News

PRC and Sister-Church News for the Week of March 31, 2019

Ezekiel 36 26On this thirteenth Lord's Day of 2019, March 31, the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches, and mission fields may be mentioned.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

  • On March 24 Rev. W. Langerak (SE PRC-GR) announced his acceptance of the call from Trinity PRC (Hudsonville, MI). We rejoice with Trinity in God's provision of another pastor and we pray for Southeast PRC as they soon bid farewell to their pastor of fifteen years.

  • On March 24 the congregation of Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB) voted to extend a call Rev. Erik Guichelaar (Randolph, WI).

  • On March 24 the congregation of Grandville PRC voted to call Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC) to serve as minister-on-loan to Covenant ERC in Singapore.

  • From Southwest PRC's bulletin of March 24 we find this special notice from her emeritus pastor: “We once again bid farewell to our fellow saints in SW as we leave for another extended period of service in the church in Singapore.  Next week on March 31 we will not be in SW since I have preaching invitations in Michigan churches for both services. We leave for Singapore on April 3, 2019. We will be in Singapore, D.V., at least until the end of June 2019, possibly a bit longer, serving in Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church there. We ask for your prayers on our behalf and for the church in Singapore. Many activities have been planned.”  Sincerely, Pastor and Sherry den Hartog

  • From Georgetown PRC's (Hudsonville, MI) bulletin of March 17 we find this significant item: "This month is our Congregation’s 25th Anniversary. We confess together from our hearts: God is Good! God is Faithful! “God has done great things for us; whereof we are glad.” Psalm 126:3 The Council is forming a 25th Anniversary Committee to help us celebrate His Covenant Faithfulness to Georgetown. Details will follow in the bulletin in the coming months. Do you have personal memories, pictures, special blessings God has given you as a member of Christ’s body in Georgetown? Please give them to the Pastor or to Elder Mike Moelker." In that connection, her bulletin now includes a "trivia" item. Here is this week's, with the answer to last week's: "25th Anniversary Trivia Question. Who was the first child baptized in the Georgetown congregation? Who was the ’one’ individual at organization? (Answer for last week’s trivia Question: Georgetown was organized with 34 families, 1 individual, and 145 souls.)"

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

March 2019 front 1
*Front view of the PRC Seminary with the roof line of the new addition in back
(cf. more on that below)

PRC Seminary News:

  • The seminary has now completed ten weeks of the second semester. This week is Spring break for the faculty and students. The seminary will be open daily and staff is available for any needs you may have.

  • Students are busy preparing for the second round of practice preaching (April 15 and 22). The schedule of courses and calendar of events for this 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.
  • Did you know that Prof. R. Cammenga prepares a "Monday Notes" each week with a summary of the week's activities and responsibilities (devotions, chapel, Friday lunch)? He always ends it with a profitable quote. Last week's note had this good one:

“What you do in your house is worth as much as if you did it up in heaven for our Lord God.  We should accustom ourselves to think of our position and work as sacred and well-pleasing to God, not on account of the position and work, but on account of the word and faith from which the obedience and work flow."  (Martin Luther)

  • 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!

  • *Work continues on the seminary addition project, both inside and out (new archives and offices) as the weather has improved the last few weeks (cf. picture above). Decisions are being made on the layout of the archive room. Plus, planning and preparations have begun for the library renovation part of the project this summer. Wood-work for the library shelves (side panels) has begun, while new carpet, ceiling tiles, lighting, and paint are being lined up.

  • *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.

Dordt400LogoRightMargin2

  • Only weeks away now! DORDT 400!  APRIL 25-27. TRINITY PRC, Hudsonville, MI.  The seminary-sponsored conference celebrating the 400th anniversary of the Great Synod is approaching!  Please make plans to come to hear important speeches, see displays of 400-year-old artifacts from Dordt, learn the winners of the writing contest, and meet PRC friends coming from at least 10 different countries!  Speakers are our seminary professors; Revs. B. Huizinga and W. Langerak; and Rev. A. Stewart (CPRC NI) and Rev. M. Shand (EPC Australia).   Trinity PRC in Hudsonville is our host.  The conference will be live-streamed via Trinity’s website for those unable to attend.  For more, see Dordt400.org.

SS 53 Feb 2019

*A new issue of Salt Shakers is out! (cf. below)

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS:

  • Berean PRC:
    • "Rev. Ibe will lead us in our worship services today.

  • Maranatha PRC:
    • "Rev. L. Trinidad, our Pastor will lead us in both services.

