PRC and Sister-Church News for the Week of June 17, 2018

On this twenty-fourth Lord's Day of 2018, June 17, we note the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, mission fields, and sister churches.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

• From Grace PRC comes this special invitation for TONIGHT: "PHILIPPINES PRESENTATION TONIGHT:  Please join us tonight at 8:00 PM. Grace PRC will host a presentation by Rev. Holstege, missionary to the Philippines. Rev. Holstege will be detailing how a third missionary is affecting the labor in the Philippines, and he will be giving an update on Provident Christian Church and on the establishment of a seminary in Manila. Refreshments to follow.  For those unable to attend, the presentation will also be live-streamed on our website."
  
  
• From Pittsburgh PRC comes this announcement about a special lecture THIS WEEK: "Save the date! On June 22 at 7 pm, we will have a lecture given to us by Rev. N. Decker from our Trinity Protestant Reformed Church. It is entitled “Living Wisely in a Digital Age.”
  
  
• SE (Grand Rapids, MI) PRC's bulletin contains some exciting news relating to their present property and future relocation: "The Council approved the work of the Long-Range Planning Committee arranging the sale of our church building. An offer has been received, and the Council brings several recommendations for consideration of the congregation. The Council calls the congregation to a special congregational meeting TOMORROW, Monday, June 18 at 7:30 PM to treat these recommendations."
  
  
• On May 13 Candidate J. Langerak announced his acceptance of the call he had received from Heritage PRC (Sioux Falls, SD) on April 29. His examination will now take place at the meeting of Classis West on August 29 at Peace PRC (cf. note below under "Denominational News).
  
  
• The Western Young People's Retreat: The Young People from Spokane and Lynden are planning another retreat for 2018 for ages 14-20. The theme of the retreat will be "Communion with God” from Psalm 63. The dates are July 2-5 at Camp Sanders in Tensed, ID, about an hour Southeast of Spokane. We encourage families to come and spend the week (on-site camping and cabins are available). For more information or for a copy of the registration form contact Rev. Rodney Kleyn (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Mr. Fred Hanko (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Registration forms will also be available from your pastor or Young People’s Leader.
  
  
• Reminder from 1st PRC in Edmonton, AB: The dates for the 2018 Family Conference are coming up quickly. We plan to host the conference July 20-22, 2018 D.V. Hear from our speakers: Rev. B. Huizinga, N. Langerak and J. Marcus on the topic of 'Seeking The Lord'. Mark your calendars and finalize your plans to attend what promises to be an edifying time of growth and fellowship with saints from Canada and abroad, as well as an opportunity to see some of the beauty that God has created here in Canada. For more information or to register, please visit our website https://edmontonfamilyconf.wixsite.com/conference2018, or contact Scott Ferguson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., For those that prefer the phone, you can call (780)489-6470.
  
  
• Southeast PRC in Grand Rapids has made a special announcement and request concerning a significant event in her history: "Southeast Protestant Reformed Church (formerly Fourth PRC) will be celebrating 75 years of existence in March of 2019.  A book is being developed to commemorate this event.  If you have memorabilia, pictures, anecdotes, etc. relating to this history and are willing to share, please contact Tim Pipe Sr at 616-890-2545 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.."

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• Synod 2018 notice: The PRC Synod is currently holding its sessions in the gymnasium of Adams Christian School (Byron Center PRC is the calling church). Reports on the work completed so far may be found under the News section of the PRC website. Synod is scheduled to reconvene, D.V., Monday, June 18, 2018 at 1:00 PM (*note the time).
  
  
• Classis West meeting (note date and place changes): At the request of Heritage PRC (and Doon PRC), the Classical Committee of Classis West has changed the date for the next meeting of Classis West to August 29. It had previously been scheduled for September 26. Also, at the request of Heritage PRC, the location also has been changed. Peace PRC will host the August 29 meeting of Classis where Pastor-elect Jonathan Langerak will be examined, while Heritage PRC will host Classis on March 6, 2019, the Lord willing.

• PRC Seminary News:
  
  
  • The Spring 2018 issue of the PRT Journal is at the printers but the pdf version is available. Visit this page to find out the contents and begin reading.
    
    
  • The seminary will be open daily during the summer months, including the library and archives. Staff will be available for assistance with any needs you may have.
    
