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PRC and Sister-Church News for the Week of February 10, 2019 *(Updated)

John 14 3On this sixth Lord's Day of 2019, February 10, the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches and mission fields may be noted.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

  • Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon PRC) has been considering the call to Trinity PRC (received Jan.20). Today his DECLINE of that call was announced in Doon and Trinity PRCs.

  • The Council of Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB) has announced a new trio from which to call a pastor: Revs. J. Laning (Hull PRC), M. McGeown (Limerick PRF), and C. Spronk (Faith PRC). The congregation will vote today after the afternoon service. *UPDATE: Rev. J. Laning has received this call.

  • The Council of Grandville PRC announces a new trio for calling a minister-on-loan to Covenant ERC in Singapore: Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon, IA), Rev. G. Eriks (Hudsonville), and Rev. C. Haak (Georgetown). The congregation will call this evening after the service. *UPDATE: Rev. C. Haak has received this call.

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

Classis West: Classis West of the PRC will meet in Heritage PRC (Sioux Falls, SD) on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at 8:30 AM, the Lord willing. All material for the agenda is to be in the hands of the Sated Clerk by Feb.4 (30 days before classis convenes). All delegates in need of lodging or transportation from the airport should notify the clerk of Heritage's Consistory.  ~ Rev. J. Engelsma, Stated Clerk

Contact Committee: "A joint delegation from the Foreign Mission Committee and Contact Committee will be traveling to the Philippines from February 14-26.  Rev. Engelsma is going as the representative of our council and the FMC, and Rev. Decker is going as the CC representative." (From Doon PRC's bulletin)

 ice storm feb 2019 1PRC Seminary News:

  • It was an icy week in West Michigan this past week (cf. photo) but unlike last week the seminary was able to keep its full schedule of classes during its third week of the semester. The schedule of courses and calendar of events for the 2nd semester may be found on this page.
  • Besides their regular studies, the students are preparing for the first round of practice preaching, which is scheduled for Feb.11 (Matt K. and Jacob M.) and March 4 (Josiah T.). Pray for them as they busy themselves in this work.

  • If you missed the live interview of Prof. R. Cammenga by Chris Arnzen on his radio program Iron Sharpens Iron this past Tuesday (re the book, Saved by Grace: A Study of the Five Points of Calvinism),  the podcast is now available. The audio file may be found here.

  • If you have not yet done so, check out the new PRC seminary website! There are many new features and updates, including a blog. Visit the site and check out the various pages - and sign up to receive seminary news by email!

  • *Special notice: Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2019 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essays must be submitted by May 31st.

  • 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.

bricks new addit feb 2019 1

  • Due to moderating temperatures this week, work continued on the seminary addition project (new PRC archives and two offices during the professor transition period in the next few years). The first portion of the roof (sealed with rubber coating) over the archives section was completed, and the laying of the exterior bricks began (cf. image above).

Dordt400LogoRightMargin2

  • The Seminary faculty along with Trinity PRC Evangelism Committee are busy preparing for a Spring 2019 conference to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the great Synod of Dordt, 1618/19 - 2018/19. The following updates have been given:
    Dordt 400: Did you know November 13 1618, 400 years ago, the Synod of Dordt began and didn’t conclude until nearly 6 months and 154 meetings later?! Are you familiar with the preceding history that led to this lengthy meeting? Do you know the week by week events that happened during the Great Synod? Follow that history and join the blog at Dordt400.org to view the weekly events  Synod of Dordt. Stay up to speed in light of Seminary's conference April 25-27 2019.

    Dordt 400 Writing contest:  The conference also includes a writing contest with great prizes!  The deadline for submission was January 15. The committee will now be reviewing and judging the essays.

