On this twenty-fourth Lord's Day of 2019, June 16, the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches, and mission fields may be mentioned.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

• The Council of Southeast PRC (Grand Rapids, MI) has published a new trio from which to call her next pastor: Revs. R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace, Spokane, WA), D. Lee (Bethel, IL), and J. Mahtani (Cornerstone, IN). The congregation plans to vote TODAY. *Update: Rev. R. Kleyn has received this call.
  
  
• From Grandville PRC's bulletin today: "The Council presents the following trio for MOL to Singapore: Rev. G. Eriks (Hudsonville), Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon, IA), Rev. B. Huizinga (Redlands, CA). The congregational meeting to call one of these ministers will be July 11 after the evening service."
  
  
• Rev. S. Regnerus (Lynden, WA PRC) is leading the worship services and preaching for Immanuel PRC's (Lacombe, AB) today and next Sunday.
  
  
• From Calvary PRC's (Hull, IA) bulletin today: "We welcome our home missionary, Rev Spriensma, to our pulpit today and pray God's blessing on the Word preached. Pastor Brummel is preaching for Bethel PRC today.
  The congregation is encouraged to stay after the second service this evening for Rev. Spriensma's presentation entitled “Our Home Missions: Reaching the Nones and the Dones.” Refreshments will be served afterward."
  
  
• From a recent bulletin of Limerick Reformed Fellowship: "Pastor [Rev. M. McGeown] and Larisa leave tomorrow (Monday 27 May) for the USA. They will visit Loveland, CO; Hull, IA; and Grand Rapids, MI (and Pastor will preach in Loveland, Hull, Doon, and Holland PR churches). Pastor will also attend the PRC Synod in Grand Rapids, MI, which begins on Tuesday 11 June. Pastor and Larisa plan to arrive back in Ireland on Friday 21 June. While they are in the USA, Rev. Justin Smidstra (Holland, MI) and Rev. Angus Stewart will supply the pulpit here."

• 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. Today, Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. C. Spronk are preaching for her. Her bulletin today also includes this interesting note: "The long range planning committee continues to look for church buildings in our target area and following up on leads. They are also working to find a house in the area to serve as a parsonage."

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

Senior Retreat: Registration for the Senior Retreat is open. The dates are Sept 17-20 at Gull Lake Ministries (MI). The theme is ‘God’s Care For Us.’ Forms are available at Zion PRC's website. Click on Senior Retreat.

Synod's delegates meeting in First PRC's lower level this past week

PRC Synod 2019:

• Synod met this past week in First PR Church of Grand Rapids, MI.  The daily reports with pictures may be found here.
• Some of the highlights are these:
  • With much humble gratitude to God the 2019 Synod of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America announces that two senior seminarians, Matt Kortus and Jacob Maatman, sustained their synodical examinations and declared them candidates for the ministry of the Word and sacraments. The synod declared them eligible for a call on or after July 13, 2019. Upon receipt of a call they are to have six weeks to consider that call.
  • Synod called Rev. Brian Huizinga to replace Prof. Cammenga as Professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament. Rev. Cory Griess was chosen to be the alternate. May the Lord guide Rev. Huizinga that he may know God's will regarding this call. Let us remember him in our prayers.
  • Delegates from our sister churches were given an opportunity to address synod on behalf of their churches. Deacon Lee Meng Hsien spoke on behalf of the CERCS, Rev. McGeown spoke on behalf of Covenant PRC in Northern Ireland. and Rev. John Flores spoke on behalf of the PRC in the Philippines. These delegates spoke of the work that God was doing in their churches and expressed thanks to God for our sister church relationship. The chairman of synod responded by express to these delegates our thanks to God for them and for the fellowship that we have them.
    Synod expressed to the PRCP and CERCS that the PRCA has no objections to their entering into a sister-church relationship with each other, and expressed to our sister churches our joy and our thankfulness to God for opening the way for this manifestation of the unity and catholicity of the church and our prayer for God’s richest blessings upon this relationship.
• Synod will reconvene Monday morning at 10 a.m.to take up some of the remaining protests and appeals.
  

