News

News

New Issue of "Salt Shakers" Magazine - April 2016

SS 37 ecopy Page 1"Covenant Keepers", the youth ministry of the Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church of Singapore (our sister church), has just released the April 2016 issue of "Salt Shakers" (#37),their youth magazine.

Once again the "SS" is filled with interesting and edifying articles, and our PRC young people especially are invited and encouraged to read it.

Below you will find a note from the "SS" Committee introducing the contents of this issue and images of the cover and table of contents. The entire issue is also attached here in pdf form.

Dear Readers,

We are pleased to bring you Issue 37 of Salt Shakers! Though various circumstances caused the delay of this issue from March to April, we are conscious of the grace of our Lord in sustaining the work of this Reformed magazine. Due to the delay, we will be on track to publish Issue 38 only in July. We thank our readers for their patience and covet your continued prayers for the work.

As Reformed young people, we love our magazine. As always, we trust that God will use these feeble and imperfect works for the edification of many.

Soli Deo Gloria, Chua Lee Yang

On Behalf of the Salt Shakers Committee

SS 37 ecopy Page 2

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Classis East Meeting - May 11, 2016 - *Updated

Providence PRC 2015One of the three annual meetings of Classis East took place on Wednesday, May 11, at Providence PR Church in Hudsonville, MI.

Besides the normal business of the churches, the agenda included the request of the Pittsburgh PR Fellowship to be organized into an instituted congregation. It also has two protests brought by individuals against decisions taken by Classis in January.

May God graciously bless the deliberations and decisions of the Classis.

UPDATE: The Stated Clerk's official public report is now available and posted below.

Report of Classis East

May 11, 2016

Providence PRC

 

Classis East met in regular session on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at the Providence PRC.  This was the first time that Providence has hosted a meeting of classis.  The churches were each represented by two delegates.  Rev. G. Eriks was the chairman for this session.

In its first order of business, classis approved the organization of a new congregation in Pittsburgh, PA.  The request for organization came via the council of Southwest PRC.  A sizeable delegation from Pittsburgh was present as was the current home missionary, Rev. Wilbur Bruinsma.  The delegates ad examina from Classis West were present as well and gave concurrence to the decision of classis to organize this congregation.  Southwest PRC was given the responsibility to organize this congregation.  Rev. A. denHartog was appointed as its moderator.  Needless to say, this was a joyous moment for the classis as God,  through the ardent work of its missionary, gave our churches another congregation.  The new congregation will consist of six families (seven if the pastor is included) and five confessing adults.  Two more adults are in the process of making profession of faith.

Classis considered two protests against the decisions of the January, 2016 classis regarding the sustaining of a charge of antinomianism against an appellant.  The first protestant contended that classis, in its January, 2016 decision, adopted grounds that were illogical and contradictory.  Further he contended that Article 79 of the Church Order was misapplied since, he argued, that Article 79 applied only to public sins.  Finally, the protestant contended that a countercharge of antinomianism interfered with the protest and appeal process.   Classis did not sustain this protest.  Classis adopted the advice of its committee of pre-advice that

1) Article 31 does not prohibit a consistory from bringing a charge of sin in the course of a protest or appeal; 2) Article 79 was not used by classis as a ground in its January, 2016 decision; and 3) The decision of classis in January, 2016 gave proof for its upholding the consistory’s charge of antinomianism against the appellant. The protestant failed to cite this part of classis’ decision.  Classis further decided that the recommendation made was not legally before the classis since the requirements of Article 31 of the Church Order had not been met.

The second protestant contended on the basis of Ezekiel 33:6,7 and Article 31 of the Church Order that the right of a believer and/or officebearer who is protesting or appealing, as compelled by their conscience, is prevented or hindered when charges of sin are brought against him in the course of considering his protest.  Classis did not sustain this protest since the brother who brought the appeal to the January, 2016 classis has indeed filed his appeal to synod.  Classis further ruled that it is legitimate for a consistory to raise a charge of sin when there is sufficient evidence of an unbiblical or un-Reformed position set forth in a protest or appeal.

