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Reformed News Asia - September 2017 (Issue 43)
- Published in Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church of Singapore
All News
Reformed Witness Hour Messages for October 2017
- Published in First PRC Grand Rapids, MI
First PRC of Grand Rapids, MI and the Reformed Witness Hour Committee announce the messages scheduled for October 2017 on the RWH radio program.
Rev. Bill Bruinsma, pastor of Pittsburgh PRC (Pennsylvania) begins his four-month service for the RWH program, as he starts a new series on Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians (cf. schedule of messages below).
October 1 - Thanks for the Church, I Thess.1:1-4
October 8 - Followers of the Lord, I Thess.1:6-8
October 15 - Entrusted with the Gospel, I Thess.2:3-4
October 22 - Receiving the Word of God, I Thess. 2:13
October 29 - God's Saints: The Crown of Rejoicing, I Thess.2:19-20
You are encouraged to listen to these important messages and to let others know about them too. Help spread the word about the Reformed Witness Hour, now in its 76th year of broadcasting the truths of God's sovereign, particular, efficacious grace!
Use the attached flyer (pdf) to spread the news of these important gospel messages!
PO Box 1230, Grand Rapids MI, 49501 | www.reformedwitnesshour.org | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Meeting of Classis West - September 27, 2017 *(Updated)
Classis West met on Wednesday, September 27, 2017, in Hull, IA PRC.
Rev. Nathan Langerak (Crete PRC) served as chair, and Rev. John Marcus (First, Edmonton PRC) as clerk.
The newly appointed Stated Clerk of Classis West, Rev. Josh Engelsma, has now completed his first official public report, which now follows, along with some pictures sent in from various observers.
Report of Classis West
While Classis West did not officially convene until Wednesday, September 27, two noteworthy events took place the day before.
First, an officebearers' conference was held in Hull PRC. In connection with the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, the conference was entitled "The Five Solas and How They Matter for the Ministry." Rev. C. Griess spoke on "Scripture Alone," Rev. A. Brummel on "Faith Alone," Rev. E. Guichelaar on "Grace Alone," Rev. R. Barnhill on "Christ Alone," and Rev. B. Huizinga on "God's Glory Alone." The speeches were a great encouragement to all assembled. If you weren't able to attend the conference but would like to hear the speeches, go to Covenant of Grace PRC's page on sermonaudio.com
Second, on Tuesday night the delegates of Classis assembled with the congregation of Hull PRC to hear the specimen sermon of Pastor-elect Matthew De Boer, who had accepted the call to serve as pastor of Edgerton PRC. Mr. De Boer preached on Psalm 91:1-2 and gave evidence of his abilities to feed God's sheep.
The following morning Classis convened to hear the oral examination of Mr. De Boer. He was examined in the six sections of Reformed doctrine, knowledge of Scripture, knowledge of the confessions, controversy, and practica. Classis West, with the concurrence of the synodical deputies from Classis East, unanimously approved his examination and advised Edgerton PRC to ordain him to the ministry. Edgerton intends to do this at a special worship service on September 29.
The following morning Classis convened to hear the oral examination of Mr. De Boer. He was examined in the six sections of Reformed doctrine, knowledge of Scripture, knowledge of the confessions, controversy, and practica. Classis West, with the concurrence of the synodical deputies from Classis East, unanimously approved his examination and advised Edgerton PRC to ordain him to the ministry. Edgerton intends to do this at a special worship service on September 29.
Classis also approved the request of Lynden PRC for the emeritation of her pastor, Rev. Ron Hanko. His emeritation will be effective on October 15, and he and his wife plan to move to Spokane, WA to be closer to their son, Neal. Classis expressed its deep appreciation to Rev. Hanko for his 38 years of faithful service in our churches and on the mission field.
