News from the PRC and Sister Churches for the Week of December 16, 2018 *(Updated)

On this fiftieth Lord's Day of 2018, December 16, we provide the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, mission fields, and sister churches.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

• On November 25, Grandville PRC voted to call Rev. S. Key (Loveland,CO PRC) to serve as the next minister-on-loan to the Covenant ERC in Singapore. We pray for the Lord's guidance as he weighs this call with the one he has from his current congregation. He plans to answer on or before Dec.23. *UPDATE: On Dec.16 Rev. Key announced his decline of this call.
  
  
• On Dec.2, Rev. W. Langerak (SE PRC-GR) received the call from Immanuel PRC (Labombe, AB) to serve as her next pastor.
  
  
• Last Sunday, Dec.9, Rev. G. Eriks (Hudsonville) received the call from Trinity PRC (Hudsonville, MI).
  

• 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:

 
*Some demolition work was done this past week on the seminary addition to make room for the new wall (see note below)

PRC Seminary News:

• *Work has begun on the seminary addition project that will house the new PRC archives and two offices during the professor transition period in the next few years. For more updates, visit this blog post.
  
  
• Seminary completed the regular class schedule this past week; this week the students will be taking their final exams. Remember them in prayer as they take these exams and finish their semester work (papers). Continue to pray for the professors and staff as they carry on their manifold labors and responsibilities.
  
  
• Prof. R. Cammenga and his wife Rhonda leave this week Wednesday for Singapore for five weeks of service in our sister church, Covenant ERC, on behalf of the PRC Contact Committee.
  
  
• The internships of Seminarians Matt Kortus and Jacob Maatman are rapidly drawing to a close. Sem. Kortus is interning at Trinity PRC under Rev. N. Decker (now pastor at Grandville PRC) and the Council there. Sem. Maatman is interning at Hudsonville PRC under Rev. G. Eriks and his Council. The internship program runs from July 1 to December 31.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Quote of the week from the seminary's "Monday Note": "The aim is never to master the Word, but to be mastered by it."  (D. A. Carson)

• The Seminary faculty along with Trinity PRC Evangelism Committee are busy implementing plans for a Spring 2019 conference to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the great Synod of Dordt, 1618/19 - 2018/19. The following updates are being given:
  
  Dordt 400: Did you know November 13 1618, 400 years ago, the Synod of Dordt began and didn’t conclude until nearly 6 months and 154 meetings later?! Are you familiar with the preceding history that led to this lengthy meeting? Do you know the week by week events that happened during the Great Synod? Follow that history and join the blog at Dordt400.org to view the weekly events  Synod of Dordt. Stay up to speed in light of Seminary's conference April 25-27 2019.

  Dordt 400 Writing contest:  Don’t forget that the conference also includes a writing contest with great prizes!  Sign up and submit your essay by January 15 at the conference website Dordt400.org
  

*This week's bulletin cover of one of our "sisters" in the Philippines; read below about the special visit from the CERC in Singapore.

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS:

• Since June of 2018, the PRC 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. *For more on the congregation in Bulacan, visit this page. And for more on developments between our "sisters," read the next item and the news under Philippine missions (bulletins).

• Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, we may note the following items (From her bulletin of Dec.9):
  • "Elder Leong and Deacon Lee will be making a trip to the Philippines from 15 Dec to 20 Dec 2018 to explore the possibility of having a sister church relationship with the Protestant Reformed Churches in the Philippines (PRCP). They have been mandated by the Session to: 1. Confirm the unity that we have; 2. Discuss CERC’s and PRCP’s current church relationships and plans (if any) in seeking church relationships with other churches; 3. Gain familiarity with each other; and 4. Discuss the process of establishing the sister church relationship."
    
    
  • This week Rev. A. denHartog and his wife will take leave of the saints in CERCS and return to the U.S. In their place will come Prof. R. Cammenga and his wife, who will serve our sister church for the next four Sundays.
    
    
  • Her latest newsletter (OCTOBER 2018) - Reformed News Asia - was recently posted and may be found on this page.
    
    
  • The latest young peoples' magazine, Salt Shakers, was received and posted recently (September 2018 - cf. image above). Check that out on this page.
    

• Concerning our sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC, we may note the following:
  
  • Read the latest issue of Covenant Reformed News! That issue (November 2018) may be found here.
    
  • Covenant PRC's last newsletter was received and posted (August 2018).

• 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.

*A great place for Christmas gifts - cards, music, and books - including for children! (cf. below)

SPECIAL NOTICES:

• *If you are in West Michigan, be sure to visit the Reformed Book Outlet in downtown Hudsonville, MI! If you or a friend are interested in spiritually edifying music, as well as in Bibles (and Bible study materials!)  and other Reformed literature, stop at the RBO, or visit their website. Here is the notice of their December specials: "The Reformed Book Outlet in Hudsonville is having a December sale. Books, Bibles, and Bible covers are 25% off MSRP. We are also going to be open until 8:30 two nights in December, Monday December 10 and Monday December 17. Lastly, we are going to be doing a weekly drawing. Prizes include a book, gift certificate, Bible, and a CD. You must sign up each week."
  