 A notice of appeal to Synod 2016 was received from the brother whose appeal against his consistory had been adjudicated at the January, 2016 meeting of classis.

Classis took note of this appeal and further informed synod: 1) that the brother fails to comply with the Rules of Synod which apply to protests, appeals, and overtures which require brevity and exclude the bringing of new material regarding the appeal. and 2) that the appellant adds new explanations which show agreement with classis’ and his consistory’s  decisions regarding his appeal.

In other business classis received the report of the church visitors, entered closed session to deal with matters of discipline, adopted a classical appointment schedule for Holland PRC and the new Pittsburgh congregation, transferred the Ministerial Credentials of Rev. Daniel Holstege to Classis West, appointed Rev. C. Haak as the moderator for Holland PRC, and approved expenses for the classis’ meeting of $1868.33

Classis will meet next on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at Southwest PRC.

Respectfully submitted,

 Jon J. Huisken, Stated Clerk

And, as of May 26 we may add this note re the organization of the Pittsburgh PR Fellowship:

At the May 11, 2016 meeting of Classis East, approval was given to organize the Pittsburgh Protestant Reformed Fellowship as an instituted church.  SW Protestant Reformed Church was instructed to organize this congregation on the behalf of Classis.  With thanksgiving to God, SW Protestant Reformed Church’s Council, as well as the Pittsburgh Protestant Reformed Fellowship, invites you to Pittsburgh on June 24, 2016, at 7 PM, for this organizational service.  Everyone is invited for a time of refreshment and fellowship following the service.

Reformed Book Outlet - May 2016 Newsletter

ReformedBookOutlet

3505 Kelly, Hudsonville, MI 49426
Phone: 616-669-6730

Hours:  Monday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tues. – Fri. 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Web site:  www.reformedbookoutlet.weebly.com

 

May 2016

25% OFF SALE

Once again RBO will be offering 25% off retail prices on our Bibles, Bible covers and books, including all of the RFPA titles, during the month of May.  This also includes any special orders for books we might not carry in the store, if ordered in May.

Not included are our music CDs, cards, and our few NET items, such as Psalters, and small Psalters.

 

An overview of our sections and the types of books we carry:

Section One:  Children’s Bible Story books, and devotionals and children’s literature.

Section Two:  Children’s historical fiction, and story books such as horse stories, mysteries etc.

Section Three:  Children and Youth historical fiction, biographies, and children’s classics.  (Back in print, children’s classic Star Eye by William (Hester Monsma) Schmidt)

Section Four:  Adult and young adult historical fiction.

Section Five:  Devotionals of all sorts, books on prayer, comfort, poetry, etc.

                        Puritan paperbacks, and Mrs. Gertrude Hoeksema’s Bible curriculum books.

Section Six:  Autobiographies, Biographies, Elisabeth Elliot books, and books on Cults.

Section Seven:  Christian Living books on all topics, marriage, finances, family, spiritual struggles, etc.  Check out a new book by Al Martin The Forgotten Fear: Where Have All the God Fearers Gone? 

Section Eight:  Church History, missions, books on elders, deacons, counseling, etc. and gift books.

Section Nine:  Complete line of Reformed Free Publishing Association books, books on Reformed Doctrine, on John Calvin, and on the creeds.

Section Ten:  Commentaries and expositions on books of the Bible.

Section Eleven:  King James Version of the Bible – many sizes, styles, colors, font sizes, for all ages.   Check out Psalms a book containing the Psalms in a very giant print.  We also have comparison Bibles comparing KJV with other versions, and Nave’s Topical Bible.

Section Twelve:   KJV Study Bibles and Bible Study resources – concordances, dictionaries, etc.

Come in, or call in May to see if we can fill your needs.

                              Let us help build your religious library.

