News

PRC and Sister-Church News for the Week of April 21, 2019 *(Updated)

John 11 25On this Resurrection Sunday - the sixteenth Lord's Day of 2019, April 21 - the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches, and mission fields may be mentioned.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

  • The PRC congregations welcome you to their Easter services today, as we remember and rejoice in our Savior's resurrection from the dead. "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept." ! Cor.15:20

  • Today Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC) announced his decline of the call from Grandville PRC to serve as minister-on-loan to Covenant ERC in Singapore.

  • On April 14 Rev. Erik Guichelaar (Randolph, WI) declined the call to Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB). Our prayers continue for Immanuel PRC as she awaits her next pastor. *UPDATE: Immanuel's Council has announced a new trio of Revs. M. McGeown (Limerick RF), C. Spronk (Faith PRC) and M. VanderWal (Wingham PRC, ON).

  • Rev. W. Langerak (SE PRC-GR) has accepted the call from Trinity PRC (Hudsonville, MI). In SE PRC's bulletin today we learn this: "Rev. Langerak's farewell service will be the evening service of April 28. There will be a farewell program and light luncheon after the service." From Trinity's bulletin we learn this concerning her new pastor-to-be: "Rev. Langerak will be installed as our next pastor on Sunday, May 12 in the morning worship service, Lord willing.  He will preach his inaugural sermon that evening."

  • Rev. J. Laning (Hull PRC) is in Lacombe, AB on classical appointment to Immanuel PRC today.

  • Kalamazoo PRC has this special public invitation in her bulletin:

“Contact in Mexico" Program is Friday, May 3, at 7:00 pm at Kalamazoo PRC (4515 Green Acres Drive, Kalamazoo).  This projected picture presentation will be given by Rev. C. Griess.  Refreshments will be served."

  • Georgetown PRC (Hudsonville, MI) has this special notice in her bulletin concerning an upcoming public event:

    India Program: Georgetown PRC invites you to a slide program on the work of the PRCV of Vellore India in the spread of the Reformed faith Sunday, May 12, at 8:00 pm at Georgetown PRC. Pastor Paul Raj will relate the history of the Vellore Congregation, the outreach into Hindu villages with the Reformed faith, the training of area pastors, the group of doctors and students from the Christian Medical College and their zeal for the faith, and the present opposition of the Indian government to Christianity.

  • Grace PRC carried this significant congregational invitation in her bulletin today:
    "What do you know of the mission field (of our sister-church in Singapore) in Kolkata, India led by Pastor Emmanuel Singh? Pastor Singh is in town to attend the Dordt 400 Conference and will give a presentation at Byron Center the evening of April 28. Our Evangelism Committee is excited to have him give a 45-minute presentation to our Grace congregation immediately after the morning service of April 28.  Refreshments will be served after the presentation."

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

TrinityPRC new sanctuary 2018
*Trinity PRC in Hudsonville, MI, host of this week's Dordt400 Confernence sponsored by the PR Theological Seminary. For more details visit www.dordt400.org

PRC Seminary News:

  • The seminary has now completed twelve weeks of the second semester, with three weeks to go. Besides their daily labors, the professors are busy preparing for the Dordt400 Conference coming up in a week (April 25-27). Students are busy preparing for the second round of practice preaching scheduled for this week (April 15) and next (April 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.

  • Work has begun on the Spring 2019 issue of the PRTS Journal. Look for that in upcoming weeks!
  • If you have not yet done so, visit 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! The library is also online there (under Resources). If you are looking for a particular book to read or use, or just want to browse, visit the library page.
  • Work continues on the seminary addition project, both inside and out (new archives and offices) as better spring conditions have arrived. This past week more of the interior walls were framed, while more of the metal siding was installed outside. Plans and preparations continue for the library renovation part of the project this summer (starting as soon as the semester is completed!), including how to move the library to other parts of the building during the makeover (a local moving company's expertise is being enlisted). Visit the seminary news section for pics and more information.

  • *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

  • *The Dordt 400 Seminary Conference has finally arrived. This week, Thursday through Saturday, April 25-27 at TRINITY PRC, Hudsonville, MI.  Thursday's meeting starts at 7:00 pm; Friday at 8:30 am and 7:00 pm (with the PRSO!); Saturday at 8:30 am.  Speakers are our seminary professors; Revs. B. Huizinga and W. Langerak; and Rev. A. Stewart (CPRC NI) and Rev. M. Shand (EPC Australia). The conference will be live-streamed via Trinity’s website for those unable to attend.  For more, see www.dordt400.org.   Please join us, along with our guests from South Africa, Singapore, Korea, Mexico, India, Myanmar, the Philippines, Northern Ireland and Australia.

 

CERCS group pic 2018
*Covenant ERC in Singapore (read more on this sister below)

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS:

  • Berean PRC:
    • "Rev. Ibe will lead us in our worship services today.
    • Our Pastor and Rev. Leovy Trinidad will travel to U.S. to attend the conference sponsored by Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary on the 400th Anniversary of the Synod of Dordt 1618-1619 on April 25-27, 2019. They leave on Wednesday (April 24) and plan to go back in Manila on (May 1, 2019) the Lord willing.
    • Rev. Ibe is scheduled to preach at First PRC in their morning worship service and at Grace PRC in their evening worship service next Sunday (April 28), the Lord willing.
    • Today, Elder Eric Mescallādo is visiting with the saints in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija. Elder Eric is scheduled to lead them in their worship service today. We pray for God’s continued blessings as they hear and received the proclamation of His Word!"

