PRC Young People will be hosting this event on October 23 @ 7:00PM. This event is designed for Young People and Young Adults. Plan on attending and bring a friend!

  • The annual young people’s Thanksgiving Mass Meeting will be held at First PRC on November 11, from 2 to 3 PM, with a speech given by Rev. C. Griess.  Young people are encouraged to attend for a good time of fellowship! Refreshments will follow the meeting.

  • 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   

India 2015 1
A picture of a delegation from Covenant ERCS to Kolkata in 2015 (*cf. note below)

MISSION NEWS:

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

  • *From Byron Center PRC's bulletin this week we learn about her pastor's upcoming trip to India and work there: "Rev. Lanning will depart this Thursday for Kolkata, India in order to deliver seven sermons and speeches for the annual church camp on the mission field in Kolkata. He will be staying with Rev. Emmanuel Singh, missionary to Kolkata of our sister church in Singapore. Rev. Lanning will return late on October 20, Lord willing. Let us remember our Bengali-speaking brothers and sisters in Christ as the Lord gathers his church in Kolkata."

  • 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 don't miss out on 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. Rev. Kleyn will preach for the PRC in Bulacan.

      • Around 10:15 today, Rev. Holstege will teach Lesson 4, “The Incommunicable Attributes of God,” in the Essentials of Reformed Doctrine class. We will have merienda afterward at 11:00.

      • The Wednesday class will meet this week, at 7:30, DV. We will study the identification and interpretation of “types” in Scripture. You are all invited 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 08 October 2018

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