In other matters, Classis advised a consistory to increase the censure on an impenitent member. Increased subsidy for one of our churches was approved. The following schedule of classical appointments for Immanuel (Lacombe) PRC was approved: Nov. 5 and 12 – Rev. Brummel; Nov. 19 and 26 – Rev. De Boer; Dec. 3 and 10 – Rev. Griess; Dec. 31, Jan. 1, and Jan. 7 – Rev. Engelsma; Jan. 21 and 28 – Rev. Langerak; Feb. 11 and 18 – Rev. Key; March 4 and 11 – Rev. Huizinga; March 18 and 25 – Rev. Guichelaar.
With his accepting of the call to serve as professor in our seminary, Rev. Doug Kuiper tendered his resignation as stated clerk of Classis West, a service he has performed for almost 10 years. Rev. Joshua Engelsma was appointed to replace him.
The expenses of Classis totaled $8,433.31. The next regular meeting of Classis is scheduled for March 7, 2018 in Loveland PRC.
Rev. Joshua Engelsma
Stated Clerk, Classis West
Stated Clerk, Classis West
The highlight of the day was the examination of Pastor-elect Matt DeBoer (Edgerton, MN PRC). After careful examination in all branches of theology and the main subjects of practical theology (cf. picture above).
Classis West voted unanimously to approve the brother for ordination into the ministry of the Word and sacraments in the PRC, and informed the Council of Edgerton PRC that she may proceed to his ordination and installation. That will take place Friday evening, Sept.29, at 7 pm (CT) in Edgerton PRC.
We rejoice with Pastor-elect DeBoer and his wife and their families and thank God for His sustaining grace evident during the examination.
Pastor-elect Matt De Boer (with wife Kelsey) receiving his classical diploma from Rev. N. Langerak
Some of the (young) audience in attendance at Classis (local Christian school children).
On Tuesday, Sept.26 an Officebearers' Conference on the Five Solas of the Reformation was held, also in Hull PRC (cf. flyer below). If you would like to listen to the speeches on each of the solas, visit this special Sermonaudio link.
Limerick Reformed Fellowship Newsletter - September 2017
Limerick Reformed Fellowship
Rev. Martyn McGeown, missionary
38 Abbeyvale, Corbally Co. Limerick, Ireland
http://www.limerickreformed.com/
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Dear saints in the Protestant Reformed Churches,
The new “church season” has started in Limerick. On September 12, something momentous occurred, the first ever catechism class for a second-generation member of the LRF! Sebastian Kuhs, the first child that I baptized (March 23, 2012), is now old enough for catechism, for he is now six years old. So that he is not in a class by himself, we are also including Jason Watterson, the second child that I baptized (December 23, 2012), who is joining him, although he is not quite as old as his fellow catechumen (he will be five years old in November, DV). Since both children are homeschooled, which also began this year, I teach catechism on Tuesday morning at the Kuhs’ house. This is a very exciting time, to see the covenant youth ready for formal catechetical instruction.
Two first-time catechumens:
Jason Watterson (left), Sebastian Kuhs (right) with Rev. M. McGeown
In addition, Chester and Dale Mansona are in a pre-confession class on Saturday mornings. We are currently studying the Belgic Confession. (Because they come from a Baptist background in the Philippines, they were never baptized as children, so we hope to have baptism at some point, DV). On top of that, due to the wonders of modern technology, I am catechizing my nieces via the internet: Anna is studying Old Testament History for Juniors, while Lily and Hope are studying Old Testament History for Beginners. We are currently on Lesson 3.
We enjoyed many exciting activities in the period between June and September. First, on June 18, I baptized Jonas Watterson and preached on “Foolishness Bound in the Hearts of Our Children” (Prov. 22:15). Second, we finished family visitation, using the text of Proverbs 23:23, “Buying and Not Selling the Truth.” Third, near the end of July, Alana Schipper (Southwest PRC) and Rev. Heath and Deb Bleyenberg (Providence PRC) were in Limerick. It was good to spend a few days visiting some of the sights of Ireland with them before I headed to the USA for my annual vacation. Rev. Bleyenberg preached for the LRF on July 30. Fourth, from August 1-17, I was in the USA, during which time I attended the Young People’s Convention (my prowess at turkey-hunting was placed on public display by the Turtle Cammandos! If you do not understand the reference, ask Holland’s YPC banquet committee), spent some time with (some of) Larisa DeJong’s family, preached four times in three different congregations, and caught up with many friends in the faith. As usual, I thank you for your fellowship, your hospitality, and your interest in, and prayers for, the work of the LRF!
