News from the PRC and Sister-Churches for the Week of July 7, 2019 *(Updated)

On this twenty-seventh Lord's Day of 2019, July 7, the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches, and mission fields may be mentioned.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

• The PRC of 2019 Synod called Rev. Brian Huizinga (Hope PRC, Redlands, CA) to replace Prof. Cammenga as Professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament. On June 30 he announced his acceptance of this appointment. We thank God for this provision of another new professor and pray God's blessing on him and his family as they prepare for this transition. He plans to preach his farewell in Hope PRC on July 21. The Theological School Committee has begun making plans for his move to the Grand Rapids, MI area at the end of this month.
  
  
• On June 16 Rev. R. Kleyn received the call from Southeast PRC (Grand Rapids, MI). *On July 7 he declined this call.

• The Council of Grandville PRC has formed the following trio (now duo) for MOL to Singapore: Rev. G. Eriks (Hudsonville), Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon, IA), Rev. B. Huizinga (Redlands, CA). The congregational meeting is set for this Thursday July 11 (there are other matters the congregation will consider). * Rev. J. Engelsma has received this call.
  
  
• Cand. J. Maatman is supplying the pulpit of Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB) today again. The next two Sundays Cand. M. Kortus will be supplying her pulpit.
• Also from Immanuel PRC comes this notice: "The Consistory brings forth the following trio from which to call a minister to serve here in Lacombe: 

  Rev. Dennis Lee (Bethel, PRC), Candidate Matt Kortus, and Candidate Jacob Maatman.  A Congregational Meeting to vote is set for Sunday, July 14^th following the afternoon service."
  
  

• While Rev. A. Stewart is in the States, Rev. S. Key (Loveland PRC, CO) is in N.Ireland serving Covenant PRC and Limerick Reformed Fellowship (next Sunday). Rev. C. Griess is preaching in Loveland today, and this special note is in Loveland's bulletin today: "Rev. Griess will hold a presentation after the evening service summarizing an exploratory trip to Mexico City from the summer of 2018. This trip was sponsored by First Protestant Reformed Church."
  
  
• Edgerton (MN) PRC's bulletin today carries this important notice and invitation for next week: "Rev. Angus Stewart of the CPRC in N. Ireland will give a PowerPoint presentation in Edgerton PRC, this Sunday, July 7, after the evening service at around 6:30 PM. He plans to tell us about the British Reformed Fellowship or BRF (www.britishreformed.org) and its biennial conferences. There will be a special focus on the one planned for next summer (July 11-18, 2020) in Castlewellan Castle, N. Ireland. The theme will be 'Our Union with Christ.'"
  
  
• From the Council of Byron Center PRC comes this significant announcement: "The Council of BC PRC would like to inform members of our denomination that on Sunday, July 7, our church will begin holding separate worship services for members from our church hoping to form a daughter church. The worship services will be held at Zion Christian School in Byron Center, MI at 9:30 AM and 5PM." Prof. D. Kuiper will lead the morning service, while Rev. A. Lanning leads the evening service.

• Southeast PRC (Grand Rapids, MI) is currently worshiping at Adams Christian School in Wyoming, MI, while she looks for a new location for the congregation. Today, Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. R. Vanoverloop are leading the worship services for her.

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

PRC Synod 2019:

• Synod (in First PR Church of Grand Rapids, MI) met from June 11-17. The daily reports with pictures may be found here.
• The PRC Synod of 2019 declared Matt Kortus and Jacob Maatman candidates for the ministry of the Word and sacraments in the PRC. They are eligible for a call on or after July 13, 2019.
• Need for Ministers: Synod 2019 took a decision to place the urgent need for seminary students before our churches. Nine of our 39 active ministers are 63 years of age and older. The next prospect for seminary graduates in our churches is not for another four years. Then those nine ministers will be 67 and older. Please remember in your prayers to petition the Lord of the harvest for pastors, and please encourage young men, whom you observe to have the gifts, to consider the ministry.

