PRC and Sister-Church News for the Week of April 7, 2019

On this fourteenth Lord's Day of 2019, April 7, the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches, and mission fields may be mentioned.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

• Rev. W. Langerak (SE PRC-GR) has accepted the call from Trinity PRC (Hudsonville, MI).
  
  
• Rev. Erik Guichelaar (Randolph, WI) is considering the call to Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB) [received on March 24]. We pray for him as he considers this call.
  
  
• On March 24 the congregation of Grandville PRC voted to call Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC) to serve as minister-on-loan to Covenant ERC in Singapore. May the Lord provide clear guidance to him as he weighs this call.
  
  
• Rev. S. Key (Loveland PRC) is in Lacombe, AB on classical appointment to Immanuel PRC today and next Sunday. In Immanuel's bulletin today one finds this special note concerning her upcoming Good Friday service: "Good Friday’s service will be held Friday, April 19^th in the evening at 7:30 p.m. This allows us to have Rev. Laning to fill our pulpit for this worship service.  He will be preaching in Edmonton PRC in the morning on Good Friday."
  
  
• Georgetown PRC (Hudsonville, MI) is celebrating her 25th anniversary this year (organized in March of 1994).  In that connection, her bulletin now includes a "trivia" item. Here is this week's, with the answer to last week's: "Who were the first Elders and Deacons to serve in Georgetown? (Answer for last week’s questions: Jenn Moelker (Haveman) was the one individual charter member. Alexa Engelsma was the first child baptized in Georgetown.)"

• 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:

PRC Seminary News:

• The seminary has now completed ten weeks of the second semester, with five weeks to go. This past week was Spring break for the faculty and students. Classes resume Tuesday of this week. Students are busy preparing for the second round of practice preaching scheduled for April 15 and 22.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Work has begun on the Spring 2019 issue of the PRTS Journal. Look for that in upcoming weeks!

• If you have not yet done so, visit 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! The library is also online there (under Resources). If you are looking for a particular book to read or use, or just want to browse, visit the library page.
  
  

• *Work continues on the seminary addition project, both inside and out (new archives and offices) as better spring conditions have arrived. This past week the exterior walls were washed by the masons. Decisions are being made on the shelving and layout of the archive room. Plus, planning and preparations have begun for the library renovation part of the project this summer, including how to move the library to other parts of the building during the makeover.
  
  
• *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.

• Only weeks away now! DORDT 400!  APRIL 25-27. TRINITY PRC, Hudsonville, MI.  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 website for those unable to attend.  For more, see Dordt400.org.

*Covenant PRC in Ballymena, N. Ireland, site of the Dordt400 mini-conference this weekend (cf.note 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. Smit will lead us in our worship services today. Next Sunday, Rev. Ibe will lead us in our worship services, the Lord willing.
  • Our pastor [Rev. Ibe] and family are visiting with the saints in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija today! Our pastor is scheduled to preach for them for two consecutive Sundays (March 31 and April 7, 2019). Pastor Ibe will also be conducting series of Bible Study within the area with the saints there and others who are invited to join them. May God’s grace and blessings rest upon the saints there as they hear God’s Voice speaking to them in the preaching of the Gospel of Christ!
  • Ptr. Flores and Elder Eric Mescallādo are visiting with the saints in Albuera, Leyte today."
• Maranatha PRC:
  

  • "Rev. L. Trinidad, our Pastor will lead us in both services.

  • We temporarily cancel our Bible Study due severe heat because of the effect of “El Nino.

  • The Church Visitation Committee and the Consistory of PRC Bulacan will meet on April 9, 2019 at the PRCB, at San Jose Del Monte City, D.V. We ask your prayer that our Lord will give us wisdom and guidance.

  • The Contact Committee 2 of the PRCP and the Office Bearers of the PCC will continue their meeting on April 15, 2019 at the PCC, Provident Village, Marikina City, D.V."
    
