News

News from the PRC and Sister-Churches for the Week of May 12, 2019 *(Updated)

prov31 28On this nineteenth Lord's Day of 2019, May 12, the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches, and mission fields may be mentioned.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

  • Today Rev. W. Langerak will be installed as the third pastor in Trinity PRC's history (Hudsonville, MI), with Prof. D. Kuiper leading the service. He will preach his inaugural sermon this evening.

  • The Council of Southeast PRC has announced a new trio from which to call her next pastor: Revs. B. Huizinga (Hope, Redlands, CA), Rev. R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace, Spokane, WA) and Rev. J. Mahtani (Cornerstone, St. John, IN). The congregation will call today. *Rev. B. Huizinga has received this call.

  • Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC, Jenison, MI) continues to consider the call from Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB - received April 28).

  • Rev. A. Brummel is in Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB) today and next Sunday supplying her pulpit. Rev. K. Koole (emeritus) is in Calvary PRC (Hull, IA) supplying her pulpit in Rev. Brummel's absence.

  • Georgetown PRC (Hudsonville, MI) has this special notice in her bulletin concerning an event TONIGHT open to our members in the West MI area:

    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:

Classis East:

  • Classis East had its regular spring meeting this past Wednesday May 8 at Georgetown PRC. This brief summary of its decisions may be found in the PRC bulletins today:

A protest was ruled illegal because the protestant was coming to classis for the third time with the same complaint, so classis advised him that if he disagrees with the decision of classis he has the right to appeal to synod. An overture was ruled not legally present because the overture asked classis to ratify a settled and binding decision of synod. A letter was judged not legally present because the rules of Classis East only allow for protests, appeals, and overtures. Classis advised a consistory to proceed in their discipline of a member after the consistory gave a detailed report of their work and of the continued impenitence of the member under discipline. Southeast PRC requested and received pulpit supply in their vacancy. Classis East will next meet September 11 at Southwest PRC.

Hope PRCS 4th May 2019
*Special guests at the seminary this past week - 4th-grade students from Hope PRCS in Walker, MI.
Prof. D. Kuiper led them on a tour of the building, including the library.

PRC Seminary News:

  • The seminary has now completed its fifteenth and final week of the second semester, with one week of exams left this week (through Thursday, the 16th). Our seniors (Matt Kortus and Jacob Maatman) are busy prepping for their synodical exam in mid-June, while the underclassmen are busy preparing for finals and their major papers. Pray for the faculty and students that they may finish the semester well.

  • We extend hearty congratulations to Prof. Douglas Kuiper, who successfully defended his ThM thesis at Calvin Theological Seminary this past Monday (May 6). Lord willing, he will participate in the graduation ceremony this Saturday, May 18. We give thanks to God for strengthening him to achieve this goal over the last two years. He will begin his teaching responsibilities this Fall.

  • On Wednesday and Friday mornings, May 1 and 3, Rev. Daniel Kleyn, PRC missionary-pastor to the Philippines, came and spoke for Prof. B. Gritters' Foreign Missions class. He gave two presentations on the life and work on a foreign field in the Far East (see photo below).

  • *On Thursday morning May 9, a group of students from Hope Christian School in Walker (MI) visited the seminary. The students took a tour of the building, sat in on a special presentation on the seminary by Prof. D. Kuiper, and then joined us for coffeetime and snacks. We appreciate the time taken for these visits and pray God uses them to encourage these students to remember the seminary in their prayers.

  • Work continues 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). This past week more of exterior work was done (shingling finished, metal work done) were framed, and HVAC work was done for the new archive room. 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.

DKleyn Mission class May 2019
*Rev. D. Kleyn presenting on life and labors in the Philippines
for a PRC seminary missions class.

