Print this page

This Week's PRC and Sister-Church News, March 8-14, 2020

2 Corinthians 5 21Today, March 8, is the tenth Lord's Day of 2020; we may note the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches, and mission fields.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

When the Lord…had suffered for the sake of the sufferer, and had been bound for the sake of the imprisoned, and had been judged for the sake of the condemned, and buried for the sake of the one who was buried, He rose up from the dead and cried aloud with this voice: Who is he who contends with Me? Let him stand in opposition to Me. I set the condemned man free; I gave the dead man life; I raised up the one who had been entombed. Who is My opponent? I, He says, am the Christ. I am the One who destroyed death, and triumphed over the enemy, and trampled Hell under foot and bound the strong one, and carried off man to the heights of heaven, I, He says, am the Christ. ~ Melito of Sardis

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

  • The PRC congregations will be holding the annual Prayer Day service this week Wednesday, March 11 (with the exception of six churches in the west Michigan area which held theirs last month). You are cordially invited to join them in worship of the God of creation and providence, who is the faithful Provider of His children. Check the church's website/bulletin for details.

  • On March 1, Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon PRC) received the call to Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN). He plans to answer by March 29.

  • On March 1, the congregation of Kalamazoo PRC voted to call Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon PRC). He plans to answer this call too by March 29.

  • On Jan.19 Rev. H. Bleyenberg (Providence PRC) accepted the call to Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB). Rev. Heath Bleyenberg preached his farewell sermon at Providence last Sunday. He and his wife Deb plan to leave for their new church home on March 17. Rev. N. Langerak (Crete PRC) is bringing the word in Lacombe again today.

  • Let us continue to pray for Rev. J. Marcus and his family and the flock of First PRC in Edmonton, AB. With the approval of Classis West this past week (see news below) Rev. Marcus was released from the ministry in First PRC under Article 11 of the Church Order and is eligible for a call from another PRC. He is also available to preach in the churches and has been busy doing so. Consistories needing pulpit supply are encouraged to contact him. Rev. R. Kleyn is bringing the Word in Edmonton today and next Sunday.

  • *Update: We have received word that the visit of the delegation to the Philippines March 12-25 on behalf of Doon PRC and the Foreign Mission Committee has been postponed due to travel concerns. The FMC hopes that the visit can be made later this year.

  • Did you know... that last week two PRC ministers who are brothers baptized their infant children on the same day, though at opposite ends of the world? In Zion PRC Rev. J. Holstege baptized his infant son Benjamin Lee, while in Provident PRC in the Philippines Rev. D. Holstege baptized his daughter Violet Joy. What a joyous occasion for their families and church families!

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

Classis East Notice: There will be a special meeting of Classis East on Tuesday, March 17  in Hudsonville PRC to give its advice on a decision of Hope PRC to release their pastor from the ministry under Article 12 of the Church Order.

Peace PRC 2018 2
Peace PRC, location of Classis West meeting last week

Classis West Report:  [The following is the official public report of the meeting of Classis West this past week in Peace PRC, Dyer, IN].

 News Report of Classis West of the PRCA Meeting March 4-5, 2020

Classis West of the Protestant Reformed Churches met on March 4-5, 2020, in Peace PRC (Dyer, IN). This was the first time that Classis was held in Peace’s new building, which accommodated the Classis very well. The meeting was capably chaired by Rev. Allen Brummel.

After opening devotions and the constituting of Classis, routine reports of the stated clerk, classical committee, and reading sermon committee were read and approved. The church visitors also reported on their work over the last year and the presence of unity, peace, and love prevailing in the churches.

Before Classis was a protest from an individual against a decision made by the previous Classis. The previous Classis had judged that a consistory had erred when the consistory did not seek the concurrence of a neighboring consistory to suspend its minister after Classis had advised suspension. The protestant argued this decision of Classis to be in error and that concurrence of a neighboring consistory was not necessary. After careful deliberation, Classis decided not to sustain the protest.

Classis also dealt with an overture from a consistory who requested that Article 67 of the Church Order be amended by removing the requirement that the churches hold worship services on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Classis ruled this overture not to be legally before it as the consistory had not demonstrated that it had researched and interacted with past decisions of the PRCA touching this matter.

In closed session, Classis treated an appeal related to the work of a consistory.

Classis also had before it a protest from an individual against aspects of several decisions made by the previous Classis related to a minister’s teaching on providence and sanctification. Classis decided not to sustain the protestant in any of the aspects of his protest, although Classis recognized one matter where it had misrepresented a consistory.

The special committee appointed by the last Classis to assist a congregation, its consistory, and its pastor reported on their labors. Classis voted to approve the work of the committee and thank them for their labors. It also approved making the special committee available to the consistory going forward, if the consistory feels the need for such help.

This consistory also brought before Classis a request to dismiss its pastor from his duties in the congregation according to Article 11 of the Church Order, thus making him eligible for a call elsewhere in the denomination. Classis, with the concurrence of the synodical deputies from Classis East, approved this request, after which the chairman addressed fitting words of encouragement to the pastor and elders present.