Senior Retreat:

The lodge at Gull Lake Ministries, location of this Fall's Senior Retreat

• Registration for the Senior Retreat (Sept 17-20) is open. Have you sent in your reservation?  Deadline is August 1, so don’t delay.  Come and enjoy fellowship with others from around the country.  If you have questions call Barb Velthouse at 1-616-745-0770 or go to zionprc.org. The dates are Sept 17-20 at Gull Lake Ministries (MI). The theme is ‘God’s Care For Us.’ Forms are available at Zion PRC's website. Click on Senior Retreat.

Rev. B. Huizinga at the April 2019 Dordt400 Conference *(see note below)

PRC Seminary News:

• *The PRC of 2019 Synod called Rev. Brian Huizinga (Hope PRC, Redlands, CA) to replace Prof. Cammenga as Professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament. On June 30 he announced his acceptance of this appointment. We thank God for this provision of another new professor and pray God's blessing on him and his family as they prepare for this transition. He plans to preach his farewell in Hope PRC on July 21. The Theological School Committee has begun making plans for his move to the Grand Rapids, MI area at the end of this month.
  
  
• The seminary is now in its summer break. The faculty will be busy with various trips and speaking engagements.  With the construction project and library renovation continuing, there is still plenty of activity at the seminary (see note below). In addition, faculty and staff continue their end-of-semester work and preparing for the new semester in the Fall. The seminary is open daily (M-F) during the summer (except for holidays) and staff is available to assist with any needs.
  
  
• *The seminary's two 2019 graduates, Matt Kortus and Jacob Maatman, sustained their synodical examinations at the PRC 2019 Synod and were declared candidates for the ministry of the Word and sacraments in the PRC. They are eligible for a call on or after July 13, 2019.
  
  
• One of the new students entering seminary this Fall is Isaac Peters from the EPC of Australia. Isaac and his wife Rebecca and four children plan to arrive in Grand Rapids, MI this week. Grace PRC is assisting in their needs while here, and we find this note in their bulletin today: "The congregation is invited to our July fellowship coffee which will be held next Sunday after the EVENING service.  The Peters family is arriving this week, and we would like to use this opportunity to welcome them into our church family.  If you are young, old, and in between, we hope you will join us for a time of fellowship with the Peters and with one another." We pray for safe travels for the Peters and for a smooth transition into life in west Michigan.
  
  
• The Spring 2019 issue of the PR Theological Journal is now available! For those on our mailing list, your issue has been mailed. For back issues, visit the seminary journal page. If you wish to be added to our mailing list, contact the seminary's secretary. In addition, a new index to all past issues has been posted on the Journal's archives page.

• 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 the ceiling grid was installed in the new offices and hallway. In the library, the focus is on the trim work. Visit the seminary news section for pics and more information.
  
  

*See the June 2019 issue of "Reformed News Asia" for more updates from this Far East sister!

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS:

• Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, we may note the following:
  • Rev. A. denHartog and his wife are currently serving the congregation on behalf of the PRC Contact Committee.
  • From Grandville PRC's Council: "The congregational meeting is this coming Thursday, July 11 at 7pm. We will be voting to call a minister as MOL to Singapore: Revs J Engelsma and G Eriks, (in light of Rev Huizinga's acceptance of his recent call to the seminary, he is no longer eligible for this call)."
  • *Her latest newsletter (June 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 (June 2019) may be found on this page. 
    
    
• Concerning our newest sister, the PRC in the Philippines, we may note the following from the bulletins of the Berean PRC, PRC in Bulacan, Maranatha PRC, and Provident CC:

• Berean PRC:

  • Rev.R. Smit is leading the worship services today.

  • Today, Rev. Ibe will lead the saints in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija in their worship service. We pray for God’s continued blessings as they hear and receive the proclamation of His Word!

• PRC in Bulacan:
  

  • The Council of the PRC in Bulacan has formed a trio to serve as missionary/pastor in Albuera, Leyte: Rev. J. Flores (PRCB), Rev. V. Ibe (Berean PRC), and Rev. L. Trinidad (Maranatha PRC).

