On this fifteenth Lord's Day of 2019, April 14, the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches, and mission fields may be mentioned.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

• The PRC congregations will be holding Good Friday services this week Friday, April 19, and you are cordially invited to join us in worship of the Lamb slain for sinners. Most services are at 7 p.m. local time, but check the webpage of the congregation near you for specific times and details. "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing." (Rev.5:12)
  
  
• Rev. W. Langerak (SE PRC-GR) has accepted the call from Trinity PRC (Hudsonville, MI). From Trinity's bulletin today we learn this concerning her new pastor: "Rev. Langerak will be installed as our next pastor on Sunday, May 12 in the morning worship service, Lord willing.  He will preach his inaugural sermon that evening."
  
  
• 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. *UPDATE: Rev. Guichelaar has declined this call. Our prayers continue for Immanuel PRC as she awaits her next pastor.
  
  
• 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 as well as the one to his current congregation. He plans to answer by April 21 (cf. note below under Covenant ERCS).
  
  
• Rev. S. Key (Loveland PRC) is in Lacombe, AB on classical appointment to Immanuel PRC yet today. 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 preached the sermon on the occasion of our congregation’s organization? What was the text? (Answer for last week’s questions: The first elders in Georgetown were: Bob DeYoung, Jay Kuiper, and Ron Schut. Deacons: Mark Dykstra and Bruce Miedema.)
  
  
• Trinity PRC (Hudsonville, MI) had this note in its bulletin today concerning one of her emeritus ministers: "Prof. and Ruth Engelsma are in N. Ireland for the next month.  Prof. is lecturing at a conference put on by our sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Synod of Dordt.  He will give four lectures beginning with two on Saturday, April 13.  He will also preach for the Covenant Protestant Reformed Church four Sundays, April 14 - May 5.  The sermons will be a series on Romans 7, a passage that was fundamental in the controversy between the Reformed churches and Arminianism. May God grant His blessing on the conference, which brings together interested persons from all of Great Britain and from various nations throughout Europe."
  
  
• Grace PRC carried this significant congregational invitation in her bulletin today: "What do you know of the mission field (of our sister-church in Singapore) in Kolkata, India led by Pastor Emmanuel Singh? Pastor Singh is in town to attend the Dordt 400 Conference and will give a presentation at Byron Center the evening of April 28. Our Evangelism Committee is excited to have him give a 45-minute presentation to our Grace congregation immediately after the morning service of April 28.  Refreshments will be served after the presentation."

• 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:

A little April snow fell in West Michigan last week Thursday (as it is today again!).

PRC Seminary News:

• The seminary has now completed eleven weeks of the second semester, with four weeks to go. Besides their daily labors, the professors are busy preparing for the Dordt400 Conference coming up in a week (April 25-27). Students are busy preparing for the second round of practice preaching scheduled for this week (April 15) and next (April 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 part of the interior walls were framed, while more of the metal siding was installed outside. Plans and preparations continue for the library renovation part of the project this summer (starting as soon as the semester is completd!), including how to move the library to other parts of the building during the makeover (a local moving company's expertise is being enlisted).
  
  
• *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.
  
  

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 [Rev. Ibe] is also scheduled to preach at Kerusso Community Church at 3P.M. today and he will lead them in their study of the Church Order Arts. 74-75.
    
  • Today, Elder Alann and Sis. Vicky Peñaverde are visiting with the saints in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija. Elder Alann is scheduled to lead them in their worship service today. 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!"
• Maranatha PRC:
  

  • "Rev. R. Smit, our Missionary will lead us in both services.

  • The Contact Committee 2 of the PRCP and the Office Bearers of the at PCC will continue their meeting on April 15, 2019 at 10:00 in the morning 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 (April 14):
  • "...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. (April 7 bulletin)
    
    
  • The Lord willing, Rev Spronk will give his reply to the MOL call by next Sunday. The considerations for a PRCA minister taking a call to Singapore is very different than those for a call to one of their local churches. Nevertheless, we trust the Lord will lead and guide Rev Spronk in his consideration of this call too, through our prayers and correspondence with him. Pray the Lord will also keep us from becoming weary in waiting upon Him to provide an under-shepherd.
    
    
  • As mentioned last week, Session will be giving a presentation on establishing sister-church relationship with the PRCP [PRC, Philippines] next Sunday, April 21. We urge all members to attend, not only to be updated and informed of this significant development personally, but so that we may all pray about and speak with one another of this matter with greater understanding."
    
    
  • 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 past weekend and continuing into the weeks ahead with more special lectures and sermons (April 13 & 17 & May 1) Covenant PRC sponsored 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.
    
    

  • On 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.

*A new RFPA Newsletter has been produced and published. To read the Winter 2019 issue, visit this link on the RFPA Blog.

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 "Love Bears All Things" based on 1 Cor.13:7 (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!

 
*A Young Calvinists' activity is coming up!

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.
  
  
• *Young Calvinists invites you to "Taste of India" to be held at Georgetown PRC on May 3 @ 6:30PM. Georgetown will be presenting a documentary on the PRC of Vellore, India and Grace Foster Home. Pastor Paul Raj will be there for some Q&A afterwards. Also, there will be a spread of appetizers featuring Indian recipes! This event is for Young People and Young Adults. See you there!
  
  
• 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.
  

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:
  
  •  "Rev. Spriensma preached last Sunday at the New Hope Fellowship in Dorr. This concludes the commitment of the DMC to assist with the pulpit supply needs of this small congregation. If future assistance becomes scheduled, the council will inform the congregation of that plan."

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” on 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. Next Sunday, he will preach and teach for the Bearers of Light Community Church in Guiguinto and Rev. Smit will preach for PCC, D.V.
  • The third meeting between our Council and Committee #2 of the PRCP will be tomorrow, April 15 here at PCC, Lord willing. [Concerning joining the sister-church 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 (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.