*Rev. G. Eriks, president of synod, informs the students and their wives and visitors of Sems. M.Kortus and J. Maatman's approval to be candidates for the ministry.

PRC Seminary News:

• The seminary has now entered its spring/summer break. Besides their work at the PRC Synod in June, the faculty will be busy with various trips and speaking engagements.  With the construction project and library renovation continuing, there is still plenty of activity at the seminary (see note below). In addition faculty and staff continue their end-of-semester work and preparing for the new semester in the Fall. The seminary is open daily (M-F) during the summer (except for holidays) and staff is available to assist with any needs.
  
  
• *Our two senior seminarians, Matt Kortus and Jacob Maatman, sustained their synodical examinations this past week at the PRC 2019 Synod and were declared them candidates for the ministry of the Word and sacraments in the PRC. They are eligible for a call on or after July 13, 2019. Seminary commencement was held this past Thursday night in First PRC.

• Synod called Rev. Brian Huizinga to replace Prof. Cammenga as Professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament. Rev. Cory Griess was chosen to be the alternate. May the Lord guide Rev. Huizinga that he may know God's will regarding this call. Let us remember him in our prayers.
  
  

• If you missed the speeches at the seminary's Dordt400 conference, or want to refresh your mind, now's your chance to listen to them! The audio files of the speeches and historical presentations from the conference are now available on Trinity PRC's Sermonaudio channel (the host of the conference). The videos are also now available on the seminary YouTube channel. *If you are interested in CD's or DVD's of the recent Dordt 400 Conference, please send your request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
  
  
• The Spring issue of the PR Theological Journal is at the printer and should be ready in the next few weeks. For back issues, visit the seminary journal page. If you wish to be added to our mailing list, contact the seminary's secretary.

• 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 drywall was hung in the new addition and ceiling demo work was done in the library. Visit the seminary news section for pics and more information.
  
  

*A new member joins the PRC in the Philippines (see note below)

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS:

• 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.
  • From Grandville PRC's bulletin today: "The Council presents the following trio for MOL to Singapore: Rev. G. Eriks (Hudsonville), Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon, IA), Rev. B. Huizinga (Redlands, CA). The congregational meeting to call one of these ministers will be July 11 after the evening service."
  • 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 newest sister, the PRC in the Philippines, we may note the following from the bulletins of the Berean PRC and Maranatha PRC:

• Berean PRC:
  • Rev. V. Ibe, her pastor, leads in worship today.

  • Today, the saints in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija will worship with us via phone patch. 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 approved the request of membership of Provident Christian Church (A Reformed church) last Wednesday. May God richly bless us as we manifest the unity we enjoy and cherish in the Lord Jesus Christ! Also, Classis approved the brother Jeremiah Pascual in his entrance to the Seminary of the PRCP which will begin in August 2019 the Lord willing.

  • Rev. Daniel and Sis. Sharon Kleyn plan to return to the Philippines with Rev. J. Flores this Wednesday, June 19, D.V."

• Maranatha PRC:
  • "Rev. L. Trinidad will lead us in both services.
  • Let us also remember Rev. D. Kleyn and Sharon as they return home on July 19, 2019 from their six months furlough and studies."
  • 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 Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC, we may note the following:
  
  • From her bulletin this week: "We welcome Rev. Justin & Kelly Smidstra from First Holland PRC to our worship services today. Rev. & Mary Stewart are in the Limerick Reformed Fellowship."
  • Covenant PRC's latest newsletter was received and posted (May 2019).
    
  • Read the newest issue of Covenant Reformed News! That issue (May 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.

Have you heard about the release of Volume 2 of Prof. D. Engelsma's commentary on the Belgic Confession? Visit the RFPA website for more information.