    

• 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):
  • "This morning we welcome Pastor Arie and Mrs Sherry den Hartog back into our midst. We are very grateful and thankful to God for the love and care Pastor and Sherry have for our Church. Pastor will be bringing God’s word on each Lord’s day for the months of April, May and June 2019, DV. He will also be our Camp Speaker in June 2019.
    
    
  • Session would like to call for a prayer meeting this Sunday at 11.30am, in the Sanctuary, to pray specifically for Rev Spronk as he considers the call to be MOL and for the upcoming Good Friday (19 April) Gospel meeting. Pastor den Hartog will be the speaker, D.V.
    
    
  • Session would like to report that the Committee for Contacts with Other Churches of Protestant Reformed Churches of Philippines (PRCP) has written to us to officially establish a sisterly relationship with CERC in Feb 2019 after the visit and
    discussions with our delegation in Dec 2018. Session deliberated in our meeting on 14 Mar 2019 and decided to establish a sisterly relationship with PRCP as both churches manifest unity in doctrine, worship, church polity and life. We have also written to our two other sister Churches, the Protestant Reformed Churches of America (PRCA) and Covenant Protestant Reformed Church of Northern Ireland (CPRCNI), to seek their concurrence. We thank God for this ecclesiastical development between PRCP and CERC. The Lord willingly, Session will make a presentation on PRCP on 21 April 2019."
    
    
  • Her latest newsletter (February 2019) - Reformed News Asia - was posted recently posted and may be found on this page.
    
    
  • *The last issue of the young peoples' magazine, Salt Shakers (February 2019) may be found on this page. 

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

  • *This coming weekend and into next week (April 13 & 17 & May 1) Covenant PRC is sponsoring a Dordt400 mini-conference, featuring Prof. D. Engelsma as speaker. The theme is "The Original Five Points of Calvinism." See this news item for more details.
    
    

  • Last Friday, April 5, Rev. Stewart was interviewed on "Iron Sharpens Iron" radio concerning "The Doctrines of Sovereign Grace in Northern Ireland." If you missed that live interview, you may listen to the podcast at this link.

  • S. Wales Lecture: Rev. McGeown will speak on “The Development of God’s Covenant (5): Jacob” in Margam Community Centre on Thursday, 25 April.
    
    

  • Covenant PRC's latest newsletter was received and posted (December 2018).
    
    
  • Read the latest issue of Covenant Reformed News! That issue (March 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.
  • Byron Center PRC has this note in her bulletin today about a special event in her church: "On Sunday, April 21, Rev. Mark and Susie Shand will be worshipping with us during the morning service, the Lord willing, and giving us a presentation shortly after the worship service. The Shands and their 4 children worshipped with us from July 1997 – July 2000 while Rev. Shand was attending our seminary. ...Rev. Shand will give us a presentation about what his family has been doing since leaving our fellowship and also giving us an outline of the present work of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Australia. Everyone is welcome to attend."
  • The EPCA has this special notice, especially for our young people and young adults: The Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Australia would love to invite any young people and young adults aged 13 and up to their biennial youth camp. This youth camp will be held in Brisbane from the 28th of December 2019 - 3rd January 2020. Rev. Martyn McGeown from the Limerick Reformed Fellowship of the Republic of Ireland will be our guest speaker. This is a great time to meet other young people, fellowship with them and learn about our Saviour. Please contact Megan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a flyer or for additional information.

*Visit the Reformed Book Outlet in downtown Hudsonville (MI) for all your Bible, book and music needs. This month they are featuring a music sale, with 20% off most CD's.

SPECIAL NOTICES:

• If you are in need of some pamphlets and/or articles 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.
  
  
• 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. For the April newsletter, see the attachment to this post.
  
  
• 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. 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 "What Love Rejoices In" based on 1 Cor.13:6 (which you may listen to at this link).
    
