July 2022July 3The Dedication of the WallNehemiah 12: 27-47
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Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this twenty-fifth Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, June 26.
Because our Lord is risen from the dead on the third day - as He promised - and because He is returning in glory for our everlasting worship - as He also promised - today, on this first day of the week, we gather in worship as members of our living Savior's church. With gratitude and gladness we bring our praise to our triune God for fully accomplishing our salvation in His Son and by His Spirit. We cordially invite you to join us in worship on this day and on any Sunday.
Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men? Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth. Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD. The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked. So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth. ~ Psalm 58,1-2, 6, 10-11
If you are new to this website and are interested in the PRC, we invite you to join us at any of our services (morning and afternoon/evening). For congregations, locations and times, visit this page.
Synod 2022: Synod met earlier this month at Zion PRC (Jenison, MI). For daily reports and photos of this year's synod, visit this webpage or the church news pages.
Contact Committee: Philippines Conference: Revs. Jim Laning and Bill Langerak will be traveling to the Philippines to participate in a conference on July 2 sponsored by our sister church, The Protestant Reformed Churches in the Philippines. They, together with Rev. Daniel Kleyn, will give three speeches to be followed by a question and answer period. The conference theme is Contending for the Faith: Doctrinal Development Since the Schism. Please pray that the Lord will bless this work of our churches together with our sister churches in the Philippines for the cause of the truth and the good of His church universal. The Contact Committee of the PRC.
Missions News:
PRC Seminary Notices:
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!
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"In our day, over against all forms of Arminianism, it especially needs to be stressed that God is immutable in His love and mercy. It is certainly not the case that God loves someone in time but then, when he dies, He hates him and casts him into hell forever!
"Those whom God loves, He loves eternally and unchangeably. As Psalm 136 declares an emphatic 26 times, “his mercy endureth for ever.” Repeatedly we are called to give Jehovah thanks, for He “smote Egypt in their firstborn … [and] overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea … [and] slew famous kings … Sihon king of the Amorites … [and] Og the king of Bashan” (10, 15, 18, 19, 20). Why? “for his mercy endureth for ever”! There is no mercy for Pharaoh, Sihon, Og and their idolatrous people, whom He destroyed. Jehovah has everlasting mercy for His elect people in Jesus Christ and shows this by slaying their impenitent enemies.
"Romans 8:38-39 is extremely forceful in teaching that nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” After listing nine of the leading candidates for effecting such a terrible separation, including “death,” it adds, as a sort of universal catchall, “nor any other creature.” God’s love is everlasting and invincibly adhesive, for we are united to Him forever! Again, we see that our comfort lies in the truth that our covenant Lord is “the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).
"Whom does the Most High love? He unchangeably loves Himself (as the highest good), His beloved Son incarnate and all His elect in Christ Jesus. He loves us unchangeably and He loves us “unto the end” (John 13:1)!"
~ Rev. A. Stewart in the latest Covenant Reformed News (June 2022)
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Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this twenty-fourth Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, June 19.
Because our Lord is risen from the dead on the third day - as He promised - and because He is returning in glory for our everlasting worship - as He also promised - today, on this first day of the week, we gather in worship as members of our living Savior's church. With gratitude and gladness we bring our praise to our triune God for fully accomplishing our salvation in His Son and by His Spirit. We cordially invite you to join us in worship on this day and on any Sunday.
My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations. For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth. ~ Psalm 57:7-11
If you are new to this website and are interested in the PRC, we invite you to join us at any of our services (morning and afternoon/evening). For congregations, locations and times, visit this page.
Synod 2022: Synod met this past week at Zion PRC (Jenison, MI) and completed its work Friday afternoon. For daily reports and photos of this year's synod, visit this webpage or the church news pages.
Contact Committee: Philippines Conference: Revs. Jim Laning and Bill Langerak will be traveling to the Philippines to participate in a conference on July 2 sponsored by our sister church, The Protestant Reformed Churches in the Philippines. They, together with Rev. Daniel Kleyn, will give three speeches to be followed by a question and answer period. The conference theme is Contending for the Faith: Doctrinal Development Since the Schism. Please pray that the Lord will bless this work of our churches together with our sister churches in the Philippines for the cause of the truth and the good of His church universal. The Contact Committee of the PRC.
