News

PRC and Sister-Church News for the Week of February 17, 2019

isaiah 1 18On this seventh Lord's Day of 2019, February 17, the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches and mission fields may be noted.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

  • On Feb.10 it was announced that Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon PRC) declined the call to Trinity PRC.

  • On Feb.10 Rev. J. Laning (Hull PRC) received the call from Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB). Today and next Sunday her pulpit is being supplied by Rev. R. Hanko.

  • On Feb.10 Rev. C. Haak (Georgetown PRC) received the call from Grandville PRC to serve as minister-on-loan to Covenant ERC in Singapore.

  • While Rev. S. Regnerus is in Singapore serving Covenant ERC for three Sundays, Rev. K. Koole is supplying the pulpit in Lynden PRC for two weeks.

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

Classis West: Classis West of the PRC will meet in Heritage PRC (Sioux Falls, SD) on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at 8:30 AM, the Lord willing. All material for the agenda is to be in the hands of the Sated Clerk by Feb.4 (30 days before classis convenes). All delegates in need of lodging or transportation from the airport should notify the clerk of Heritage's Consistory.  ~ Rev. J. Engelsma, Stated Clerk

Contact Committee: "A delegation of Rev. J. Engelsma and Rev. N. Decker, from the Foreign Mission Committee and the Contact Committee, left this past Thursday for the Philippines. They will visit our sister churches there the next two weeks, the Lord willing. In addition, Rev. Decker will go to Singapore to conduct church visitation with the Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church. Please pray for the Lord’s blessing upon their labors and their travels."

 feb 2019 snow plow semPRC Seminary News:

  • It was yet another snowy and icy week in West Michigan this past week (cf. photo) but the seminary was able to keep its full schedule of classes during its fourth week of the semester. The schedule of courses and calendar of events for the 2nd 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.

  • Besides their regular studies, the students are busy making sermons for the first round of practice preaching.  Matt K. and Jacob M. delivered theirs last Monday, Feb.11; next is Josiah T. on March 4. Pray for them as they busy themselves in this work. Did you know that these sermons are delivered in the sanctuary of SW PRC just down the hill from seminary? They are also recorded (video), so that the students may benefit from the critique they receive from the professors and their peers.

  • If you missed the live interview of Prof. R. Cammenga by Chris Arnzen on his radio program Iron Sharpens Iron this past Tuesday (re the book, Saved by Grace: A Study of the Five Points of Calvinism),  the podcast is now available. The audio file may be found here.

  • If you have not yet done so, check out 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!

  • *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.

addit west wall brick done

  • Even though the weather was rough last week, work on the seminary addition project moved forward (new PRC archives and two offices during the professor transition period in the next few years). The brick-layers were able to complete the west wall and begin on the north side (cf. image above).

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  • The Seminary faculty along with Trinity PRC Evangelism Committee are busy preparing for a Spring 2019 conference to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the great Synod of Dordt, 1618/19 - 2018/19. The following updates have been 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:  The conference also includes a writing contest with great prizes!  The deadline for submission was January 15. The committee will now be reviewing and judging the essays.

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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. Next Sunday, Rev. Engelsma will lead us in our 1st worship service and Rev. Ibe in our 2nd worship service, D.V.

      The annual delegation from the PRCA, Revs. Engelsma, Decker arrived safely last Friday evening. Rev. Josh Engelsma represents Doon PRC and the Foreign Mission Committee (FMC). Rev. Nate Decker represents the Contact Committee (CC).

      The delegation will accompany Rev. Holstege to Guiguinto Bulacan today. Rev. Josh Engelsma is scheduled to preach for us on the 24th of February in our 1st worship service and ‘will preach at Provident in their 2nd worship service, D.V.

      The delegation is also scheduled to visit the saints in Albuera, Leyte on February 18-20, D.V. They will be accompanied by Revs. Flores, Holstege and Elder Eric Mescallādo. We pray for God’s blessings and traveling mercies in their labors and travels."

    • Maranatha PRC: Our Pastor, Rev. L. Trinidad will lead us in both services. He will teach the Revelation, D.V.

    • PRC-Bulacan:

"This Lord's Day, our pastor, Rev. Flores is the preacher for both of our services via ZOOM from PRFA Leyte.

The Protestant Reformed Church in Bulacan plans to undertake the Youth Camp for 2019 on April 18 - 20, 2019 at Paradise Adventure Camp 2, City of San Jose del Monte. Theme is “Salt of the Earth and Light of the World.”

  • The PRCP Classis will have their regular meeting on February 25, 2019 at 9:00 in the morning at Maranatha PRC, Valenzuela City.

  • 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 (Feb.17):
    • "We welcome Rev Stephan Regnerus into our midst over the next 3 Lord's Days. Rev Regnerus is currently the pastor of the Lynden PRC in Lynden, Washington. Those of us who wish to host him can approach Elder Lim. We thank the Lord again for filling our pulpit and pray the Lord's blessing upon our time of fellowship with him individually and as a church together in the weeks ahead.