Logo BEREAN 1
*Logo of the Berean PRC in the Philippines, one the PRCA's "sisters"

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS:

  • *Concerning our newest sister, the PRC in the Philippines, we may note the following from the bulletins of the Berean PRC, Bulacan PRC, and Maranatha PRC:
    • Berean PRC: Concerning the special PRCA delegation coming this week:

      "The annual delegation from the PRCA, Revs. Engelsma, Decker, will arrive this Friday, D.V. Rev. Josh Engelsma will represent Doon PRC and the Foreign Mission Committee (FMC). Rev. Nate Decker will represent the Contact Committee (CC).

      The delegation will accompany Rev. Holstege to Guiguinto Bulacan next Sunday the Lord willing. Rev. Josh Engelsma is scheduled to preach for us on the 24th of February in our 1st worship service, D.V.

      The delegation is also scheduled to visit the saints in Albuera, Leyte on February 18-20, D.V. They will be accompanied by Revs. Flores, Holstege and Elder Eric Mescallādo. We pray for God’s blessings and traveling mercies in their labors and travels."

    • Maranatha PRC: "Our Missionary, Rev. R. Smit will lead us in both services. He will teach the Belgic Confession Article 18: The Incarnation of Jesus Christ (Part 3). D.V. Rev. L. Trinidad will teach the children, the Catechism after the second Service."

    • The PRCP Classis will have their regular meeting on February 25, 2019 at 9:00 in the morning at Maranatha PRC, Valenzuela City.

    • Rev. Daniel & Sharon Kleyn are currently taking an extended furlough in the U.S. (until June 18). Per the decision of the PRC Synod of 2018, "the purpose of the furlough is to give Rev. Kleyn time to take some courses with a view to obtaining an advanced degree, to prepare classes to be taught in the PRCP [Philippines] seminary in the future, and to give both Rev. & Sharon opportunity to be refreshed and to reconnect with family."

    • And for more on the life and work of our "sisters" in the Far East read the news under Philippine missions (bulletins).

  • Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, we may note the following items from her bulletin today (Feb.10):
    • Grandville PRC will be calling today from the new trio for minister-on-loan to Covenant ERC in Singapore: Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon, IA), Rev. G. Eriks (Hudsonville), and Rev. C. Haak (Georgetown). *UPDATE: Rev. C. Haak has received this call.

    • "This Sunday is the last Sunday Rev Spriensma will be bringing God’s word to us. We thank God for his faithful labours in our midst. Rev and Alva Spriensma will be leaving us on 12 Feb, Tuesday...."

    • And then a note concerning her next supply: "The Lord willing, Rev Stephan Regnerus will be arriving this Friday, 15 Feb at 8.15pm. We welcome him to our pulpit."

    • Her latest newsletter (DECEMBER 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 (November 2018 - cf. image above). Check that out on this page.
  • *Concerning our sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC, we may note the following:
    • This special note was found in Limerick's bulletin (Feb.10): "Rev. and Mary Stewart are in the USA to attend the funeral of Mary’s mother, Mrs Ruth Hanko, who died, aged 85, on Friday morning. In the absence of the Stewarts the elders of the CPRC will be leading the worship services in Ballymena today with DVD sermons. The Stewarts plan to arrive back in Ireland on Saturday morning, and will be in Limerick next Sunday, while the McGeowns will be in Ballymena, where Rev McGeown will lead the worship services for the CPRC. Let us remember to pray for the Stewart and Hanko families in their grief at this time."
    • Covenant PRC's latest newsletter was received and posted (December 2018).
    • Read the latest issue of Covenant Reformed News! That issue (November 2018) may be found here.
  • 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 also.

Faith Practice SKey
Are you interested in learning more about
the PRCA? Use this free booklet to get acquainted with our doctrines and practices.

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. Looking for items on salvation by grace alone in Christ alone? Visit this page for more information.

  • Would you like to read good Reformed literature and a solid Reformed and biblical magazine? 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 West Michigan, be sure to visit the Reformed Book Outlet in downtown Hudsonville, MI! The RBO is a great source for Bibles, Bible study materials, music, cards, RFPA books, and other Reformed literature; stop at the RBO, or visit their website.

