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News from the PRC and Sister-Churches for the Week of May 19, 2019

Lamentations 3 22On this twentieth Lord's Day of 2019, May 19, the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches, and mission fields may be mentioned.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

  • Last Sunday, May 19, Rev. B. Huizinga (Hope PRC, Redlands, CA) received the call from Southeast PRC (Grand Rapids, MI).

  • Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC, Jenison, MI) continues to consider the call from Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB - received April 28). He plans to answer on May 26.

  • Rev. A. Brummel is in Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB) yet supplying her pulpit. Rev. K. Koole (emeritus) is in Calvary PRC (Hull, IA) supplying her pulpit in Rev. Brummel's absence.

  • The PRC congregations will be having Ascension Day worship services on Thursday, May 30, most at 7 p.m. (Check the website of the congregation nearest you). You are cordially invited to join us in hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ ascended on high and worshiping Him as Lord over all.

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

Randolph FaithCHS 5 2019
*Special guests at the seminary this past week - high school students from Faith CHS in Randolph, WI.
Prof. D. Kuiper led them on a tour of the building, inside and out, since it was their first time here.

PRC Seminary News:

  • The seminary has now completed its second semester, following the week of exams this past week. Our seniors (Matt Kortus and Jacob Maatman) are busy prepping for their synodical exam in mid-June, while our Singaporean students (Josiah Tan and Marcus Wee) will return home this week. The end-of-semester picnic was held Thursday night at the Gritters' home (see group photo on seminary website news section).

  • We extend hearty congratulations to Prof. Douglas Kuiper, who successfully defended his ThM thesis at Calvin Theological Seminary on Monday May 6. His graduation ceremony was held this past Saturday, May 18. We give thanks to God for strengthening him to achieve this goal over the last two years. He will begin his teaching responsibilities this Fall.

  •  *On Thursday morning May 16, the high school students from Faith Christian HS in Randolph, WI made their first visit to the seminary. The students took a tour of the building, sat in on a special presentation on the seminary by Prof. D. Kuiper, and then joined us for coffeetime and donuts. We appreciate the time taken for these visits and pray God uses them to encourage these students to remember the seminary in their prayers.

  • Seminary graduation will take place, the Lord willing, Thursday, June 13, in First church at 7:30 p.m. Prof. R. Dykstra will give the address.
  • 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). This past week the exterior metal work (siding and trim) was completed and more work was done in the offices; the old AC units that were stored inside over the winter were moved and prepped for operation (warm weather is coming!). **Work was begun on relocating the library into the multipurpose room and other areas; Monday the main stacks wiill be moved (see picture below). Visit the seminary news section for pics and more information.

  • *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.

library moving large room 1
**Part of the library furniture moved into the multipurpose room while the main library room is renovated this summer.

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS:

  • Berean PRC:
    • "Rev. Ibe will lead us in our worship services today. Next Sunday they will spend time with the saints in Gabaldon and he will preach for them in their worship service.
    • Today, Elder Alann and Sis. Vicky Peñaverde are visiting with the saints in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija. Elder Alann will lead them in their worship service today. We pray for God’s continued blessings as they hear and receive the proclamation of His Word!
    • Classis of the Protestant Reformed Churches in the Philippines is scheduled to convene on June 12, 2019 at the Berean Protestant Reformed church in Mayamot, Antipolo City at 9:00 A.M., the Lord willing."
  • Maranatha PRC:
    • "Rev. L. Trinidad, our Pastor will lead us in both services. Our Bible study will resume in June, 2019.
    • Let us pray for the progress of the plan for the Seminary that needs to be approved In June Classis. The tentative schedule to start the training is in August, 2019."
  • *Rev. Daniel & Sharon Kleyn are currently on 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:
    • Rev. A. denHartog and his wife are currently serving the congregation on behalf of the PRC Contact Committee.
    • Her latest newsletter (April 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 (April 2019) may be found on this page. 
  • Concerning our sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC, we may note the following:
    • Rev. A. Stewart and Rev. M. McGeown (Limerick Reformed Fellowship) are exchanging pulpits today.

    • Covenant PRC's latest newsletter was received and posted (May 2019).
    • Read the latest issue of Covenant Reformed News! That issue (April 2019) can be found here.
    • Upcoming: S. Wales Lecture: Rev. Stewart will speak on “The Burnt Offering” on Thursday, 6 June at 7:15 PM in Margam Community Centre.
  • *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.
    • Plans are being made for a Dordt400 conference involving EPC and PRC men this summer (July).
    • 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.

DealingwithDepression JKBDJS Page 1
Struggling with dark days and long nights? Are you anxious and "down"? Or know someone who is?
This booklet by a doctor and two pastors who have struggled with depression may help you find the light of hope in God.

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.

RWH Logo 2019

 2019 YP Conv logo
*See the important notes below about registering for this year's PRYP's Convention - chaperones and convenioneers!

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 chaperone registration deadline is fast approaching! If you have been considering being a chaperone at this year's convention this is the week to get your registration in. We still need approximately 15 male chaperones. Please consider giving of your time! We are looking forward to an edifying week with our covenant young people. Registration deadline is Saturday, May 25th.

    • *Young Peoples Convention Update: You can still register on line and have paperwork received by May 31 to avoid a late fee. Any paperwork received after May 31 please include a late fee of $25.00 with your payment. Registration should be done as soon as possible so committees can proceed with their work. Looking forward to seeing you all at the convention in August!

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • Special notice (Don't forget the need is great!): 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 latest young peoples' magazine of Covenant ERC in Singapore, Salt Shakers, was received and posted (April 2019 - cf. image above). Check that out on this page.

revaspriensma
*Missionary-pastor A. Spriensma
(cf. 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. In that connection, BC-PRC's bulletin had this note in it today:

"Missionary Spriensma will be giving a presentation on his work as home missionary to our congregation on June 2 following the evening worship service."

United Kingdom:

  • Limerick Reformed Fellowship News:
    • A regular activity noted in her bulletin: "Bible Study: Tuesday 8 PM in Corbally beginning at 1 Peter 4:9."
    • The March 2019 newsletter of the Limerick Reformed Fellowship mission station was received and posted recently.

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. Smit will preach both times today. Rev. Holstege will preach for the PRC in Bulacan since their pastor, Rev. John Flores, will be at their outreach group in Laguna today. Next Sunday, Lord willing, Rev. Holstege will preach both times at PCC.
    • Revs. Holstege and Smit will go to Negros Occidental this Monday-Tuesday to teach the pastors classes in Sipalay. Let us pray for the Lord’s blessing on the labors, pastors, and churches in that place.

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 we find this special notice: "Pastor Raj left GR on Monday afternoon to spend time in Pella, IA with supporters of the GFH. Today he worships in our Redlands, CA. congregation and gives his slide presentation there tonight. Early this week he visits with friends in Phoenix AZ.and returns home this Thursday. Pray for travelling mercies."

  • And we remember our sister church's work (CERCS) in Kolkata, through Rev. E. Singh. This missionary-pastor recently gave a presentation on his work there at Byron Center PRC (April 28) while here for the seminary's Dordt400 conference.

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. Rev. Titus was also here for the Dordt400 conference.
Last modified on 19 May 2019