Missions News:
PRC Seminary Notices:
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!
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"For God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble.” I Peter 5:5.
"In the wild mountain regions mighty giants of granite proudly rise heavenward, peak upon peak, contesting as it were with one another for superiority, striving to attain the most exalted position, whence they may display their proud forms in the thin and clear atmosphere to the far distant world around. Down in the valley grows the lowly lily, well-nigh hidden in oblivion, humbly retreating with its pure beauty from the world’s admiring gazes in the still recesses of the ravine. Yet, the most arrogant mountain peaks, though rising high into the deep blue canopy of the heavens to meet as it were the golden flood of the sun, receive none of its benevolent warmth. And though with their rocky heads they pierce the soft cloud-blanket, they fail to profit from its gentle showers. In the brightest sunlight they stand frigid and bare, clothed in eternal ice and snow. Down the icy slopes glides the golden sunbeam, descending and searching till it creeps into the fragrant bosom of the humble lily below, to brighten its beauty in the recess of the valley. And the gentle rain, passing the hard arrogancy of the rock giants, descends till it can lavish all its blessing upon the lowly flower, clothing it with a beauty such as Solomon never possessed.
"A silent nature-picture this is, of the deep spiritual reality expressed in the text above. For men rise and exalt themselves, like those rocky peaks, in arrogant conceit, till they claim to be as God and disclaim any God above them. And other men hide in the deep valley of humble contrition and repentance, in their self-abasement before God not daring to raise their eyes to heaven. But none of the benevolent influence of God’s grace, none of the blissful communion of His friendship is experienced by the former; and all the sweetness of His loving-kindness is lavished upon the latter. For God resisteth the proud and He giveth grace to the humble.”
~ Herman Hoeksema, Standard Bearer, Vol. 71, No. 11.
After a full day yesterday, the PRC Synod of 2022 resumes its work this morning at 8 a.m. in Zion PRC. With the examination of Bro. M. Wee completed, synod will dig into its committee work right away.
May the Lord again give wisdom and grace to the delegates as they take up the Lord's work in and through the churches.
Below are a few more pictures from the seminary graduation last evening. Thanks to John Van Baren for all the great photos this week!
Prof. R. Dykstra's final PRTS commencement speech
2022 PRTS Graduate Isaac Peters, with Prof. R. Cammenga (rector, left) and Rev. G. Eriks (TSC President, right)
2022 PRTS Graduate Marcus Wee
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Summary of 2022 PRCA Synod - Day 4 (June 17, 2022)
I begin with a correction from yesterday’s report. In the section regarding the Foreign Mission Committee, I referred to one of the missionaries as Rev. Rodney Kleyn. It should have been Rev. Daniel Kleyn.
Today’s session began with opening devotions led by Rev. Lanning, who read Psalm 91 and opened in prayer.
Synod approved sending letters of encouragement to the Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church of Singapore and the Protestant Reformed Churches in the Philippines in light of the fact that the schism and troubles in the PRCA have also spread to them.
In addition to approving the work of the BOT, Synod reappointed Mr. Tom Holstege to a three-year term as Assistant Treasurer, appointed Mr. Doug Mingerink, Sr. to a two-year term as Stated Clerk of Synod, and reappointed Mr. Dirk Westra to a three-year term as Assistant Stated Clerk. Both Mr. Mingerink and Mr. Westra were thanked for their faithful labors this past year.
Synod treated the report of the treasurer, and expressed gratitude to our treasurer, Mr. Don Offringa, and our bookkeeper, Mrs. Pamela Bos, for their work.
Synod treated the report of the Emeritus Committee, approving 15 emeritation requests. Synod also concurred with the decision of Georgetown PRC, and concurrence of Classis East to grant the emeritation request of Rev. C. Haak effective September 1, 2022. This was followed by a decision to thank Rev. C. Haak for his 43 years of faithful service in the ministry of the Word and Sacraments in the Protestant Reformed denomination.
Synod approved the subsidy requests of six churches.