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Building a Godly Family Seminar - Pittsburgh PR Fellowship, May 6-7, 2016

marriage 1This coming weekend, May 6-7 (Friday and Saturday), the PRC church plant in Pittsburgh, PA (PR Fellowship) will be hosting a special seminar on "Building a Godly Family." Pastors W. Bruinsma, C.Haak, and R. Kleyn will be speaking on three subjects relating to this theme - geared to those who are single, to those who seek to be or are married, and to those who plan to have or do have a family.

The subjects are timely and important. All those in the area are welcome to attend. Below is a flyer and advertisement providing some details of the seminar.

Visit the Pittsburgh PR Fellowship website for more information.

The speeches given at this conference are now available on the PRC website. Listen and be edified, whether you are single or married, just beginning a family or have an established family!

flyer for 2016 spring seminar

SPRING SEMINAR SERIES


May 6th and 7th, 2016
Building A Godly Family


Prime Material


Pastor Rodney Kleyn of the Reformed Witness Hour will speak on the life of the single believer in the church. In an age and society of promiscuity where fornication has become acceptable, Pastor Kleyn will remind single saints of the need to remain chaste and pure. Men and women who fear God and keep His commandments make for prime material suited for the construction of a godly home and family. Has the Lord just recently by His grace brought you to faith and repentance? Then rejoice! Your past is forgiven and it is time now to exercise yourself in godliness as a single believer in the church.


Careful Selection


Pastor Carl Haak of the Reformed Witness Hour will speak on how to find and select the right person with whom one can construct a godly marriage and family. Selecting the right man or woman is foundational for a solid home. But, how does a believer find a godly spouse? Where does one look? Obviously, one ought not to be searching in the ungodly places of entertainment where unbelievers frequent. But then where? And, what ought one to look for in that person? How will I know I am compatible with him or her? Pastor Haak will give us sound, biblical answers to these questions and more.


Meticulous Construction


Pastor Bill Bruinsma of the Reformed Witness Hour will speak on the need for a husband and wife to pay careful attention to the details of their home and family. This begins with following carefully what the Word of God teaches about their relationship with one another in marriage. If that lifelong bond of marriage is going to be a happy one both husband and wife will need to be meticulous in constructing their marriage according to Scripture. Likewise, they need to pay close attention to what the Word of God says about having and raising their children. The philosophy of the Scripture is different than that of the unbelieving world in this matter. Learn how.

We pray that these three speeches will give insightful instruction in God’s Word for believers in whatever place they find themselves in the church. Come join us free of charge for a time of fellowship and spiritual refreshment! This will give you an opportunity, as well, to meet the three pastors that speak regularly on the Reformed Witness Hour aired Sunday mornings at 10 AM on WORD FM. Come see the faces behind the voices!

Read more...

Reformed News Asia - April 2016 (Issue 28)

From our sister church in Singapore, Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church, comes the latest issue of REFORMED NEWS ASIA, containing updates on congregational events and publications. Browse the content below and follow the imbedded links to discover more. 

Issue 28 - April 2016
Pamphlets
We print pamphlets written by our members and those from other Reformed churches of like-minded faith. They include a wide range of topics from doctrines to church history and practical Christian living. These pamphlets serve to promote knowledge of the true God as expressed in the Reformed faith.
FEATURED Pamphlet!
A FATHER'S PITY
By Rev Jason Kortering

"Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust."Psalms 103:13, 14

No one wants pity. Everybody wants respect! However, within the household of faith, pity is a good thing. It is Divine!

Pity is to feel the pain of others, weeping with those who weep. It is the bridge between justice and mercy.  God in His justice punishes the wicked and sin, but God is also merciful and gracious towards His people and removes their transgression by the blood of His own Son.

The love and compassion of an earthly father is a reflection of our Father in heaven. May we be humbled and touched by His love and grace.

Have a read!


Click hereto view our catalogue of pamphlets.

Click here to make an order.

All pamphlets are free. CERC reserves some discretion regarding large orders and/or orders from those outside Singapore.