  
• Looking for Reformed literature and a solid Reformed and biblical magazine to read? 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 need of 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. Looking for items on salvation by grace alone in Christ alone? Visit this page for more information.
  
  
• You can now listen to the Heidelberg Catechism and the Belgic Confession on audio! Visiit the links provided to hear the Catechism and the Confession read. It's another excellent way to learn the Reformed faith and memorize these Reformed creeds.

• Don't forget to listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday (on radio station near you or on Sermonaudio wherever you are)! Today Rev. W. Bruinsma (pastor of Pittsburgh PRC) gives a message based on Acts 2:39 - "God's Promise to His Church Confirmed (2)" (which you may listen to at this link)
  
  
• 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 PRC.
  
  
• 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!

ESPECIALLY FOR PRC YP and YA:

• 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.”
  
  
• The Loveland Young Adults Retreat is scheduled for March 18-21 at the YMCA. Registration is now open! To register, go to lovelandprcretreat.org. Be sure to register early, as registration is limited to 40 retreaters.The speakers will be Rev. S. Key and Rev. R. VanOverloop. The theme is "Ambassadors for Christ", based on the text II Corinthians 5:20.
  
  
• 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 (September 2018 - cf. image above). Check that out on this page.
  

*Read about the special Bible study here this week.

MISSION NEWS:

• *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. *One of his labors involves this local Bible study as mentioned in today's Byron Center bulletin: "The Dorr Bible study meets this Thursday, December 20, at 7:30 PM. We plan to start our discussion at John 4:1. Please bring friends and join us at the public library in Dorr."

• Limerick Reformed Fellowship News: The NOVEMBER 2018 newsletter of the Limerick Reformed Fellowship mission station is now posted on this page.
  
  
• The latest Philippines mission newsletter was received and recently posted (October 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! And don't miss out on the Smits once again too!
  
  

Rev. J. Flores teaching the gospel in the PR Fellowship in Leyte (cf. note below)

• From this Sunday's bulletins of the Provident Christian Church in Marikina, the Maranatha PRC in Valenzuela, and the PRC in Bulacan in the Philippines 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. Vernon Ibe will preach both times for PCC today. Rev. Holstege will preach for the Berean PRC.

    • Later today, at 2 pm, there will be a presentation by delegates of the Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church in Singapore (CERC) and office bearers of the PRCP in the Berean church building. The Singaporean delegates are visiting to discuss the establishing of a sister-church relationship with the PRCP. PCC members are invited to attend as observers. There will be a potluck supper afterward.

    • On Monday, December 24, we will have an evangelistic meeting here at PCC. Rev. Holstege will give a message, followed by a meal and fellowship. Please bring your neighbors.

    • December 28, 2018 is the commemoration of the 400th year anniversary of the Synod of Dordt and the conference will be hosted by the Provident Christian Church(Reformed) at 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Rev. D. Holstege wil speak on Dordt and the Doctrine of Grace, Rev. V. Ibe on Dordt and Preaching of the Gospel and Rev. R. Smit on Dordt and its concern for faithful Sabbath keeping. Moderator is Rev. D. Kleyn. RFPA books on sells. Registration is P50. Please invite someone with you.

  • Maranatha PRC:
    • Today, our Pastor, Rev. L. Trinidad will lead us in both services.
      
      
    • A delegation from the Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church (CERC) in Singapore will be visiting the Philippines in December 15-21, 2018 to hold several meetings with the office bearers of member congregations of the PRCP and the Committee on Contact with Other Churches of our Federation. The delegates are Elder Leong Fai Chong and Deacon Lee Meng Hsien (with his wife Serene and daughter Cassia). On December 16, 2018 (around 2 pm), they will give a presentation about CERC and get to know more about us, as we also present something about our congregations to them to help deepen our understanding and acquaintance with one another for the purpose of establishing a sister church relationship with them.

    • We are pleased to announce that Rev. L. Trinidad was nominated and voted as the Chairman of the Committee II of the PRCP.

  • PRC, Bulacan:
    • Rev. Flores will preach at First Christian Reformed Church of Quezon City. This congregation has interest in the Reformed faith and confessions. He will be preaching on John 6:44, "The Sovereignty of God in Our Salvation."
    • *Rev. Flores and Deacon Castano will visit the PRFA in Leyte this Friday.

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.

• *Do not forget Hope PRC's (Grand Rapids, MI) support of and involvement with Rev. Titus' work in Myanmar (June 2018), visit this page.