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

On this tenth Lord's Day of 2019, March 10, the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches, and mission fields may be mentioned.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

• Prayer Day services will be held in the PRC congregations this week Wednesday, March 13 (with the exception of a few in West MI which held theirs last month). You are cordially invited to join them in worship at this special service. Check individual websites for details.
  
  
• On March 3 Rev. W. Langerak (SE PRC-GR) received the call from Trinity PRC (Hudsonville, MI).
  
  
• On March 3 Rev. J. Laning (Hull PRC) declined the call from Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB).
  
  
• On Feb.10 Rev. C. Haak (Georgetown PRC) received the call from Grandville PRC to serve as minister-on-loan to Covenant ERC in Singapore. According to Covenant ERC's bulletin today, he plans to answer today. *UPDATE (March 11): Rev. Haak has declined this call.
  
  
• From Byron Center PRC's bulletin today we find this significant item: "There will be an informational meeting to investigate the startup of a daughter congregation on Tuesday, March 12 at 7:00 PM at church. Agendas are available today in the fellowship hall on the table by the mailboxes."

• Southeast PRC (Grand Rapids, MI) is currently worshiping at Adams Christian School in Wyoming, MI, while she looks for a new location for the congregation.

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

Classis West: Classis West of the PRC met this past week (March 6) in Heritage PRC (Sioux Falls, SD). Below is a partial report of the proceedings by the Stated Clerk, Rev. J. Engelsma.

Classis West of the Protestant Reformed Churches met on March 6-7, 2019, in Heritage PRC (Sioux Falls, SD). This small congregation did a fine job of hosting the delegates over two full days. The meeting was capably chaired by Rev. Stephan Regnerus, who was serving in this capacity for the first time in his ministry.

After opening devotions and the constituting of Classis, routine reports of the stated clerk, classical committee, and reading sermon committee were read and approved. The church visitors also reported on their work over the last year and the presence of unity, peace, and love prevailing in the churches.

Over the course of the two days, Classis dealt with two appeals of members against the decisions of their respective consistories.

In other matters, Classis made the following schedule to supply the pulpit of the vacant Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB): Rev. Marcus (May 26 and June 2), Rev. Regnerus (June 16 and 23), Rev. J. Langerak (August 18 and 25), Rev. R. Kleyn (September 8 and 15), Rev. Guichelaar (September 29 and October 6), and Rev. N. Langerak (October 20 and 27).

Classis approved the subsidy requests for 2020 for three churches and forwarded them on to Synod for its approval. Worthy of note is the fact that two congregations who have requested subsidy in the past (Heritage PRC and Lynden PRC) are not in need of subsidy for 2020.

Classis also voted for various classical functionaries. Rev. Engelsma was appointed to a three-year term on the Classical Committee. Rev. Lee was appointed to a three-year term as a primus synodical deputy, and Rev. Guichelaar was appointed to a three-year term as a secundus synodical deputy. Classis appointed Revs. Hanko, Key, R. Kleyn, and Laning as church visitors, with Revs. Brummel and T. Miersma as alternates.

Ministers delegated to Synod 2019 were Revs. Brummel, Huizinga, Key, R. Kleyn, and Laning. Alternates are Revs. Barnhill, Engelsma, Guichelaar, N. Langerak, and Lee. Elders delegated to Synod 2019 were Brian Gritters (Hull), Hilgard Goosen (Immanuel), Alan Meurer (Bethel), Don Terpstra (Peace), and Bert Wories (Crete). Alternates are Duane Bruinsma (Crete), Todd DeMeester (Hope), Glenn Feenstra (Hope), David Griess (Loveland), and Eric Ophoff (Crete).

The expenses of this meeting totaled $10,457.11.

Classis will meet next in Calvary PRC on September 25, 2019, the Lord willing

PRC Seminary News:

• The seminary has now completed seven weeks of the second semester. Mid-term exams will be taken in some of the classes this week. The schedule of courses and calendar of events for this semester may be found on this page. If you would like to visit for a day or a class, call or email the seminary secretary, Sharon Kleyn.

• Did you know that Prof. R. Cammenga prepares a "Monday Notes" each week with a summary of the week's activities and responsibilities (devotions, chapel, Friday lunch)? He always ends it with a profitable quote. Last week's note had this good one:

“Hence, it is perfectly ridiculous to represent works as conditions of salvation, since the ability and disposition to perform good works are blessings which we receive from our Saviour in fulfillment of his office as our Redeemer.  Holiness is a benefit received, and not a price paid; it is our meetness for heaven, not our title to it.”  A bit later, Thornwell grants that it is possible that some use “condition” without intending to teach error, in his words “conveying no dangerous idea.”  Nevertheless, “as an ambiguous word liable to be abused, it should be laid aside by all sound ministers of the gospel.”  And, when “a condition is prescribed…God’s favour ultimately turns upon man’s will.”  (James Henley Thornwell, “Antinomianism,” in The Collected Writings of James Henley Thornwell, vol. 2, pp. 387, 393, and 394.)

• 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!
  
  
• Nothing new was done again last week on the seminary addition project (new archives and offices). But, planning and preparations continue, also for the library renovation part of the project this summer. For the latest updates and pictures, visit this blog post.
  
  
• *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.