    
  • Two of our professors have special trips planned this summer: Prof. R. Dykstra will labor in our sister church in Singapore (Covenant ERC) for six weeks and Prof. R. Cammenga will be part of an exploratory mission trip to Mexico with Rev. C. Griess (First PRC, Grand Rapids, MI) and Doner Bartolon, one of our pre-seminary students who comes from the area to be visited.
    
    
  • The upcoming internships of Seminarians Matt Kortus and Jacob Maatman will soon begin. Sem. Kortus will be interning at Trinity PRC under Rev. N. Decker and his Council and Sem. Maatman will intern at Hudsonville PRC under Rev. G. Eriks and his Council. The internship program runs from July 1 to December 31.
    
    
  • The Seminary faculty along with Trinity PRC Evangelism Committee is working on plans for a Spring 2019 conference to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the great Synod of Dordt, 1618-19-2018-19. Look for details on this in the future.
    
    

 
Rev. L. Trinidad addressing the PRC Synod of 2018 as the first official representative of our new sister in the Philippines, the PRCP.

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS

• The PRC now has an official sister-church relationship with the PRC in the Philippines, confirmed at this year's synod! We rejoice in this evidence of the Lord's blessing on the work in the Philippines and of the unity of Christ's church, which He gathers from all nations, tribes, and tongues. May the Lord grant us a mutually edifying and God-honoring relationship.
  
  
• Concerning our sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC, we call attention to the following:
  • Covenant PRC's latest newsletter was received and posted recently (April 2018). And don't forget her other publication - Covenant Reformed News! That latest issue received last week (May 2018) may be found here.
    
    
  • It's not too late to join Reformed believers from around the world at the 2018 British Reformed Fellowship family conference at Hebron Hall in South Wales from Saturday, July 21, to Saturday, July 28. Our speakers, Prof. David Engelsma and Rev. Andy Lanning, will lecture on "The Reformed Family—According to the Word of God." Booking forms are due June 13 and are available at http://brfconference.weebly.com or contact Briana Prins (616-214-2779; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
    
    
• Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, we note the following:
  
  
  • Synod approved the calling of a minister-on-loan to provide a pastor for our sister church in Singapore. Grandville PRC was again appointed the calling church for the calling of the MOL.
    
    
  • Rev. A. den Hartog and his wife Sherry continue to serve the CERC until at least June of this year. Read the "Pastor's Voice" part of her bulletin to learn more.
    
    
  • Her latest newsletter (APRIL 2018) - Reformed News Asia - was recently posted and may be found on this page. Watch for the next issue soon!
    
    
  • The latest young peoples' magazine, Salt Shakers, was received and posted recently (May 2018 - cf. image above). Check that out on this page.
    

• 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 too.

 
*One of the many pamphlets/articles available on the PRC website (cf. note below)

SPECIAL NOTICES:

• The PRC Denominational Directory is now for sale for just $15.00. To order please fill out an order form or by emailing Laura Huizinga @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Directories will be delivered to your church 1-2 weeks after payment is received.
  
  
• *The Psalter App is now available for Android as well as for IOS (Apple) devices. For more info visit: https://psalterapp.weebly.com
  
  
• Looking for Reformed literature and a solid Reformed and biblical magazine to read, including perhaps some graduation gift ideas? 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 will also want to read the RFPA's Spring Newsletter!
  
  
• Are you searching for spiritually edifying music as well as for Bibles and other Reformed literature? Visit the Reformed Book Outlet in downtown Hudsonville, MI or visit their website.
  
  
• *Considering some pamphlets 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.

• The 2018 PRYP's Convention will be held August 13-17, 2018 at Lake Geneva Christian Center in Alexandria, MN. The hosting churches of the Midwest are excited to have you join us for an upbuilding week of fellowship and fun!
  
  • Registration for the 2018 PRYP Convention is now closed! All registrants are reminded to mail their paperwork and payment by May 31. Any paperwork postmarked after May 31 must include the $25 late fee.
  • We still need chaperones for 2018 Young People’s Convention! The convention is planned for August 13-17 at Lake Geneva Christian Center in Alexandria, MN.  To register, go to www.prcconvention.com and follow the instructions under the Chaperone tab.  If you have any questions, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
  • Due to housing limitations in Iowa, the Iowa convention steering committee has asked that the people coming from Michigan be bussed directly to the camp on Monday.  Conventioneers will not be allowed to drive directly to the camp, but must register for a bus. Bussing is lined up to leave from the Grand Rapids area Monday morning around midnight in order to get to the camp in time for registration.  Cost to ride the bus is around $100. To register or for more information contact Chris Dykstra at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    
    

Don't forget to listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday! Today Rev. C. Haak (Georgetown PRC, Hudsonville, MI) continues his series on Jesus' Beatitudes. The title of today's message is "Blessed Are the Meek,"  based on Matt.5:5.

