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This Week's PRC and Sister-Churches News - July 14-20, 2019 *(Updated)

Nahum1 7On this twenty-eighth Lord's Day of 2019, July 14, the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches, and mission fields may be mentioned.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

  • Special note for this evening: Rev. Angus Stewart, pastor of the Covenant PRC in N. Ireland, will be giving a presentation on the British Reformed Fellowship in Hudsonville PRC tonight after the evening worship service at 7:30 PM. He plans to tell us about the British Reformed Fellowship and its biennial conferences, also providing information about the one planned next summer.

  • On July 7 Rev. R. Kleyn declined the call from Southeast PRC (Grand Rapids, MI). The Council has formed a new trio consisting of Rev. J. Mahtani (Cornerstone PRC), and Candidates M. Kortus and J. Maatman. The congregation will vote from this trio on July 21 after the evening service. And a reminder: The congregation is currently worshiping at Adams Christian School in Wyoming, MI, while she looks for a new location. Today, Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. H. Bleyenberg are leading the worship services for her.
  • On July 11 the congregation of Grandville PRC voted to extend a call to Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon IA PRC) to serve as minister on loan to Covenant ERC in Singapore. We pray for him and his family as he considers this important call.

  • Cand. M.Kortus is supplying the pulpit of Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB) today and next Sunday. 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 14th following the afternoon service." *UPDATE: Cand. M. Kortus has received this call. We rejoice with him and his family in this further evidence of God's call to the gospel ministry.

  • 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 accepted 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.

  • Due to Hope PRC's (Redlands, CA) approaching vacancy (cf. note above), the Council has formed the following trio: Rev. J. Mahtani (Cornerstone PRC), and Candidates M. Kortus and J. Maatman. The congregation plans to vote next Sunday, July 21, after the evening 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. K. Koole is in Loveland today.

  • This significant note comes from Byron Center PRC: "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."

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:

gull lake Lodge MI
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.

sign june 2019 1

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 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 arrived safely in Grand Rapids, MI this past 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 a smooth transition for the Peters 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.

library redo July 2019 2

  • Work continues on the seminary addition/renovation project, both inside and out (new archives and offices). This past week new lighting was installed in the offices and archives. In the library, the focus is on the trim work. Visit the seminary news section for pics and more information.

PRF Leyte 2018
*
PR Fellowship in Albuera, Leyte, to which Rev. V. Ibe has received the call.

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.
    • This past Thursday night Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon PRC) received the call from Grandville PRC to serve as minister on loan to Covenant ERC in Singapore.
    • 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. Ibe will lead us in our worship services today. Next Sunday, Rev. Smit will lead us in our worship services, the Lord willing.

    • Our pastor is also scheduled to preach for Kerusso Community church at 3PM today and ‘will lead them in their study of the C.O. Art. 78 at 5P.M. the Lord willing.

    • Dear PRCP congregations, The Theological School Committee of the PRCP (Committee #1) announces to our PRCP congregations with much thanksgiving to our covenant God that, after many months of planning and preparation, seminary training will begin on Tuesday, August 13, 2019. The Classis approved in June 2019 that Bro. Jeremiah B. Pascual, a member of the First PRCP in Bulacan, be approved as a seminary student, beginning his training in August 2019. The Classis approved in February 2019 that Rev. Holstege (Hermeneutics), Rev. Kleyn (Church History and Homiletics), and Rev. Smit (Greek and Dogmatics: Theology, Anthropology) teach our students. Brethren, we earnestly covet your prayers and support in this work as we seek with the Lord’s indispensable blessings to train faithful, Reformed preachers for our churches."
  • PRC in Bulacan:
    • *"PRC in Bulacan, (the calling church of the mission work in Albuera, Leyte) extends the call to Rev. Ibe (Berean PRC) to serve as missionary/pastor with the saints in Albuera, Leyte.

    • Revs. Flores and Ibe are traveling to Albuera, Leyte on Thursday (July 18-21, 2019) D.V."
  • 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. Kleyn will preach for us today and next Sunday, D.V. Rev. Holstege will preach and teach for the Bearers of Light Church in Guiguinto, Bulacan today.
    • 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 in July. This was also approved at the PRC Synod of 2019. Prof. and Mrs. B. Gritters leave this week from the States and Rev. and Mrs. D. Holstege and leave from the Philippines 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.

good news afflicted
Do you have a hurting family member, church member, or neighbor? Share the true comfort of God's Word with them.

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.

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!
    • 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 "Limited Atonement" (1) (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 on salvation by sovereign grace!

    • 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!

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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.

Dorr library
*See the note below about a special Bible study this week!

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: "The Dorr Bible Study meets this Thursday, July 18 at 7:30 PM. Our discussion will begin at John 6:48. Join us at the Dorr library with your friends and neighbors to study God's Word."

United Kingdom:

  • Limerick Reformed Fellowship News:
    • Rev. S. Key will preach for the LRF today, 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:

  • PRC in Bulacan, (the calling church of the mission work in Albuera, Leyte) extends the call to Rev. Ibe (Berean PRC) to serve as missionary/pastor with the saints in Albuera, Leyte.
  • 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.
Last modified on 15 July 2019

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