Using an estimate of 2,160 families, synod adopted a budget that set an assessment of $625 per family for 2023.
After recommitting the advice several times throughout the week to the committee of pre-advice for reformulation, Synod came to a decision on Faith PRC’s overture regarding Article 67 of the Church Order. The overture was to remove “the requirement that the churches hold worship services on ‘Old and New Year’s Day.” Synod’s decision was to “approve the overture of Faith PRC insofar as it speaks of the observance of Old Year’s Day, and thus change Article 67 of The Church Order of the PRCA by removing the words “and Old”, so that the article will then read ‘The churches shall observe, in addition to the Sunday, also Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, Ascension Day, Pentecost, the Day of Prayer, the National Thanksgiving Day, and New Year’s Day’.” The decision included four grounds: “1) The churches’ commemoration of the passing of the old year to the new year can appropriately be held in one service on the first day of the new year. 2) Of all our special services, Old Year’s Day is of most recent origin, having not appeared in The Church Order prior to 1914. 3) Many special services in a short period of time can diminish the value of the Lord’s Day worship services. When the Reformation churches considered the worship on special days, a major concern was the sanctity of the Lord’s Day, which ought to be our concern. 4) Three special church services within eight days can be taxing on both ministers and congregations.”
One of the last orders of business was voting for those who will serve on the denominational standing committees.
Synod appointed Southwest PRC as the host of Synod 2023 to convene Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 8:00 A.M.
Zion PRC was thanked as the host church. The facility served Synod well. The caterers were thanked. The delegates of synod ate well throughout the week. We also are thankful for the many members of Zion PRC who were at work to facilitate this years meeting of Synod.
The Vice-Chairman expressed thanks to our capable chairman, Rev. Key. And Rev. Key concluded the meeting expressing thanks to the delegates of synod for being given strength to do the work of Synod throughout the week and the spirit of unity and brotherly love with which it was done.
Psalm 91:1, 2, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”
In Christ’s service,
Rev. N. Decker Second Clerk of Synod 2022
Two Van Baren delegates: John (Hudsonville PRC) and Phil (Crete PRC). John was also the synodical photographer - thanks for all the great photos! Look for more in the upcoming July Standard Bearer!
And when synod is over and everyone else departs for home, who is left to finish its work?
The 1st (Rev. J. Engelsma) and 2nd (Rev. N. Decker) clerks - thanks for your special service to the churches!
The PRC Synod of 2022 will reconvene this morning at 8 a.m. After devotions, the examination of Sem. Marcus Wee will continue, with four parts to complete: knowledge of confessions (Prof. D. Kuiper), church history (Prof. R. Dykstra), church polity (Prof. B. Gritters), and practica (Rev. G. Eriks). The exam is being livestreamed through Zion's PRC website.
Sem. M. Wee enjoying a refreshing moment with his young son (held by his father) during yesterday's exam.
Prof. D. Kuiper examining Sem. M. Wee in knowledge of confessions
Prof. R. Dykstra asking Sem. M. Wee questions on Augustine for church history exam
Fellow seminary students present to encourage Sem. M. Wee and his wife
Update: Sem M. Wee sustained his examination and has been approved by synod to be a candidate for the ministry of the Word. We rejoice in the grace given to the brother and pray for him as he returns to Singapore in the next month to await God's will for him.
This afternoon synod will take up its regular work by considering the advice of its commmittees (Committee I, II, etc.).
Synod began by singing Psalter 426. Rev. Ibe read Ephesians 4:1-16 and opened in prayer.
The oral examination of Marcus Wee was brought to a conclusion this morning. Prof. Kuiper examined Marcus in the knowledge of confessions, Prof. Dykstra in Church History, Prof. Gritters in Church Order, and Rev. Eriks in Practica. Synod took a decision to approve the synodical examination of Mr. Wee and inform the CERC of Singapore that we judge that Mr. Wee is worthy to be declared eligible for a call for the ministry of the Word and sacraments. After informing Marcus of this decision, the chairman read from 1 Corinthians 4:1, 2 and offered a word of encouragement to Marcus regarding pastors beings stewards of the mysteries God. Synod then sang the doxology, prayed, and congratulated Marcus and his wife.