  • Today we learned that Rev. V. Ibe has received this call. We pray for him and his family as he weighs this new call.
• Maranatha PRC:
  • "Rev. L. Trinidad, our Pastor will lead us in both services. He will resume our Bible study on Revelation, Lord willing."
• Provident CC:
  • "Rev. Holstege will lead both of our worship services today. Next Sunday, Lord willing, he will preach and teach for the Bearers of Light Church in Guiguinto, Bulacan. Rev. Kleyn will preach for Provident next week, DV.
  • Rev. and Leah Holstege will travel to Brisbane, Australia from July 16-24, DV. Rev. Holstege was invited to speak at a conference on the 400th anniversary of the Synod of Dordt sponsored by the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Australia (EPCA) who are in a “corresponding relationship” with the PRCA. He will also preach for them and give a presentation on PRCA mission work in the Philippines."
  • 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 Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC, we may note the following:
  
  • Rev. A. Stewart and Mary are on vacation in the States. Rev. S. Key will be supplying CPRC's pulpit for the next three weeks in his absence.
  • Covenant PRC's latest newsletter was received and posted (May 2019).
    
  • Read the newest issue of Covenant Reformed News! That issue (May 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 have been made for a Dordt400 conference involving EPC and PRC men this summer (July). This was also approved at the PRC Synod of 2019. Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. D. Holstege plan to participate.
    
  • 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.

Does your summer reading include the Standard Bearer? It ought to! Find out more here.

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.
  
  
• Do you have an interest in 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.
  
  
• 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.

• Remember to listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you or on Sermonaudio wherever you are!
  • This week Rev. C. Griess (pastor of First PRC in Grand Rapids, MI) continues a three-month commitment to the program with a special series on the Five Points of Calvinism (for Dordt400) under the theme "Unconditional Election (2)" (which you may listen to at this link).

  • From the Reformed Witness Hour Committee: *Have you checked out our newsletters? If you would like to receive them digitally in your emailbox, please sign up for our bimonthly newsletter here: ehttp://epurl.com/gikNsL. This month's newsletter contained this interesting information:

    • *Mark your calendar for our 4000th broadcast! On September 1, 2019 we will be airing "Whosoever Will May Come," by Rev. Herman Hoeksema to celebrate 4000 broadcasts of the RWH. This is the original audio from October 1944. Be sure to tune in on September 1 to hear this great message!

  • A new Spanish edition of the RWH has been produced and may be found on this YouTube channel (PRC Espanol). Look for new messages each week - and help spread the word!

 
Do you follow the blog of the Young Calvinists?

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 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.
  
  
• The latest young peoples' magazine of Covenant ERC in Singapore, Salt Shakers, was received and posted (June 2019 - cf. image above). Check that out on this page.
  

*Meeting place of Limerick Reformed Fellowship

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 today we find this note: "Rev. A. Spriensma is leading the services at Bethel PRC today (Roselle, IL)."

United Kingdom:

• *Limerick Reformed Fellowship News:
  • Rev. S. Key will preach for the LRF next Sunday, July 14, while Rev. McGeown preaches in Covenant PRC.
  • Rev. McGeown will speak in Margam Community Centre, Margam, Port Talbot, Wales on Thursday 25 July at 7.15 PM on “The Development of God’s Covenant” (5): “Jacob” (Part 2).

• 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!
  

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.
• And we remember our sister church's work (Covenant ERC in Singapore) in Kolkata, through Rev. E. Singh. This special mission note is found in today's CERC bulletin: "Our missionary minister, Rev Singh has informed that he will be completing the second pre-confession class by mid-July. Session will be sending a delegate of two comprising of Eld Leong and Eld Wee to Kolkata mission field to conduct interviews for baptism and confession of faith in end July. We thank God for establishing the labours of Rev Singh in the gathering His people in Kolkata."
  

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.