  • Maranatha PRC:
    • "Rev. L. Trinidad, our Pastor will lead us in both services. Next week Rev. R. Smit will lead us in both services. We are cancelling our Belgic Confession and plan to resume in June, 2019 as the weather improves.

    • The Classis of the PRCP will hold their regular meeting on June 12, 2019 at the Berean PRC, Mayamot, Antipolo 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 (April 14):
    • Today, in our morning and afternoon worship services, Pastor den Hartog will be preaching on the death and resurrection of Christ. We pray that these messages will rekindle in our hearts the great love of Christ for His church. This will also humble us with thanksgiving and praise to God as we come before Him in worship. We also thank God also for the Gospel Meeting on Good Friday. We are thankful to see members inviting their friends and relatives to hear the preaching of the Gospel. We pray that the Holy Spirit will use the preaching of the Gospel to bring conversion in their lives and draw them to the church of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    • Today Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC) announced his decline of the call from Grandville PRC to serve as minister-on-loan to Covenant ERC in Singapore.

    • 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:
    • We welcome Prof. and Ruth Engelsma, as well as our other visitors from Hungary, Wales and Germany (from April 14 bulletin). [for her Dordt400 mini-conference]

    • Prof. Engelsma will give a lecture on the Synod of Dordt, entitled “The Defence of the Gospel: The Rejection of Errors,” this Wednesday [April 17] at 7:30 PM.
    • S. Wales Lecture: Rev. McGeown will speak on “The Development of God’s Covenant (5): Jacob” in Margam Community Centre on Thursday, 25 April.

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

    • Read the latest issue of Covenant Reformed News! That issue (March 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.
    • Byron Center PRC has this note in her bulletin today about a special event in her church: "On Sunday, April 21, Rev. Mark and Susie Shand will be worshipping with us during the morning service, the Lord willing, and giving us a presentation shortly after the worship service. The Shands and their 4 children worshipped with us from July 1997 – July 2000 while Rev. Shand was attending our seminary. ...Rev. Shand will give us a presentation about what his family has been doing since leaving our fellowship and also giving us an outline of the present work of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Australia. Everyone is welcome to attend."

    • 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.

atonementdordrecht
Looking to read more on the Synod of Dordt in connection with her 400th anniversary? Visit this section of articles.

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. It's another excellent way to learn the Reformed faith and memorize these Reformed creeds.

RWH Logo 2019

 Yg Calvinists
*A Young Calvinists' activity is coming up!

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 Calvinists  invites you to "Taste of India" to be held at Georgetown PRC on May 3 at 6:00 PM. We will begin with an authentic Indian dinner at 6 sharp, followed by a presentation documentary on Grace Foster Home of Vellore, India. Pastor Paul Raj will be there for Q&A afterwards. Please RSVP at bit.ly/ycevent. This event is for Young People and Young Adults. See you there! 

  • 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.

  • *Special notice (Don't forget the need is great!): 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.

SNegros men 2018 1
Missionaries D. Kleyn and R. Smit with the men in S.Negros (2018)

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.

United Kingdom:

  • Limerick Reformed Fellowship News:
    • The March 2019 newsletter of the Limerick Reformed Fellowship mission station was received and posted recently.
    • Rev. McGeown discussed his book, Grace and Assurance: The Message of the Canons of Dordt, on “Iron Sharpens Iron Radio” on April 1. If you missed it and wish to listen to the podcast, visit this link.

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. Smit will preach both times today. Rev. Holstege will be in Guiguinto today. Next week, Lord willing, Rev. Holstege will preach for PCC.
    • The third and final meeting of PCC’s Council and Committee #2 of the PRCP was completed last week. We are thankful to God for the good outcome of these meetings and look forward, according to the will of our Father in heaven, to be received as the fourth congregation of the PRCP this June.
    • All young men and men in our churches who aspire  to enter the Seminary for the year 2019-2020 must contact Bro. Sonny Umali (clerk of Committee #1) for all your questions regarding the entrance requirements and the items to include in an application. All aspirants must submit their applications to Bro. Sonny on or before but not later than April 26, 2019."

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:

  • Let us remember to pray for the Lord's blessing on Georgetown PRC's labor in Vellore, India. From GT-PRC's bulletin today we find this special notice: " Georgetown PRC invites you to a slide program on the work of the PRCV of Vellore India in the spread of the Reformed faith Sunday, May 12, at 8:00 pm at Georgetown PRC. Pastor Paul Raj will relate the history of the Vellore Congregation, the outreach into Hindu villages with the Reformed faith, the training of area pastors, the group of doctors and students from the Christian Medical College and their zeal for the faith, and the present opposition of the Indian government to Christianity."

  • And we remember our sister church's work (CERCS) in Kolkata, through Rev. E. Singh. From Byron Center PRC's bulletin today we find this notice: "Rev. Emmanuel Singh is the missionary of our sister church in Singapore who labors in Kolkata, India. Rev. Singh will be arriving in the US tomorrow and staying with the Lannings. Next Sunday, April 28, after the evening service, Rev. Singh will give a brief presentation of his coming to the Reformed faith and his labors in Kolkata. Join us from 7-8 PM to learn more about this foreign mission work of our sister church."

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. Rev. Titus is also here for the Dordt400 conference.
Last modified on 24 April 2019

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