    • As you are aware, the Grandville PRC congregation has voted to extend the call to be our MOL to Rev Carl Haak. Rev Haak is the pastor of Georgetown PRC. While our desire is that he will accept the call, nevertheless, we readily submit to the Lord's will if it is 'No' yet again. We thank God that His will is made clear to us each time in such a matter, so that we are not left in any doubt. We pray the Lord will guide and make His will clear to Rev Haak in these weeks ahead as he considers the call prayerfully.

    • Session has requested for church visitation and the PRCA Contact Committee has arranged for Rev Nathan Decker, pastor of Grandville PRC, and Rev Regnerus to be the church visitors. Rev Decker is passing by Singapore on his way home from the Philippines. Unfortunately, he can only be in Singapore over a day to conduct the church visitation on 26 February and will be on his way to the US the following morning."

    • Her latest newsletter (DECEMBER 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 (November 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:
    • This special note was found in Limerick's bulletin (Feb.10): "Rev. and Mary Stewart are in the USA to attend the funeral of Mary’s mother, Mrs Ruth Hanko, who died, aged 85, on Friday morning. In the absence of the Stewarts the elders of the CPRC will be leading the worship services in Ballymena today with DVD sermons. The Stewarts plan to arrive back in Ireland on Saturday morning, and will be in Limerick next Sunday, while the McGeowns will be in Ballymena, where Rev McGeown will lead the worship services for the CPRC. Let us remember to pray for the Stewart and Hanko families in their grief at this time."
    • Covenant PRC's latest newsletter was received and posted (December 2018).
    • Read the latest issue of Covenant Reformed News! That issue (November 2018) may 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.

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SPECIAL NOTICES:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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, one of our pre-seminary students. It's another excellent way to learn the Reformed faith and memorize these Reformed creeds.

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 psalm 119 9

ESPECIALLY FOR PRC Young People and Young Adults:

  • NEWS about the 2019 PRYP's Convention: Southwest & Providence Protestant Reformed Churches will be 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.  Registration for chaperones is now open!  Please visit our website at prcconvention.com to register.

  • Lynden PRC Young Adults Retreat updates: A reminder that registration for our retreat will be opening in February! Instructions on how to register will be announced in the bulletins as well as posted to our Facebook Page - Lynden PRC Young Adults Retreat 2019. If you haven’t already, request an invite to see the page and invite your friends as well! As previously announced, our retreat will take place at Mt. Baker Bibleway Camp during July 1-5, 2019. Our speakers for the retreat will be Prof. Gritters and Reverend Regnerus. Our retreat theme is An Unchanging God In an Ever-Changing World. Come join us for a wonderful retreat in beautiful Northwest Washington!

  • 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 (November 2018 - cf. image above). Check that out on this page.

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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. From BC-PRC's bulletin this week we learn the following concerning his labors:
    • Pastor and Alva Spriensma returned home safely from Singapore this past Wednesday.
    • Missionary Spriensma will be leading both of the worship services today at the New Hope Reformed Fellowship Church of Dorr, MI. The services are at 9:30 AM and 12 PM.
    • The Dorr Bible study meets this Thursday, February 21, at 7:30 PM. We plan to start our discussion at John 4:43. Please bring friends and join us at the public library in Dorr.

United Kingdom:

PRF Leyte 2018
*The PR Fellowship Albuera in Leyte, where Rev. Flore is bringing the gospel today & where Rev. Holstege and the PRC delegation will visit this week (cf. note below)

Philippine Missions:

  • Doon PRC has this note in her bulletin today re the delegation sent this past week:

    *The delegation to the Philippines arrived safely in Manila.  Today they are worshiping in the Bearers of Light Community Church, a new contact of our missionaries.  This week they plan to travel to visit the PRCP's mission work in Leyte.  Next Sunday Rev. Engelsma is scheduled to preach the first service in the Berean PRC and the second service in Provident Church.  Continue to pray for their safekeeping and a blessing upon their labors.

  • 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 their pastors as well as concerning our missionaries and their labors today and in this coming week:

    • Rev. Smit will preach both times today. He will also give Part 2 of his lecture on “The Synod of Dordt and Sabbath Observance” after the first service.
    • Rev. Holstege and the two delegates from the PRCA will go to Guiguinto, Bulacan today to teach and preach for the Bearers of Light Community Church.
    • *Rev. Holstege will accompany two PRCP brethren and the two PRCA brethren to Leyte this week Mon-Wed. Rev. Smit will go to Negros for the pastors classes. May God care for them in their travels and labors.

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.

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.
  • The delegation to Myanmar (Rev. Overway and Richard Peterson of the Myanmar committee, accompanied by Cal and Seth Kalsbeek and John Van Baren) recently returned after another profitable mission (Jan. 2019).
Last modified on 17 February 2019

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