• DORDT 400!  APRIL 25-27. TRINITY PRC.  The seminary-sponsored conference celebrating the 400^th anniversary of the Great Synod is approaching!  Please make plans to come to hear important speeches, see displays of 400-year-old artifacts from Dordt, learn the winners of the writing contest, and meet PRC friends coming from at least 10 different countries!  Speakers are our seminary professors; Revs. B. Huizinga and W. Langerak; and Rev. A. Stewart (CPRC NI) and Rev. M. Shand (EPC Australia).   Trinity PRC in Hudsonville is our host.  The conference will be live-streamed via Trinity’s web-site for those unable to attend.  For more, see Dordt400.org.

*For the latest issue from our sister in Singapore, see the news below

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:
  • Rev. Ibe will lead us in our worship services today.
  • Our pastor is also scheduled to preach at Kerusso Community church today at 3P.M. and he will lead them in their study of the Church Order at 5:30 P.M. all the Lord willing.
  • The brethren and sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services today via phone patch May God bless the preaching of the Word in their hearts as they hear and receive it!
    
    
• Maranatha PRC:
  

  • "Rev. Smit, our missionary, will lead us in both services. After the second service he will continue teaching the Belgic Confession Lesson Article 19.

  • A scheduled conference on the Synod of Dordt that the Protestant Reformed Theological School is sponsoring in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of that Great Synod will be held at Trinity PRC in Hudsonville, MI from April 25-27, 2019, the Lord willing. Because of a generous donation they have received from an individual for this cause, they are able to offer to pay for two ministers from our churches to attend. One or two men can attend, so that they can arrange the necessary accommodations for them while they are staying in the States for the conference. The PRCP Contact Committee has decided that Revs. Flores and Ibe will be attending the conference with an alternate Rev. L. Trinidad, the Lord willing. Let us pray that the US Government Embassy in Manila will issue their visas."
    
    
• 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 (March 10):
  • "We thank God for the safe arrival of Rev Heath Bleyenberg this past Thursday and the Lord's goodness to us in continuing to supply ministers for our pulpit in our vacancy. Mrs Bleyenberg will be here the last week of March, God willing. We look forward to getting to know one another in the weeks ahead and pray the Lord will use this opportunity to strengthen our sister-church relationship with the PRCA. Let us also continue to remember Rev Haak in our prayers, as he answers the call extended to him to be our MOL in his church later this evening (morning in the US). The Session will keep the congregation updated on his answer once we receive news from the Grandville PRC Consistory. By God's grace, we continue to pray, "not our will Lord, but Thine, be done." May the Lord give us contentment in His perfect will for us."
    
    
  • *UPDATE (March 11): Rev. Haak has declined this call.
    
    
  • Her latest newsletter (February 2019) - Reformed News Asia - was posted recently posted and may be found on this page.
    
    
  • The latest young peoples' magazine, Salt Shakers  is out (November 2018). Check that out on this page.

• Concerning our sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC, we may note the following:
  

  • Note this upcoming event:  "S. Wales Lecture: Rev. Stewart will speak on “The Canons of Dordt: The Original Five Points of Calvinism” in Margam Community Centre on Thursday, 21 March."

  • Covenant PRC's latest newsletter was received and posted (December 2018).
    
    
  • Read the latest issue of Covenant Reformed News! That issue (February 2019) can 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.

Are you receiving and reading the Standard Bearer? Visit the homepage to find out more!

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 the Christian life? 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, the Belgic Confession, and the Canons of Dordt on audio! Visit the links provided to hear the Catechism, the Confession, and the Canons read by Elijah Roberts, one of our pre-seminary students. It's another excellent way to learn the Reformed faith and memorize these Reformed creeds.

• Remember to listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday (on a radio station near you or on Sermonaudio wherever you are)! Today Rev. R. Kleyn (pastor of Covenant of Grace PRC) brings the message "Love Does Not Act Inappropriately," based on 1 Cor.13:5 (which you may listen to at this link).
  
  
• 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!

 
*Learn about the upcoming Georgetown PRC Young Men's Conference below

ESPECIALLY FOR PRC Young People and Young Adults:

• *Young Men's Conference: Young men ages 14–25 (High School and College), please plan to attend the GPRC Young Men’s Conference, "Run, Fight, Lead!” on Saturday morning, April 27 from 8am-12pm, at Georgetown PRC. Breakfast Included! Register Today! For more details and to register please visit www.georgetownprc.org/runfightlead.
  
  
• 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: Our registration opened Monday, February 25! We will post the link to our Facebook page and plan to post the link in upcoming bulletins. Complete the forms on our website to secure your spot! We plan to cap out at 60 retreaters, so make sure to register early on! If you have any questions about the registration form, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or message us on our Facebook group: Lynden PRC Young Adults Retreat 2019. We look forward to seeing you!
   
• 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.
  

*An aspect of missions/evangelism in Limerick, Ireland (see note below)

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.

United Kingdom:

• Limerick Reformed Fellowship News: *The March 2019 newsletter of the Limerick Reformed Fellowship mission station was received and posted this past week.

Philippine Missions:

• The last Philippines mission newsletter was received and posted back in January 2019 and may be found on this PRC webpage.
  
  
• For more on life and activities in the Philippines from the personal perspective of the missionary's, visit the Kleyn's blog, the Holstege's, and the Smits!
  
  
• From this Sunday's bulletin of Provident Christian Church in Marikina we find the following notes concerning her pastor as well as concerning our missionaries and their labors today and in this coming week:
  • Rev. Holstege will preach both times today. He will continue teaching Lesson 10 in the Essentials of Reformed Doctrine after the first service today.
  • Next Sunday, Lord willing, Rev. Smit will preach for PCC and Rev. Holstege will go to Guiguinto to teach and preach for the Bearers of Light Church.

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.