    

  • From the Reformed Witness Hour Committee: Did you know that Reformed Witness Hour messages are downloaded each month by saints all over the world—saints living in countries like South Africa, Cambodia, Nigeria, and China? If you would like to stay informed about the reach of our distinctly Reformed radio and internet ministry and about ways you can support our witness, please sign up for our bimonthly newsletter here: ehttp://epurl.com/gikNsL.

  • 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!

 
*Registration for conventioneers has opened (see note below)

ESPECIALLY FOR PRC Young People and Young Adults:

• NEWS about the 2019 PRYP's Convention:
  • Southwest & Providence PRCs are 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.
    
    
  • *The 2019 convention registration is now open for conventioneers!  All information is available on the convention website. Please use this website to complete your registration and all necessary forms that go with it. We are looking forward to a great week of fellowship and fun! Registration for chaperones is now open!  Please visit our website at prcconvention.com to register.
    
    
• Lynden PRC Young Adults Retreat updates: Registration for our 2019 retreat has been opened. Thank you to all that have registered already.  Come join us July 1-5, for a week filled with spiritual encouragement, white water rafting, campfires, hiking and other fun activities with like-minded believers! Check out our website (https://lyndenprcya.wixsite.com/mysite) to register and for more details. We also have a Facebook page (Lynden PRC Young Adults Retreat 2019). Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions you may have. We look forward to hosting all of you in Washington! 
  
  
• Postponed! Georgetown PRC's Young Men's Conference. Watch for a rescheduled date in the future.
  
  
• The EPCA has this special notice, especially for our young people and young adults: The Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Australia would love to invite any young people and young adults aged 13 and up to their biennial youth camp. This youth camp will be held in Brisbane from the 28th of December 2019 - 3rd January 2020. Rev. Martyn McGeown from the Limerick Reformed Fellowship of the Republic of Ireland will be our guest speaker. This is a great time to meet other young people, fellowship with them and learn about our Saviour. Please contact Megan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a flyer or for additional information.
   
• 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 (February 2019 - cf. image above). Check that out on this page.
  

The PR Fellowship in Leyte, Albuera, where Rev. J. Flores and Elder Eric Mescallādo are visiting today.

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. This is the note in today's bulletin:
  
  •  "Our home missionary is leading both of the worship services today at Faith PRC, and also the noon worship service for the New Hope Reformed Fellowship Church of Dorr."

United Kingdom:

• Limerick Reformed Fellowship News:
  • The March 2019 newsletter of the Limerick Reformed Fellowship mission station was received and posted recently.
  • Rev. McGeown discussed his book, Grace and Assurance: The Message of the Canons of Dordt, on “Iron Sharpens Iron Radio” this past week (April 1). If you missed it and wish to listen to the podcast, visit this link.

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 in both services today and next Sunday, Lord willing.
  • The Council of PCC will meet today at 1:30. The third meeting between our Council and Committee #2 of the PRCP will be on April 15 here at PCC, Lord willing. [with a view to joining the PRCP federation]
  • All young men and men in our churches who aspire  to enter the Seminary for the year 2019-2020 must contact Bro. Sonny Umali (clerk of Committee #1) for all your questions regarding the entrance requirements and the items to include in an application. All aspirants must submit their applications to Bro. Sonny on or before but not later than April 26, 2019."

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.

India:

• Let us remember to pray for the Lord's blessing on Georgetown PRC's labor in Vellore, India. From GT-PRC's bulletin today (April 7) we find this special notice: "The Council and India Committee invite you to a Sunday morning lunch with Pastor Paul Raj! When? After the morning service on April 28. Where? Fellowship Hall. Why? Pastor Raj is visiting us in connection with our denomination’s celebration of the 400th anniversary of the Canons of Dordt. Pastor Raj will give a brief review of the PRCV congregation and the Grace Foster Home and answer questions. Circle the date and be sure to attend!" [This is a congregational gathering only.]

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.