The remainder of the day was spent treating reports from four committees of pre-advice.
Synod decided to accept the invitation of NAPARC (North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council) to send observers to its 2022 meeting. The reasons for doing so is that attending NAPARC gives opportunity to discuss doctrines and practices that divide as well as those we have in common with other churches, discuss the possibility of closer relationships with other denominations, discuss current heresies and practices that threaten Reformed and Presbyterian churches, and give answers to any questions that may arise over the recent schism in the PRCA.
Synod treated the protest of an individual against Synod 2021, Article 59. This decision approved the concurrence of the Synodical deputies from the West with the decision of Classis East (January 13-15, 2021) to approve the request of Byron Center Consistory to proceed to the deposition of Mr. A. Lanning. The committee of pre-advice divided his protest into two parts. First, Synod did not sustain the protest regarding the rescinding of Synod 2021 Article 59 on the basis of one ground: the protestant “ignored two of the four decisions which grounded the approval of the deposition of A. Lanning.” This was elaborated upon with two further points of explanation. Second, Synod did not sustain the protest regarding the contention that the protests of five protestants was not fully considered by Synod 2021 on the one ground: “Synod 2021 did adequately consider and answer all the protests of 2021.” This too was elaborated upon with five points of explanation.
Much of the afternoon was spent treating the reports of both the Domestic and Foreign Mission Committees.
Some of the highlights regarding the Domestic Mission Committee are the following:
Some of the highlights regarding the Foreign Mission Committee are the following:
Synod then turned to the report of the Theological School Committee. Regarding students, we rejoice that synod approved admitting Mr. Bruce Feenstra to the seminary as a pre-licentiate student beginning in the fall semester 2022. Regarding professors, Synod declared both Prof. R. Cammenga and Prof. B. Gritters capable to continue teaching in our seminary for another year. This was done in accord with article 7 of the constitution of the theological school, which requires that after a professor reaches the age of 65, the TSC shall consult with the professor annually “about his capability to continue teaching or possible emeritation.” Lastly, after considering the Seminary Rector’s report, synod expressed appreciation to Professors Cammenga, Dykstra, Griess, Gritters, Huizinga, and Kuiper, as well as to Miss Sharon Kleyn and Mr. Charles Terpstra, for their work.
The last items treated today concerned the Student Aid Committee. Synod both approved disbursements from and a budget for the Student Aid Fund.
Synod will reconvene on Friday morning at 8:00 AM.
Ephesians 4:1-3, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
In Christ’s service,
Rev. N. Decker Second Clerk of Synod 2022
This evening the PR Theological Seminary commencement took place, as Marcus Wee and Isaac Peters graduated. The program was held in the sanctuary of Zion PRC in Jenison, MI. Prof. R. Dykstra gave the address, speaking from Eph.4 on "The Minister's Calling to Seek Unity.' A nice crowd witnessed the ceremony and heard an edifying (final) commencement speech from Prof. Dykstra, who has retired from the seminary afer 26 years of faithful service. Below are a few pictures taken at this event.
Rev. G. Eriks, president of the Theological School Committee, chairs the program and leads in devotions
Zion PRC's choir provided the special music
Prof. R. Dykstra delivers his commencement message
Isaac Peters of the EPC of Australia receiving his diploma
Marcus Wee of the CERC-Singapore receives his diploma
The PRC Synod of 2022 began its second day of work with devotions, and then entered into the examination of Sem. Marcus Wee in the area of Dogmatics (6 loci of Reformed-Christian theology), with Prof. R. Cammenga asking the questions (20 minutes in each section). The examination ended late morning with Prof. B. Gritters asking questions in the area of knowledge of Scripture. Synod then took time for group pictures before lunch.
Prof. R. Cammenga examines Sem. M. Wee in Dogmatics
This afternoon, synod will begin working through the advice of its committees, beginning with Committee I.
Prof. B. Gritters examining Sem. M. Wee in the area of knowledge of Scripture
Yesterday afternoon (following the specimen sermon delivered by Sem. M. Wee) the various committees of synod began their work of preparing pre-advice (see photos below).
