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!