 
Audio Recordings

The Family Support Ministry (FSM) has organised a series of talks based on the book "Strengthening You Marriage" by Wayne A. Mack. Here are the first two speeches given by Elder Lee Kong Wee:
1) God's purpose for marriage
2) Clear understanding of the wife's responsibilities

Click here to access all our audio recordings.
 
Upcoming Events!
 
Annual Bible Camp 2016
Keen to join CERC's annual Bible Camp? Here are the details!

Venue : Bayou Lagoon Park Resort, Melaka
Date : 13 June (Mon) to 16 June (Thu)
Speaker : Prof. Russell Dykstra
Theme : The Christian and the Church

Contact Bro Ishu Mahtani at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.for more information.

Bayou Lagoon Park Resort
 
Covenant Keepers'/CK Seniors' Retreat 2016
Venue: National Service Resort & Country Club (NSRCC)
Date: 23 June (Thu) to 25 Jun (Sat)
Speaker: Prof Dykstra
Theme: Love Made Perfect (1 Jn 4:17)

Registration will be open for the whole of May! Contact Joshua Teo at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

 
Other Events
Save these dates!

16 June  Family Seminar (last day of church camp)
July  Mission Seminar (date TBC)
9 Aug  Fellowship Outing
12 Sep  Sports Day
Sep  Gospel Meeting (date TBC)

 
Past Events...
 
Zong Jie and Julia's Wedding (30 Apr 16)
We rejoice with Zong Jie and Julia in their union, and pray God's blessings upon them as they set up their covenant home, marking another chapter in the good life...

Ps 128

1 Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways.

2 For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.

3 Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.

4 Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord.

5 The Lord shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.

6 Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.

Surprise song item at the wedding: No Greater Gift
 
Notes
British Reformed Fellowship Family Conference
Interested to join the 2016 BRF Family Conference? This year's conference is held at Castlewellan Conference Centre in Northern Ireland from 16 July (Sat) to 23 July (Sat). The speakers, Prof David Engelsma and Rev Andy Lanning, will lecture on "Behold, I Come Quickly: The Reformed, Biblical Truth of the End." More information athttp://brfconference.weebly.com.
 
NEW CLM WEBSITE!!

Visit our new CLM website to read the latest articles and access archives of the Daily Meditations. Click the picture to access.

 
Salt Shakers
Salt Shakers is a bi-monthly magazine published by the youth in CERC. Included in each issue are writings pertaining to both Reformed doctrine and practical theology. Articles are contributed by the Session, youth and members of CERC, as well as pastors and professors from the Protestant Reformed Churches in the USA and Northern Ireland. Salt Shakers also features articles from other Reformed publications, notably the Standard Bearer and Beacon Lights. Click here to access!
 
Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church
We are a Reformed Church that holds to the doctrines of the Reformation as they are expressed in the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism and the Canons of Dordt.

Lord’s Day services on Sunday at 930 am & 2 pm • 11 Jalan Mesin, #04-00, Standard Industrial Building, Singapore 368813 • Pastor: Rev Andy Lanning  • www.cerc.org.sg 
 

 
Read more...

Philippine Mission News, May 1, 2016 - Rev.D. Holstege Farewell and Preparation

Daniel HolstegeFrom a couple of our PRC congregation bulletins we learn the following concerning Rev. Daniel Holstege who on March 20, 2016 accepted the call to serve as second missionary to the Philippines:

Rev. D. Holstege preaches his farewell sermon at First PRC, Holland, MI tonight [May 1, 2016]. He will begin studies in Missions and in the Tagalog language for a few months prior to moving to the mission field.

And from Doon PRC's April 24, 2016 bulletin we find this note:

The Council has set the date of his installation for Friday, July 1, at 7:00pm. Rev. Holstege will preach an inaugural sermon on Sunday, July 3.

We continue to pray for this pastor and his wife and family as he ends his ministry in First PRC of Holland and prepares to take up this work in the Philippine mission field.

For more information on this field and the work of our current missionary, Rev.D. Kleyn, visit the Kleyn's blog. Or visit the Philippine mission section of the PRC website.