Committee I at work: Revs. N. Decker, J. Laning, V. Ibe (PRCP); Elders S. Hunter, S. Miedema, G.T. Wee (CERC); Advisor Prof. B. Gritters
Committee IV at work: Revs. G. Eriks, R. Barnhill; Elders K. Bruinsma, J. Van Baren; Advisor Prof. R. Cammenga
Break times are always a highlight with the host church ladies providing wonderful treats for the delegates and visitors
Committee II - Rev. A. Brummel, Elder P. Van Baren, Prof. B. Huizinga, Elder J. Lanting, Prof. R. Dykstra
Committee III: Prof. D. Kuiper, Elder L. Gritters, Prof. C. Griess, Rev. J. Engelsma, Elder D. Van Uffelen, Rev. R. Kleyn
Committee V: Elder M. Gritters, Rev. W. Langerak, Rev. S. Key, Elder P. Smit
Synod began this morning by singing Psalter 1. Rev. Decker opened with devotions by reading John 13:1-17 and leading in prayer.
The morning session of Synod was spent with the oral examination of Marcus Wee. Prof. Cammenga examined Marcus for 20 minutes each in Theology, Anthropology, Christology, Soteiology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology. This was followed by Prof. Gritters examining Marcus on the knowledge of Scripture. Marcus gave a good account of what he both knows and believes concerning these subjects. This portion of synod was live-streamed for any who may have been interested, but especially for the saints and Session of the Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church in Singapore.
Most of the afternoon was spent treating the advice regarding the work of the Contact Committee (CC). The Lord has given the PRCA contact with many churches and saints spread throughout the world. Synod began by treating the work of the CC regarding those with whom we have a sister church relationship: the Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church of Singapore (CERCS), the Covenant Protestant Reformed Church Northern Ireland (CPRCNI), and the Protestant Reformed Churches in the Philippines (PRCP). With thankfulness to God, the CC reported that the relationships with each of our sisters remains strong. Yesterday, synod heard a letter from the CERCS. Today, Rev. Vernon Ibe addressed synod with a letter from the PRCP [photo below]. Both letters testified to the value and blessedness of our sister church relationship.
The PRCA also has a corresponding relationship with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Australia (EPCA). After approving the work of the CC with the EPCA, Synod had a letter read from the Presbytery of the EPCA on the floor of synod. The letter from the EPCA contained a heartfelt expression of thanks to the PRCA for the care and training of their student, Mr. Isaac Peters. In addition to those with whom we have official relationships, the CC labors with many other contacts. Information was presented at synod on the CC’s work with the Confessing Protestant-Reformed Congregation (BERG) of Giessen, Germany, along with churches and believers in Namibia, South Africa, South Korea, and Mexico.
Synod treated the report of the Psalter Revision Review Committee. The committee members are Belinda Brummel, Don DeJong, Michelle Drnek, Pam Dykstra, Matt Elzinga, Cal Kalsbeek, Steve Kuiper, Rev. W Langerak, and Shelly VanderKolk. The three synodical-appointed advisors are Prof. D. Kuiper, Josh Hoekstra, and Prof. B. Gritters. The Psalter Revision Review Committee provided synod with a helpful summary of their work from this past year. In this coming year the committee intends to finish its review of the Genevans, make a final review of the entire package, and prepare it for presentation to Synod 2023. Synod approved the work of the committee and expressed gratitude to its members for their faithful and selfless labor on behalf of the churches.
Synod approved disbursements made by the CC from the Pastor Training Fund—Foreign Lands and the Foreign Student Assistance Fund as well as approved a budget of $78,000 for the CC’s operating expenses in 2023.
The advice presented to synod regarding the North America Presbyterian and Reformed Council (NAPARC) and Faith PRC’s overture to amend Article 67 of the Church were recommitted to committee one for reformulation.