    • We temporarily cancel our Bible Study due severe heat because of the effect of “El Nino.”

  • 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 (March 10):
    • "This week we bid farewell to Rev & Deb Bleyenberg. We thank Rev Bleyenberg for taking time away from his congregation to be in Singapore for the past four Sundays. We thank our covenant faithful God for maintaining our pulpit supply continually during these times while we wait for His appointed MOL.

    • Last Sunday Grandville PRC has voted to call Rev Clayton Spronk from the trio, comprised of Rev Joshua Engelsma (Doon, IA), Rev Garry Eriks (Hudsonville) and Rev Clayton Spronk (Faith), to be MOL in Singapore. Let us pray that the Lord may guide Rev Spronk through His Word and His Spirit so that he may come to a clear understanding of His will and answers the call with a clear conviction of his heart. May we rest our confidence in our Sovereign and Eternal God who knows our needs and may we trust that His will is always good for His saints and His church."

    • Her latest newsletter (February 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 (February 2019) may be found on this page. 
  • Concerning our sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC, we may note the following:
    • Rev. Stewart (via phone link) will discuss his upcoming speech on “The Canons as the Original ‘Five Points of Calvinism’” and the PRC conference later this month on “Dordt 400–Safe-Guarding the Reformed Tradition” on Iron Sharpens Iron Radio on Friday [April 5] from 4-6 PM EST (US) or 9-11 PM (GMT) (www.ironsharpensironradio.com).

    • Covenant PRC's latest newsletter was received and posted (December 2018).

    • Read the latest issue of Covenant Reformed News! That issue (February 2019) can 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.
    • 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.

RBOStorefrontPic
*Visit the Reformed Book Outlet in downtown Hudsonville (MI) for all your Bible, book and music needs.

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.

  • *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. For the April newsletter, see the attachment to this post.

  • 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.

RWH Logo 2019

  • Remember to listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday (on a radio station near you or on Sermonaudio wherever you are)!
    • Today Rev. R. Kleyn (pastor of Covenant of Grace PRC) brings the message "Love Keeps No Record of Wrong" based on 1 Cor.13:5 (which you may listen to at this link).

    • From the Reformed Witness Hour Committee: Did you know that Reformed Witness Hour messages are downloaded each month by saints all over the world—saints living in countries like South Africa, Cambodia, Nigeria, and China? If you would like to stay informed about the reach of our distinctly Reformed radio and internet ministry and about ways you can support our witness, please sign up for our bimonthly newsletter here: ehttp://epurl.com/gikNsL.

    • 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!

 michindoh camp welcome
*Registration for conventioneers has opened (see note below)

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. 
    • *The 2019 convention registration is now open for conventioneers!  All information is available on the convention website. Please use this website to complete your registration and all necessary forms that go with it. We are looking forward to a great week of fellowship and fun! Registration for chaperones is now open!  Please visit our website at prcconvention.com to register.

  • Lynden PRC Young Adults Retreat updates: Registration for our 2019 retreat has been opened. 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! 

  • Young Men's Conference: Young men ages 14–25 (High School and College), please plan to attend the GPRC Young Men’s Conference, "Run, Fight, Lead!” on Saturday morning, April 27 from 8am-12pm, at Georgetown PRC. Breakfast Included! Register Today! For more details and to register please visit www.georgetownprc.org/runfightlead.

  • 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.
     
  • 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 (February 2019 - cf. image above). Check that out on this page.

Gospel to all nations

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 Byron Center PRC's bulletin this week we learn this news: "The Dorr Bible study meets this Thursday, April 4 at 7:30 PM. We plan to start our discussion at John 5:21. Please bring friends and join us at the public library in Dorr."

United Kingdom:

  • Limerick Reformed Fellowship News:
    • The March 2019 newsletter of the Limerick Reformed Fellowship mission station was received and posted recently.
    • Rev. McGeown will discuss his book, Grace and Assurance: The Message of the Canons of Dordt, on “Iron Sharpens Iron Radio”, a station based in Pennsylvania, tomorrow (Monday, April 1) from 4–6 PM EST, http://www.ironsharpensironradio.com

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. Holstege will preach in both services today. He will finish Lesson 10 in the Essentials of Reformed Doctrine class after the first service.
    • The Council of PCC will have their third meeting with Committee #2 of the PRCP on Monday, April 8 here at PCC, Lord willing." [with a view to joining the PRCP federation]

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:

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.
Last modified on 01 April 2019

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