In other matters, Classis drew up a schedule to supply the pulpit of First PRC of Edmonton, and it approved the subsidy requests for 2021 for three churches and forwarded them on to Synod for its approval.

Voting took place for various classical functionaries. Rev. Engelsma was reappointed to a three-year term as stated clerk. Rev. J. Langerak was appointed to a three-year term as assistant stated clerk. Rev. De Boer was reappointed to a three-year term on the Classical Committee. Rev. Key was reappointed to a three-year term as a primus synodical deputy, and Rev. N. Langerak was reappointed to a three-year term as a secundus synodical deputy. Classis appointed Revs. Brummel, Key, R. Kleyn, and Laning as church visitors, with Revs. Hanko and Lee as alternates.

Ministers delegated to Synod 2020 were Revs. Brummel, Engelsma, Key, R. Kleyn, and Laning. Alternates are Revs. Barnhill, Bleyenberg, Guichelaar, Lee, and Regnerus. Elders delegated to Synod 2020 were Glenn Feenstra (Hope Redlands), Brian Gritters (Hull), Jim Lenting (Crete), Jim Regnerus (Doon), and Leon Uittenbogaard (Calvary). Alternates are Kevin Brummel (Crete), Marlin Feenstra (Hope Redlands), Hilgard Goosen (Immanuel), David Griess (Loveland), and Alan Van Bemmel (Calvary). The expenses of this meeting totaled $13,397.60. Classis will meet next in Edgerton PRC on September 23, 2020, the Lord willing.

Rev. Joshua Engelsma Stated Clerk, Classis West

2020 RBC Flyer DJE

Special Reformed Bible Conference Notice:

Professor David J. Engelsma will be speaking at the Reformed Bible Conference on April 17th at Richland Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Rosemark,TN. The conference, focusing on the theme “The Triune God – Defined, Defended, & Declared”, is open to the public and free to attend. A flier containing additional details on the conference can be made available by emailing the Crete PRC evangelism committee secretary at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. [A copy of the schedule is also attached to this news post.]

cabinets work area archives 2020
Completed PRC archives work area after recent work at the seminary - the room is now finished and fully functional!

PRC Seminary News:

  • The seminary is entering its eighth week of the second semester. The class schedule and calendar have been posted on the seminary's website. The students will be having some mid-terms exams this week, now that the halfway point of the semester has been reached. Remember to pray for the faculty, students, and staff as they busy themselves in the work of this new semester.

  • Prof. R. Dykstra and his wife Carol spent a week in the Philippines visiting the PRCP (sister churches) and are now spending two Sundays in the Covenant ERC in Singapore (another sister church) on behalf of the PRC Contact Committee. They plan to return on Tuesday of this week. May the Lord grant them safe travels and a blessing on these visits.

  • Sem. Josiah Tan (CERC-Singapore) has been licensed to speak a word of edification in the churches and has been busy preaching in the West Michigan area and beyond. Contact Prof. B. Gritters (rector) for scheduling.

  • Looking for some good Reformed books to read, Bible study materials or seminary publications to use? Come and visit the seminary's bookstore! We have a variety of Bibles, commentaries, and good books - used and new - for our members and friends. And you may also make use of our library - here's the link to our online catalog if you wish to search for something to read or use.

  • Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2020 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 30th. 

  • Need for Ministers: Synod 2019 took a decision to place the urgent need for seminary students before our churches. 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. If you wish to listen to a couple of sermons by our professors that address this need, listen to "The (Suffering) Minister's Steadfast Confession" and "The Beautiful Feet of the Gospel Preacher."

RefdNewsAsia Banner
*Read the latest Covenant ERC Singapore Newsletter!

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS:

  • Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, the following may be mentioned:
    • Prof. R. Dykstra and his wife Carol are currently serving the CERC (March 1-8). According to her bulletin today, this is the pulpit supply in the months ahead: 15 & 22 March – Reading Sermons by CERC Elders 29 March & 5 April – by Rev. Jon Marcus; 12,19 & 26 April and 3 May – by Rev. Michael DeVries.
    • Concerning Rev. J. Mahtani's application to serve in CERC, our sister church had this report in today's bulletin: Last week we informed the congregation that the EP application for Rev Mahtani has been rejected by MOM. Our lawyer has written to CMPB to reconsider our application based on our interpretation of the deferred NS obligations of Rev Mahtani. To date we have not received any reply from our lawyer. Do continue to pray for the Lord’s guidance in this matter.
    • *The February 2020 newsletter - Reformed News Asia - was posted recently and may be found on this page. 
  • Concerning our sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC,  the following may be noted:
    • Rev. A. Stewart led Covenant's services today.
    • Read the latest CPRC newsletter - February 2020!
    • *Join Reformed believers from around the world at the 2020 British Reformed Fellowship family conference at Castlewellan Castle in Northern Ireland from Saturday, July 11 to Saturday, July 18.  Our speakers, Prof. David Engelsma and Rev. Andy Lanning, will lecture on "Union with Christ".  For information see the website http://brfconference.weebly.com or contact Briana Prins at 616-214-2779;  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Rooms are filling quickly, so complete your booking form today!
    • Read the new February 2020 issue of the "Covenant Reformed News"!