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS:

  • Berean PRC:
    • "Rev. Ibe will lead us in our worship services today. Our pastor is also scheduled to preach at Kerusso Community Church at 3 P.M. today and he will lead them in their study of the Church Order Arts. 74-75 at 5P.M., the Lord willing.
    • Today, Elder Eric Mescallādo is visiting with the saints in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija. Elder Eric will lead them in their worship service today. We pray for God’s continued blessings as they hear and receive the proclamation of His Word!
    • Rev. Flores and Elder Alann Peñaverde are visiting with the saints in Albuera, Leyte."

  • Maranatha PRC:
    • Rev. R. Smit is preaching both services today.
    • Also today MPRC is celebrating her 36th anniversary as a church, "because of the goodness and faithfulness of our God and our Father through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. After our second service, we will gather ourselves to celebrate by feasting and fellowshipping together."
  • *Rev. Daniel & Sharon Kleyn are currently on 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:
    • Rev. A. denHartog and his wife are currently serving in the congregation.
    • Her latest newsletter (April 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:
    • Rev. A. Stewart returned to his congregation this week and pulpit today after his recent visit to the U.S. for the PRC Seminary Dordt400 conference and other speaking/visit plans.

    • Covenant PRC's latest newsletter was received and posted (December 2018).
    • Read the latest issue of Covenant Reformed News! That issue (April 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.
    • Plans are being made for a Dordt400 conference involving EPC and PRC men this summer (July).

    • 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.

2SundayServices 1
Why do the PRC have two full worship services each Lord's Day? Visit this page to find out!

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

 2019 YP Conv logo
*See the important notes below about registering for this year's PRYP's Convention - chaperones and convenioneers!

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 chaperone registration deadline is fast approaching! If you have been considering being a chaperone at this year's convention this is the week to get your registration in. We still need approximately 15 male chaperones. Please consider giving of your time! We are looking forward to an edifying week with our covenant young people. Registration deadline is Saturday, May 25th.

    • The 2019 convention registration is open until May 15! Register at prcconvention.com and fill out entire form. Check which forms you need to mail with your payment. These must be received by May 25 to avoid a late fee. 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!

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • *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.

Paulraj teaching 2019
*Pastor Paulraj teaching his Sola Gratia Class to men in Vellore
(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 that connection, BC-PRC's bulletin had this note in it today:

"The Dorr Bible study meets this Thursday, May 16 at 7:30 PM. We plan to start our discussion at John 6:15. Please bring friends and join us at the public library in Dorr."

United Kingdom:

  • Limerick Reformed Fellowship News:
    • A regular activity noted in her bulletin: "Bible Study: Tuesday 8 PM in Corbally beginning at 1 Peter 4:1."
    • The March 2019 newsletter of the Limerick Reformed Fellowship mission station was received and posted recently.

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. Next week, Lord willing, Rev. Smit will preach for PCC and Rev. Holstege will preach for the PRC in Bulacan while their pastor preaches for an outreach group in Laguna.
    • The Classis of the PRCP will meet next, Lord willing, on June 12."

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 for TONIGHT: " 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."
  • This past week Pastor Raj spoke at chapels in Heritage School (St. John, In.) and at Adams. He enjoyed many visits with members of the congregation and the supper Friday night for the GFH Sponsors. He will be leaving this week for visits in Pella IA., Phoenix AZ., and spending next Sunday in Redlands CA. PRC. From there he will begin his travel home on May 20.
  • She also had this farewell message in her bulletin today: "Farewell: Be sure to take a moment to say farewell to Pastor Paul Raj today. Those who are able may meet at the airport tomorrow at 12:45pm, at American Airlines, to say goodbye. We are thankful to God, Pastor Raj, for your time with us, and commend you to “God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them that are sanctified.” Acts 20:32"

  • And we remember our sister church's work (CERCS) in Kolkata, through Rev. E. Singh. This missionary-pastor recently gave a presentation on his work there at Byron Center PRC (April 28) while here for the seminary's Dordt400 conference.

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 was also here for the Dordt400 conference.
Last modified on 14 May 2019

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