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PRC and Sister-Church News for the Week of July 8, 2018

James 1 6On this twenty-seventh Lord's Day of 2018, July 8, we note the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, mission fields, and sister churches.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

  • Pay attention today to this announcement in First PRC-Holland (MI)'s bulletin, especially if you missed the Philippine mission presentation in Grace PRC last month: "The Council has invited our former pastor, Rev. D. Holstege, to give a presentation on his work in the Philippines in our church this week Sunday, July 8, after the evening worship service. A time of fellowship will follow. All are welcome!"


  • Last week we pointed out this significant event from Trinity PRC's (Hudsonville, MI) bulletin: "The congregation is invited to a dedication program for the new addition on the evening of Tuesday, July 10. At 6:30 pm the cornerstone will be set for those who would like to watch. The program will begin at 7:00pm in the new sanctuary. Refreshments will be served immediately following the program at approximately 8:00pm in the old sanctuary." The congregation hopes to worship in her new sanctuary next Sunday, July 15.

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

  • Synod 2018: The PRC Synod completed its work for now on Thursday June 21 - it will reconvene on August 28 for a special examination. Summary reports on the decisions reached may be found under the News section of the PRC website.

  • Classis East will reconvene at Faith PRC on Wednesday, July 18.

  • 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.

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  • PRC Seminary News:

    • The internships of Seminarians Matt Kortus and Jacob Maatman officially began July 1. Sem. Kortus will be interning at Trinity PRC under Rev. N. Decker and his Council. 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 Spring 2018 issue of the PRT Journal is now back from the printers and has been mailed out. If you would like to receive a print copy and are not on our mailing list, contact the seminary. The pdf version is also still available for free download. Visit this page to find out the contents and begin reading.

    • 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.

    • The seminary is 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 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.

 EPC Winnaleah church outside
Winnaleah Evangelical Presbyterian Church (Australia), where Rev. C. Conners is pastor (see note below)

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS

  • 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 Prof. R. Dykstra and his wife arrive in mid-July.

    • Her latest newsletter (JUNE 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 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 (June 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.).
  • 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.

 
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Are YOU a subscriber to the PR Young People's magazine, the Beacon Lights? Visit the website and find out why you ought to be.

SPECIAL NOTICES:

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

PRYP Convention logo 2018

  • 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!
    • *NEW NOTE! URGENT NEED OF MALE 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.

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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 Pure in Heart" based on Matt.5:8.

  • 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.

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Missionary-pastor D. Holstege giving his Philippines mission presentation in First PRC, Holland, MI (July 8)

 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 (July 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:
      • Rev. L. Trinidad (the pastor of the Maranatha PRC in Valenzuela) will preach for us today. We warmly welcome him to our pulpit and into our fellowship.

      • Our weekly Bible study will be held this coming Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m., the Lord willing. We are studying the Declaration of Principles of the Protestant Reformed Churches. You are all welcomed and encouraged to attend.

      • The Holsteges are in Grand Rapids, Michigan today. They are scheduled to return to the Philippines in about two weeks, the Lord willing. May God continue to bless them during their furlough and travels.

         

    • Maranatha PRC:
      • Our Missionary, Rev. D. Kleyn will lead our first and our second services. He will continue the Articles #10 & 11 of the Belgic Confession.

      • Rev. L. Trinidad is scheduled to preach at the Provident Christian Church, Marikina City.

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.
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Last modified on 08 July 2018