News

PRC and Sister-Church News for the Week of April 28, 2019

for lo the winter is pastOn this seventeenth Lord's Day of 2019, April 28, the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches, and mission fields may be mentioned.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

  • On April 21 Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC) declined the call from Grandville PRC to serve as minister-on-loan to Covenant ERC in Singapore.

  • The Council of Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB) has announced a new trio from which to call a pastor: Revs. M. McGeown (Limerick RF), C. Spronk (Faith PRC) and M. VanderWal (Wingham PRC, ON). The congregation was to vote this afternoon after the service. Also, from her bulletin today comes this note: "We welcome Rev. Dennis Lee to our pulpit again this Sunday.  We are thankful that he could preach, teach, and lead for us!  May the Lord be with him now as he returns to his pastorage at Bethel."

  • Rev. W. Langerak preached his farewell sermon in SE PRC (Grand Rapids, MI) this evening. A farewell program and light luncheon was held after the service.

  • Having accepted the call to Trinity PRC (Hudsonville, MI), Rev. Langerak will be installed as her next pastor on May 12 in the morning worship service. He will preach his inaugural sermon that evening.

  • 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.

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

panel Q A Sat
*Panel discussion moderated by Prof. R. Dykstra, part of this past week's Dordt400 Conference sponsored by the PR Theological Seminary.

PRC Seminary News:

  • *The big news item this past week was the seminary's Dordt400 Conference held at Trinity PRC (Hudsonville, MI) Thursday night through Saturday morning (April 25-27). The event was a wonderful success, thanks to great faculty planning and fantastic help from the host Trinity PRC's Evangelism Committee. The conference was well attended, with foreign visitors from 8 countries and many from throughout the U.S. as well as from the West Michigan area. The speeches and historical presentations were instructive and inspiring. Look for these to become available soon on the special website as well as on the seminary's website. For more details and pictures, visit this special news item.

  • The seminary has now completed thirteen weeks of the second semester, with two weeks to go before exams. Besides their teaching this past week, the professors were busy with the Dordt400 Conference held this past weekend. Students have just completed 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.

  • This week Thursday the seminary will host students from Heritage PR Christian High School in Dyer, IN. They will be visiting classes and participating in a local church history tour.

  • 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!). 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.

farewell BG foreign visitors
Foreign visitors at the PRC Seminary Dordt400 Conference this past weekend receive thanks and farewell from Prof. B. Gritters (cf. seminary news above). Several representatives from our sister churches were in attendance (cf, notes below).

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS:

  • Berean PRC:
    • Rev. V. Ibe and Rev. L. Trinidad are in the U.S. to attend the conference sponsored by PR 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 today.

  • Maranatha PRC:
    • Rev. L. Trinidad is in the U.S. to attend the PRC Seminary's conference. Rev. R. Smit is leading both services today.

    • 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 28):
    • Last Sunday 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. In light of that, her bulletin today had this good note:

Pray for Grandville PRC that God will guide their consistory in forming a new trio for the congregation to
vote to call the MOL to Singapore. Despite the decline of the MOL call by the various ministers thus far, may
we have the confidence to trust that the Lord’s will is always good for us and God works all things for His
glory. May God grant us grace to be patient in waiting for God to call His appointed under-shepherd to our
congregation in due time. And may we be thankful to God for our sister-church relationship with the PRCA
who has been diligently and faithfully providing us with pulpit supply since the beginning of last year.

    • 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 (April 2019) may be found on this page. 
  • Concerning our sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC, we may note the following:
    • Prof. D. Engelsma and his wife remain in N. Ireland to preach and teach while Rev. A. Stewart is in the U.S. attending the PRC Seminary's Dordt400 conference.

    • 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.
    • Rev. Mark Shand and his wife Susie are in the U.S. for the PRC Seminary Dordt400 conference in Michigan.

    • 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.

canons dordt pic
Have you read and studied the Canons of Dordt in connection with her 400th anniversary? Visit this page to do so!

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

 SS genl pic
*New issue of Salt Shaker magazine available!

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

ESingh Nov 2015
*Missionary-pastor E. Singh
giving a presentation in Covenant ERCS in 2015 (cf. note below)

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. In Byron PRC's bulletin today we see this note about his activities: "Missionary Spriensma is preaching this weekend in the Hope PRC of Redlands, California and doing a mission presentation."

United Kingdom:

  • Limerick Reformed Fellowship News:
    • The March 2019 newsletter of the Limerick Reformed Fellowship mission station was received and posted recently.
    • This past week (April 25) Rev. McGeown spoke on “The Development of God’s Covenant (5): Jacob” in Margam Community Centre (S. Wales).

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 both times today and next Sunday, Lord willing.

    • 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.

    • Last Friday was the deadline for men in our churches to apply for entrance to the seminary in the year 2019-2020. If there are any more questions about the seminary entrance requirements, please contact Bro. Sonny Umali (clerk of Committee #1). May the Lord guide the paths of those men who desire to be ministers in the PRCP but who were not yet ready to enter the seminary this year."

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: "We welcome Rev. Emmanuel Singh to our worship and fellowship this evening. Rev. Singh is the missionary of CERC in Singapore, laboring in Kolkata (Calcutta), India. As a token of their love for Byron Center PRC, the mission fellowship in Kolkata has sent a large handmade card with greetings to our congregation and signatures of the members of the fellowship. Take a look on the back table near the mailboxes when you get a chance. If any of the children in the congregation would like to color a picture or write a brief note to the saints in Kolkata, put them in the Lannings' mailbox or drop them off at the parsonage by Wednesday evening this week, and we will send them back to Kolkata with Rev. Singh. After the evening service, Rev. Singh will give a brief presentation of how God led him personally to the Reformed faith, and will update us on his work in Kolkata. Welcome, Rev. Singh!"

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 28 April 2019

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