  • Concerning the PRC in the Philippines, the following may be gleaned from the bulletins of the Berean PRC, PRC in Bulacan, Maranatha PRC, and Provident CC:
    • Congregational and Denominational News:

~ Maranatha PRC: Rev. R. Smit, our Missionary will lead us in the first and second worship services. He will continue the Belgic Confession lesson Article 33 - “The Sacraments.”

~ Provident PRC: Rev. Holstege will lead both of our worship services today.

~ The most recent mission newsletter was published and distributed this Fall. You may find that October 2019 update here.

~ And for more on the life and work of our "sisters" in the Far East read the news under Philippine missions.

  • 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.

Jesus paid it all 1

Why did Jesus have to suffer and die for sinners? Read this resource to learn more.

SPECIAL NOTICES:

  • Are you looking for 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.

  • Would you like to learn more about the PRC and her doctrines and practices? Are you 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.

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!
    • Continuing this month Rev. R. Kleyn of the Covenant of Grace PRC in Spokane, WA is delivering a series on prayer, with today's message titled "Praying for Daily Bread" based on Luke 11:3. Listen to the broadcast on the station near you or visit the links provided here to listen to this program.
    • From the Reformed Witness Hour Committee:

~ The Reformed Witness Hour Committee wishes to remind everyone that you can receive their bi-monthly newsletter via email by simply signing up at http://eepurl.com/gikNsL.  Each newsletter contains information about places around our globe where the RWH is downloaded; news about the RWH’s witness on the radio and via the internet, printed booklet, and CD and links to many popular and relevant RWH messages.

~ A Spanish edition of the RWH has been produced and may be found on this YouTube channel (PRC Espanol). Why not check it out - and help spread the word!

 Yg Calvinists

ESPECIALLY FOR PRC Young People and Young Adults:

  • The Young Calvinists will be hosting a Talking Points Lecture this coming Saturday, March 14, from 2-4pm at Georgetown PRC. Seminarian Josiah Tan will speaking on "Evangelism and t he Covenant: How these two doctrines come together in the PRC's Sister church in Singapore." This interactive workshop will be live-streamed to our churches in and out of state! We encourage you to Facebook message us with any questions on local evangelism that you would like addressed by our speaker."

  • 2020 PRYP's Convention News! Registration for the 2020 Young People’s Convention opens on Monday, March 16! Chaperone registration is open until the end of March so please register now if you would like to serve as a chaperone this year. The convention is planned for August 10-14, 2020 at the Lake Williamson Camp in Carlinville, IL. To register as a chaperone, go to www.prcconvention.com , and follow the instructions under the Chaperone tab. If you have any questions, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  • Young Men's Conference - Young men of High School and College age, please plan to attend the GPRC Young Men’s Conference, with the theme of "Run, Fight, Lead!", on Saturday morning, April 25, from 8 am-12:00 pm, at Georgetown Protestant Reformed Church. Breakfast is included! Don’t wait, register today!  For more details and to register please visit georgetownprc.org/runfightlead

  • Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2020 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 30th. 

  • The Western Young People's Retreat, hosted by the Lynden and Spokane Young Peoples, will be held July 14-17, 2020, at Camp Sanders in N. Idaho.  This is a retreat for Young People ages 13-18 (going into 9th-12th grade).  More information and registration will be available in March. Contact Rev. Kleyn at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions.

  • The latest issue of Salt Shakers magazine has been published. To read the December 2019 issue (#58), visit this page.

philmap2

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 BC-PRC's bulletin today we learn that Pastor Spriensma is preaching at Georgetown PRC this evening.
  • Limerick Reformed Fellowship News:
    • Rev. M. McGeown led the services today.
    • The last mission newsletter from the Limerick Reformed Fellowship - the December 2019 edition - may be found here.

Philippine Missions:

  • *Update: We have received word that the visit of the delegation to the Philippines March 12-25 on behalf of Doon PRC and the Foreign Mission Committee has been postponed due to travel concerns. The FMC hopes that the visit can be made later this year.
  • Berean PRC News: This congregation continues to work in Gabaldon, Nueve Ecija.
  • Provident PRC News: Rev. D. Kleyn continues his monthly visits to Southern Negros Occidental to preach and teach in reforming churches there.
  • The newest Philippines mission newsletter has been published and posted! The January 2020 issue may be read here.
  • 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!

We remember in prayer 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:

  • We also remember our sister church's work (Covenant ERC in Singapore) in Kolkata, through Rev. E. 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.
Last modified on 09 March 2020