Rev. McGeown with Rev. Heath and Deb Bleyenberg and Alana Schipper at Blarney Castle, Cork
I have started a new series from the book of Acts, “The Coming of the Holy Spirit of Christ.” So far, I have preached on Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-3; and Acts 2:4-13. This week, we begin to study Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost. We also had a “Back to Basics” lecture on “The Christian Church” last Saturday (September 23). Our Muslim friend Saeed still attends these lectures, which are designed to be introductory to the Reformed faith. (Speaking of lectures, the last lecture I gave in Wales on July 6 attracted only 4 people. Since the topic was “Christian Humility,” I suppose that was humbling. It was, however, nice to spend the day with the Harris family whose son Joshua was also at the Young People’s Convention, his third, I believe).
In our Bible study, we are edging ever closer to the end of Romans. (We are currently near the end of chapter 15). By the next newsletter, DV, we will have chosen a new book to study. We have also nearly fin-ished Daniel with the Mansona family. (At our next meeting, we plan to study chapter 12).
I am planning another visit to the USA soon (October 24 to November 8). The seminary has asked me to speak at the upcoming conference on the Reformation. My speech, “The Reformation’s Recovery of Right Worship,” is scheduled for Saturday October 28 in Faith PRC. A week later, DV, I will give the speech at a mini-conference (Rev. Key, Prof. Cammenga, and I will speak) in Loveland PRC in Colorado. Since I have never been to Colorado before, and since three of Larisa’s brothers live in Colorado and are members of Loveland PRC, Larisa and I are greatly looking for-ward to visiting Loveland (November 1-7).
Do honor the conferences in Michigan (October 27-28) and/or Colorado (November 3-4) with your presence.
In Christian love,
Rev. Martyn McGeown
PRC Weekly Congregational and Denominational News - September 24, 2017
- Published in News
On this final Lord's Day of September 2017 (Sept. 24) we note the following news and information from PRC congregations, denominational committees, and mission fields.
CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:
- The Council of Byron Center PRC has formed a new trio from which to call a pastor: Revs G. Eriks (Hudsonville PRC), C. Griess (Calvary PRC, Hull IA) and A. Lanning (CERC, Singapore). A congregational meeting will be held on October 1 after the evening service to call one of these men.
- On Sept.10 Cand. S. Regnerus received the call from the congregation of Southwest PRC (Wyoming, MI). He has up to six weeks to consider this call.
- Cand. Brian Feenstra is considering the call from Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB) (Received Sept.3).
- On August 27 Candidate Justin Smidstra ACCEPTED the call from First PRC of Holland MI, declining the call from Southwest PRC. He will be examined, D.V., at a special meeting of Classis East in Georgetown PRC on October 18.
- On August 27 Candidate Matt DeBoer ACCEPTED the call from Edgerton PRC. He will be examined at the meeting of Classis West in Hull, IA this week (cf. below).
- On August 13 Candidate Joe Holstege ACCEPTED the call to Zion PRC. He will be examined, D.V., at a special meeting of Classis East in Georgetown PRC on October 18.
- Candidates Jon Langerak and David Noorman are both assisting pastors and congregations in the Grand Rapids area (Georgetown PRC and Hudsonville PRC, respectively) while they wait for calls.
DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:
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The installation of Rev. Doug Kuiper as professor of church history took place this past Wednesday, September 20, at Faith PRC in Jenison, MI. For more on this significant event, visit this page.
- CLASSIS WEST: Classis West will meet this Wednesday, September 27, in Hull (IA) PRC, with the agenda involving the examination of Pastor-elect Matthew De Boer among other busniess.
- Pastor-elect Matthew De Boer will be leading a worship service at Hull PRC Tuesday, September 26, at 7:00 p.m. as part of his Classical Examination.