• From the Reformed Witness Hour (RWH) Committee: the RWH has a new, updated website! Please visit reformedwitnesshour.org to watch our introduction video, view pictures and audio from our history, and read and listen to almost 20 years of past radio broadcasts! If you haven’t visited the RWH website recently, now is an excellent time to familiarize yourself with this important radio-internet ministry of the Reformed faith.
  
  
• 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.

 
Delegate picture from the previous meeting of the PRCP Classis. See bulletin note below under Provident CC for a report on the most recent meeting, held this past week.

 MISSION NEWS:

• Remember in prayer our home missionary, Rev. A. Spriensma, who continues to labor in the West Michigan area and beyond.
  
  
• The February/March 2018 newsletter of the Limerick Reformed Fellowship mission station is now posted on this page.
  
  
• Have you read Rev. Titus' most recent report on the work going on in Myanmar (May 2018)? Find that on this page.
  
  
• The latest Philippines mission newsletter was received and recently posted (April 2018) and may be found on this PRC webpage.
  
  
• Don't forget to follow the Kleyn's blog on life and activities in the Philippines. And that also includes the Holstege's one! And the Smits once again too!
  
  
• From this Sunday's bulletins of the Provident Christian Church in Marikina, the Philippines and the Maranatha PRC in Valenzuela we find the following notes concerning their pastors as well as concerning our missionaries and their labors today and in this coming week:
  • Provident CC:

    • We welcome you all to Provident Christian Church this Lord’s Day. Rev. Kleyn will preach for us today and will also lead the class on the Church Order. Next week Rev. Smit is scheduled to preach here in PCC.

    • Rev. Kleyn and Rev. Smit will travel to Sipalay City in Negros Occidental this week to teach the pastors there.

    • The Holsteges arrived safely in the USA this past Monday. During their furlough, Rev. Holstege will be preaching in some of the Protestant Reformed churches and giving presentations of our mission work.

    • Classis of the PRCP met this past Tuesday here in PCC from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Rev. Ibe chaired the meeting. Among other things, Classis treated matters concerning finances, pre-seminary Greek (approving some preparations), theological training (approving constitutions), contact with other churches, budget for a missionary who might be called to labor in the PRFA in Leyte (recommitted), and translation work. A significant decision of Classis was to start working toward establishing a sister church relationship with the Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church in Singapore. Classis expressed its thanks to Provident for the use of the building. Classis’ next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 31, to be hosted by Maranatha PRC.

      • Rev. Holstege and Rev. Trinidad attended the Synod of the PRCA this past week in Michigan. Here are a few highlights from the daily summaries of Synod:

      • Rev. Holstege, one of the missionaries in the Philippines, addressed synod today (Wednesday), expressing his joy and gratitude in laboring as the Lord’s servant in the work of missions in the Philippines. He highlighted some of the recentdevelopments on the field and thanked the synod and churches for their generous and willing supportof the missionaries and their families.

      • With much thanksgiving Synod approved the implementation of sister-church relations with the Protestant Reformed Churches in the Philippines after our other sisters in Singapore and N. Ireland expressed they have no objections to establishing this relationship. After this was approved, Rev. Van Overloop addressed Rev. Trinidad and Rev. Holstege expressing our thanks at what God has given to us in the sister church relationship. Synod sang Psalter #371 and Prof. Gritters offered a prayer of thanksgiving on this happy occasion.

      • When Synod treated the material concerning contact with the PRCP, Rev. L. Trinidad addressed synod. He expressed thanks for the gracious work of the Lord in forming the PRCP. He also expressed great thanks for the missionaries from the PRCA, and for the sister church relationship.

• Maranatha PRC:
  • Today, Rev. R. Smit will lead us in our First and Second services. Next week Rev. D. Kleyn will do so.
    
    
  • [Her bulletin also contained the news about the meeting of the PRCP Classis and of the PRC Synod.]

Let us continue to lift up 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.
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