Synod declared illegal an overture from an individual who asked that "Classis require each of the men of the Special Committee of Classis East (Jan 2018) to assist Hope PRC to explain in writing their doctrinal position regarding the doctrinal statement which they authored.” The one ground for declaring the overture illegal was that requirement of Article 30 had not been met, namely, that “in major assemblies only such matters shall be dealt with as could not be finished in minor assemblies.” Two points of explanation were given to explain the ground: 1) The overture “was a request for action on the part of Classis East and not Synod. He writes: ‘By way of this overture, I request that Classis require each of the men of the Special Committee of Classis East…' (Agenda p. 74). He also writes: ‘However, I believe that this Special Committee of Classis East…must also be held accountable for what they wrote and that it is Classis East’s responsibility to hold them accountable as they are a committee of Classis’ (Agenda p. 75).” 2) “His course of action should have been to protest the decision of Classis East to reject his overture, and then if not satisfied to appeal to Synod. His overture amounts to an appeal to synod, without having first protested to Classis. For Synod to take this matter up would be hierarchical in that it would be taking up work that was not finished at the classical level.”
The final item treated this afternoon is one for which we give humble thanks to God, namely, the report of the 100th Anniversary Committee. Five decisions were taken in this regard: 1) That synod approve holding the 100th anniversary celebration of our churches at Calvin University on June 23-27, 2025. 2) That synod request the Young People’s Federation to hold the Young People’s Convention at the same place and time. 3) That synod adopt the proposed theme, “Grace: The PRCA at 100,” for the 100th anniversary celebration, with a theme text of Ephesians 2:4-10 and a theme song of Psalter #394 4) That synod mandate a multi-authored book be written commemorating our 100th anniversary, overseen by an editorial committee selected by the 100th Anniversary Committee. 5) That synod send an invitation to those churches with whom we have official relationships (sister churches and the churches with whom we have a corresponding relationship) to attend our 100th anniversary celebration.
Synod recessed at 5:00 PM. Synod will reconvene Thursday morning at 8:00 AM to finish the examination of Marcus Wee.
John 13:14, 15, “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”
In Christ’s Service,
Rev. N. Decker Second Clerk of Synod 2022
Last evening the pre-synodical service was held in the sanctuary of Zion PRC, the host of this year's PRC Synod. Rev. Rodney Kleyn (president of the 2021 Synod and pastor of First PRC-Grand Rapids) led the service and preached on "The Priority of Love," based on 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.
Part of his application to synod and its work included these words: "With regard to synod and its work, the application is this, that God will answer our prayer for His presence and the work of His Spirit in our deliberations, first, by giving to us as delegates the attitudes and behaviors of love, here described in 1 Corinthians 13. Let us remember, this week, the words of verses 4-7 which describe the behavior of love, not only as we work with each other, but also as all of the work of synod comes before us: missions, seminary, contact committee, appeals, and the rest."
Today synod will begin its official sessions. The delegates will elect her officers and appoint a "Committee on Committees" to organize the work for the week.
And then its attention will be turned to the examination of one of the senior PRC seminary students - Sem. Marcus Wee from Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church in Singapore (see photo above). This sister church of the PRC has asked the synod to examine Sem. Wee. The exam will begin Tuesday morning with the delivery of his specimen sermon. Starting Wednesday morning (and again Thursday morning), Sem. Wee will be examined in the main branches of his studies - dogmatics, knowledge of Scripture, knowledge of the confessions, church history, church polity, and practica. These parts of the exam are open to the public and will also be livestreamed through Zion PRC's website - in part for the benefit of his family, friends, and fellow saints in Singapore.
Look for the full report of Tuesday later today. Updates will be given as provided by the clerks of synod. Photos are compliments of elder John Van Baren.
Updates:
Synod has appointed its officers and committees (cf. photos above). Rev. S. Key will serve as president; Prof. R. Dykstra as vice-president; Rev. J. Engelsma as 1st clerk; and Rev. N. Decker as 2nd clerk.
Synod 2nd clerk, Rev. N. Decker with the PRC stated clerk, Doug Mingerink, Sr.
Sem. Matt Koerner and elder Wee Gim Theng (CERCS)
Some of the support Sem. M. Wee has - his wife and some of his family from Singapore is here
Delegates and friends in Zion PRC's sanctuary for Sem. M. Wee's sermon this morning.