With the publication of volume two is completed a Reformed, full-scale, commentary on the Belgic Confession, of which there are only a few in English today. This book is not a summary of the Confession, nor a compilation of sermons loosely based on the Confession, but a commentary. It explains the Confession, article by article, doctrine by doctrine.

Volume two begins with the Confession’s opening article on the doctrine of salvation, continues with the Confession’s lengthy treatment of the doctrine of the church, and concludes with the Confession’s explanation of the doctrine of the last things—eschatology.

Volume two covers Articles 22-37 of the Belgic Confession and includes indexes for both volumes.

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.
  
  
• 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. C. Griess (pastor of First PRC in Grand Rapids, MI) begins a three-month commitment to the program with a special series on the Five Points of Calvinism under the theme "Religion Defended" (which you may listen to at this link).

  • From the Reformed Witness Hour Committee: Have you checked out our newsletters? If you would like to receive them digitally in your emailbox, please sign up for our bimonthly newsletter here: ehttp://epurl.com/gikNsL.

  • A new Spanish edition of the RWH has been produced and may be found on this YouTube channel (PRC Espanol). Look for new messages each week - and help spread the word!

 
*Looking for a rewarding time of spiritual growth and fellowship in beautiful NW Washington? Sign up to attend the Lynden PRC YA Retreat!

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.
  • Chaperone registration is now closed! Thank you for the overwhelming response to our request for chaperones.   The chaperone committee will contact each applicant in the next few weeks. What a wonderful testament of your desire to spend time with our covenant young people!
  • 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 is open. 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.
  
  
• 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.
  

*The officebearers of Provident Christian Church, Marikina, the Philippines (with missionary-pastor D. Holstege in the middle).
An important decision concerning this congregation was made at the PRCP Classis this week (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.
  
  • In that connection, BC-PRC's bulletin had this note in it today: "Missionary Spriensma is leading three worship services today at Calvary PRC and Hull PRC and also giving a mission presentation for the churches in Iowa. Next Sunday he will be preaching at Cornerstone PRC."
  • And that presentation in Calvary PRC next Sunday is noted in her bulletin today: "Calvary PRC, in connection with the Domestic Mission Committee of the PRCA, invites you to attend a special mission presentation by our home missionary, Rev. Aud Spriensma, in our sanctuary on Sunday, June 16, at 7:45 p.m. The title of his presentation is: “Our Home Missions: Reaching the Nones and the Dones.” Refreshments will follow the presentation."
  • The Dorr Bible Study meets this Thursday, June 20 at 7:30 PM. Our discussion will begin at John 6:38. Join us there with your friends and neighbors to study God's Word.

United Kingdom:

• Limerick Reformed Fellowship News:
  • This special notice appeared in a recent bulletin: "Pastor and Larisa leave tomorrow (Monday 27 May) for the USA. They will visit Loveland, CO; Hull, IA; and Grand Rapids, MI (and Pastor will preach in Loveland, Hull, Doon, and Holland PR churches). Pastor will also attend the PRC Synod in Grand Rapids, MI, which begins on Tuesday 11 June. Pastor and Larisa plan to arrive back in Ireland on Friday 21 June. While they are in the USA, Rev. Justin Smidstra (Holland, MI) and Rev. Angus Stewart will supply the pulpit here."

• 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 lead both of our  worship  services today. Rev. Holstege will teach and preach for the Bearers of Light Community Church in Guiguinto, Bulacan today. Next Sunday, he will preach both times for Provident, D.V. Rev. John Flores, is in the States for the PRCA Synod.
  • *Last Wednesday, the PRCP Classis approved our request for membership in the PRCP! We rejoice and thank God for His goodness in guiding us to manifest the oneness of the church by joining the communion of Protestant Reformed Churches with their sister churches throughout the world. May the Lord richly bless us as we dwell together in brotherhood from this time forward with the saints of the PRCP.

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.
• And we remember our sister church's work (Covenant ERC in Singapore) in Kolkata, through Rev. E. Singh.

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.