  • You can now listen to the Heidelberg Catechism and the Belgic Confession on audio! Visiit the links provided to hear the Catechism and the Confession read. It's another excellent way to learn the Reformed faith and memorize these Reformed creeds.

RWH logo 1

 PRCP Youth camp April 2019 2
*Notice of the upcoming Youth Camp for the young people in the PRC, Philippines.

ESPECIALLY FOR PRC Young People and Young Adults:

  • NEWS about the 2019 PRYP's Convention: Southwest & Providence Protestant Reformed Churches will be hosting the 2019 PRC Young People's Convention on August 12-16, the Lord willing.  The convention will be held at Michindoh Conference Center in Hillsdale, MI.  Registration for chaperones is now open!  Please visit our website at prcconvention.com to register.

  • Lynden PRC Young Adults Retreat updates: A reminder that registration for our retreat will be opening in February! Instructions on how to register will be announced in the bulletins as well as posted to our Facebook Page - Lynden PRC Young Adults Retreat 2019. If you haven’t already, request an invite to see the page and invite your friends as well! As previously announced, our retreat will take place at Mt. Baker Bibleway Camp during July 1-5, 2019. Our speakers for the retreat will be Prof. Gritters and Reverend Regnerus. Our retreat theme is An Unchanging God In an Ever-Changing World. Come join us for a wonderful retreat in beautiful Northwest Washington!

  • A matter for our young people to consider prayerfully. From the Federation of PR School Societies: “There is a significant need for more good Christian teachers for our beloved schools. This is true in light of increasing enrollment, recently established and emerging schools, and continual teacher retirements. We ask that this need be prayed for and supplication made that the young men and women of your congregation be led by God to enter into the vocation of a Christian school teacher. This…is intended to bring the serious need for teachers to your attention so this specific request can be brought to our heavenly Father and the need made known directly to your congregation.”

  • *Special notice: Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2019 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essays must be submitted by May 31st.

  • Are YOU a subscriber to the PR Young People's magazine, the Beacon Lights? Visit the website and learn how to become one!

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

GrtCommissionMap

PRC MISSION NEWS:

Domestic Labors:

  • Remember in prayer our home missionary, Rev. A. Spriensma, who continues to labor in the West Michigan area and beyond through Byron Center PRC, the calling church. He and his wife are completing four Sundays' in Singapore serving our sister church there, Covenant ERC, and will return to the States this week.

United Kingdom:

ProvidentCC Oct 2018
*Worship service in Provident PRC, led by Missionary-pastor D. Holstege.

Philippine Missions:

  • The last Philippines mission newsletter was received and posted back in October 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 bulletin of Provident Christian Church in Marikina we find the following notes concerning their pastors as well as concerning our missionaries and their labors today and in this coming week:

    • Rev. Holstege will preach twice and teach the Essentials class today. Next Sunday, Rev. Smit will preach for PCC and Rev. Holstege for the Bearers of Light in Guiguinto, D.V.

    • The annual delegation from the PRCA will arrive this Friday, D.V. Rev. Josh Engelsma will represent Doon PRC and the Foreign Mission Committee (FMC). Rev. Nate Decker will represent the Contact Committee (CC). They are scheduled to accompany Rev. Holstege to Guiguinto next Sunday. Rev. Engelsma is scheduled to preach for PCC in the second service on Feb. 24. May God grant them safety in their travels. 

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.

Myanmar:

  • Let us also remember Hope PRC's (Grand Rapids, MI) support of and involvement with Rev. Titus' work in Myanmar; for his latest report, visit this page.
  • The delegation to Myanmar (Rev. Overway and Richard Peterson of the Myanmar committee, accompanied by Cal and Seth Kalsbeek and John Van Baren) recently returned after another profitable mission (Jan. 2019).
Last modified on 11 February 2019