San Pedro CRC 28
Missionary-pastor D. Kleyn speaking at a recent conference in San Pedro.

Read more...

PRC Seminary Updates - April/May 2016

Sem front May2014 1

As the PRC Seminary enters its closing weeks of the 2015-16 school year, a few updates are in order.

1. March and April were busy "visitation" months for the Seminary with visits from the fourth-grade classes at Heritage Christian School (March 30 & April 13), from the fifth-grade class of Adams Christian School (April 20), and from the church history students of Heritage Christian High in Dyer, IN (April 22). And the faculty and the students attended conferences at Calvin College (Junius Institute Colloquium on April 1) and First CRC of Byron Center (Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology on April 15-16).

HCS 4th 3
Heritage Christian 4th graders visiting the PRC archives room

AdamsCS 5
Adams Christian 5th graders enjoying fellowship with Seminary faculty and students.

HCHS April16 1
Heritage CHS students prepare to sit in on a class with Prof.B. Gritters.

2. On April 28 and 29 (this Thursday and Friday afternoons) the Seminary will host two lectures by Dr. Tom Reid (Reformed Presbyterian Seminary in Pittsburgh) on the Reformation in France and the French Reformed churches. These lectures will be given to the student body, faculty, and area ministers, but will also be live-streamed on the Seminary YouTube channel. Visit the link at the time of the lecture to watch and listen to these informative lectures (cf. also the attached media link to the full recorded video of the first lecture).

TReid lecture April
Prof.T.Reid lecturing on the French Reformed tradition.

3.The latest issue of the PR Theological Journal is now available. The April 2016 issue (v.49 #2) features articles by Prof.R. Dykstra, Rev. Josh Engelsma, Prof.R. Cammenga, and a variety of excellent book reviews (see cover image below). Check the Seminary Journal page for all the digital versions of this issue now also available.

PRTJ April 2016 cover

4. Remember the faculty and students in prayer as they now in the final weeks of the second semester, with only one week of classes left after this week (end May 6) and then a week of exams (May 9-13).

5. The students are eagerly anticipating their summer internships (July 1 - December 31), as noted here before. Once again, those are scheduled as follows:

  • Matt DeBoer in Georgetown PRC (Hudsonville, MI), under Rev.C. Haak
  • Brian Feenstra to Loveland PRC (Colorado), under Rev.S. Key
  • Joe Holstege to Calvary PRC (Hull, IA), under Rev.C. Griess
  • Jonathan Langerak to Edgerton PRC (Minnesota), under Rev.D. Kuiper
  • David Noorman to Hope PRC (Redlands, CA), under Rev.B. Huizinga
  • Justin Smidstra to Faith PRC (Jenison, MI) under Rev.C. Spronk
  • Stephan Regnerus to SE PRC (Grand Rapids, MI), under Rev.W. Langerak

Reformed Witness Hour Messages for May 2016

RWHmasthead

First PRC of Grand Rapids, MI and the Reformed Witness Hour Committee announce the messages scheduled for May 2016 on the RWH radio program.

revrkleynRev. Rodney Kleyn, pastor of Covenant of Grace PRC (Spokane, WA) continues his four-month service for the RWH program with a special series on the second coming of Christ and the signs that announce it.

You are encouraged to take in these timely messages and to let others know about them too. Help spread the word about the Reformed Witness Hour, celebrating in 2016 its 75th year of broadcasting the truths of God's sovereign, particular grace!

Below is the schedule of messages, which you will also find attached in pdf form. For stations and time of broadcast, visit the RWH website, where you may also listen to and download past messages from the archive section.

May 1 – Revelation 13:11-15 “Antichrist: The Beast from the Earth”

May 8 – Revelation 13:16-18 “The Mark of the Beast”

May 15 – Matthew 24:21-22 "The Great Tribulation"

May 22 – Matthew 24:29-31 "Jesus Coming in Glory"

May 29 – John 5:28-29 “The General Resurrection"

Read more...
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