- A Classis West Conference on The Five Solas and How They Matter for the Ministry will be held at Hull PRC on Tuesday, September 26 starting at 9:00 a.m. Lunch will be served with a free-will offering. All are invited to attend. *[cf. attached pdf and flyer image below]
- Classis East met on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at Grandville PRC. For the report, visit this page.
SPECIAL NOTICES:
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Reformed Book Outlet: Through the month of September, we are once again selling selected volumes of the Protestant Reformed Psalm Singing Choir (formerly called "Fitting Praises") for $3.00 each. This includes volumes 3,4,6,8, and 15, and each CD contains different Psalter numbers. These CDs make great gifts, especially for shut-ins, and newly married couples. Call 616-669-6730, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
- A new PRC Psalter app (Android) has been developed by Hope PRC member Jonathan Vermeer. You will find it in the Google Play store at this link. The app includes lyrics and tunes to all of our Psalter #s and links to the Psalms themselves. Plus, it has a special "night mode" setting for use in the dark (as, for example, for campfire singing).
- Don't forget to listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday! Todays' message by radio pastor Rev. C. Haak is "Who is Jesus?", based on Matthew 1:21.
- NEW RWH Station - The Cornerstone PRC Word and Deed committee has partnered with the Reformed Witness Hour to air their messages on the radio in the Chicago area. Beginning today, September 10, the broadcast can be heard every Sunday at 4:00PM on WYLL 1160AM or on the internet at www.1160hope.com. Please tune in and encourage others to do so as opportunity arises in your personal witnessing.
MISSION NEWS:
- On Sept.17 Rev. A. Spriensma was installed as home missionary, having been called by Byron Center PRC.
- On Sept.17 The congregation of Doon PRC voted to call Rev. R. Smit (pastor, First PRC, Grand Rapids, MI) to serve as a third missionary to the Philippines.
Missionary-pastor D. Holstege leading the 7M pastors' meeting (Dec. 2016) - cf. note below.
- From the bulletin of Provident Christian Church in Marikina, the Philippines we find the following notes concerning our missionaries and their labors today and in this coming week:
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Rev. Holstege will preach both sermons today and teach the Church Order from 10:15-10:45. Rev. Kleyn will preach for Maranatha PRC today.
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This Wed, at 7:30 pm, Rev. Holstege will teach the Canons of Dordt, Head 5, Art. 12-13. “This certainty of perseverance…is the real source of humility, filial reverence, true piety, patience in every tribulation, fervent prayers, constancy in suffering and in confessing the truth, and of solid rejoicing in God…”
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This Saturday at 9:00 am, Rev. Kleyn will teach the catechism class for the children. The children should prepare lesson 15 in the OT History for Juniors.
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- And from the bulletin of the Maranatha PRC in Valanzuela City we learn about these special events:
- The 7M pastors’ classes will be held on Tuesday (Sept. 26) at 9:30 a.m. in Provident Village, Marikina City, DV. Both of the standing committees of the Classis plan to hold meetings during the afternoon of this Tuesday, September 26, at Provident Christian Church — Committee #2 at 1:00 p.m., and Committee #1 at 3:30 p.m.
- A delegation of the Contact Committee of the PRCA plans to visit the PRCP in the Philippines (and also the CERC in Singapore) this October and November. The delegation consists of Rev. R. Smit and Elder David Kregel. The visit is part of the sister-church relationship that is being established between the PRCP and the PRCA. The delegation hopes to be in the Philippines from October 26 through November 6, the Lord willing.
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A Reformation Day Conference is being planned for Tuesday, October 31. The theme is “Reformation 500: The Anniversary.” The speakers will be Rev. Holstege, Rev. Kleyn, and Rev. Smit. The conference will be held in Provident Village in Marikina, starting at 8:00 a.m. Registration is Php 50 per person. All are welcome. Please plan to attend, and please invite others to attend, too. A sign-up sheet will be available soon. [cf. flyer below]
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Let's remember these busy pastors and missionaries in the Philippines in our prayers daily. May the Lord of the harvest give them grace for all their labors.
Covenant Reformed News - September 2017
- Published in Covenant PRC Ballymena, Northern Ireland
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