A unique panoramic view of the delegates seated in the basement of Zion PRC
Pastor Vernon Ibe, delegate from the PRC of the Philippines (sister church to the PRC)
The second clerk has drawn up his report of the first day:
Summary of 2022 PRCA Synod - Day 1 (June 14, 2022)
On Monday evening the pre-synodical service was held at Zion Protestant Reformed Church. Rev. Rodney Kleyn, the president of synod 2021, led the worship service. In the congregational prayer He beseeched our heavenly Father for His blessing upon all of the work that synod will take up in the coming days. He preached an appropriate and convicting sermon on 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 under the theme “The Priority of Love.”
The 2022 Synod of the PRC officially convened at Zion Protestant Reformed Church at 8:00 AM Tuesday morning. The meeting began with devotions, the delegates of Synod singing Psalter 134 and Rev. Kleyn reading Psalm 48 and opening with prayer. It is appropriate to note what Article 32 of our Church Order says: “The proceedings of all assemblies shall begin by calling upon the name of God and be closed with thanksgiving.” The sessions of synod today and throughout the week will be filled with the delegates consciously seeking God for His wisdom and strength to carry out the work faithfully, with thanksgiving, to the glory of His name.
The first order of business was to accept the credentials of Classis East and Classis West. The delegates from Classis West are Keith Bruinsma (Peace PRC), Loren Gritters (Hull PRC), Chester Hunter (Edgerton PRC), Peter Smit (Hope PRC, Redlands), Phil VanBaren (Crete PRC), Rev. Ryan Barnhill (Heritage PRC), Rev. Allen Brummel (Calvary PRC), Rev. Josh Engelsma (Crete PRC), Rev. Steve Key (Loveland PRC) and Rev. Jim Laning (Hull PRC). The delegates from Classis East are Mike Gritters (Zion PRC), Jim Lanting (Cornerstone PRC), Sid Miedema (Unity PRC), John VanBaren (Hudsonville PRC), Dan VanUffelen (Hope PRC, GR), Rev. Nathan Decker (Grandville PRC), Prof. Russ Dykstra (Byron Center PRC), Rev. Garry Eriks (Unity PRC), Rev. Rodney Kleyn (First PRC, GR) and Rev. Bill Langerak (Trinity PRC).
With Synod officially constituted, the election of offices took place with the following results: President, Rev. Key; Vice-President, Prof. Dykstra; First Clerk, Rev. Engelsma; Second Clerk, Rev. Decker.
According to the rules of synod the faculty of the seminary (Prof. Cammenga, Prof. Griess, Prof. Gritters, Prof. Huizinga, and Prof. Kuiper) were seated and given advisory vote. Synod took the decision also to seat and give advisory vote to both Rev. Vernon Ibe from the Protestant Reformed Church in the Philippines and Elder Wee Gim Theng from the Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church in Singapore.
As they do at the beginning of every meeting of synod, the delegate stood and gave assent to the Public Declaration of Agreement with the Forms of Unity, which was read by Rev. Key. If any are interested, this declaration can be found in the little green Church Order book.
The president appointed the Committee on Committees tasked with dividing the work of synod into five committees. A picture of their report (along with other pictures) as adopted can be found under the news tab of our denominational website.
The highlight of the morning was listening to the specimen sermon of Mr. Marcus Wee. Mr. Wee preached on Jeremiah 33:15,16 under the theme “The Branch of Righteousness,” an edifying sermon delivered with conviction. Synod adopted the report of the sermon critics to approve Mr. Wee’s sermon and proceed to his oral examination, which will begin Wednesday morning. Mr. Wee will be examined in the six loci of dogmatics, knowledge of Scripture, knowledge of the confessions, church history, church polity, and practica. These parts of the exam are open to the public and will also be live-streamed through Zion PRC's website, in part for the benefit of his family, friends, and fellow saints in Singapore.
Synod recessed for the day around 11:00 AM to allow the pre-advice committees to do their work, and will begin again Wednesday morning at 8:00 AM.
Psalm 48:18, “For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.”
In Christ’s service Rev. N. Decker Second Clerk of Synod 202
Classis East
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Classis West
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