PRC and Sister-Church News for the Week of May 20, 2018

On this twentieth Lord's Day of 2018, May 20, we note the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, mission fields, and sister churches.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

• On May 13 Candidate J. Langerak announced his acceptance of the call he had received from Heritage PRC (Sioux Falls, SD) on April 29. We rejoice with this brother in God's confirmation of the call to the ministry of the Word in our churches and we rejoice with Heritage in God's provision of another pastor to serve her.
  
  
• Rev. A. Brummel will be installed this evening as the new pastor of Calvary PRC in Hull, IA. The service will be conducted by Rev. J. Laning (Hull PRC), Calvary PRC’s moderator. May Jesus Christ, the Head of the church, grant a faithful and fruitful ministry in this new place of service.
  
  
• The Western Young People's Retreat: The Young People from Spokane and Lynden are planning another retreat for 2018 for ages 14-20. The theme of the retreat will be "Communion with God” from Psalm 63. The dates are July 2-5 at Camp Sanders in Tensed, ID, about an hour Southeast of Spokane. We encourage families to come and spend the week (on-site camping and cabins are available). For more information or for a copy of the registration form contact Rev. Rodney Kleyn (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Mr. Fred Hanko (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Registration forms will also be available from your pastor or Young People’s Leader.
  
  
• Reminder from 1st PRC in Edmonton, AB: The dates for the 2018 Family Conference are coming up quickly. We plan to host the conference July 20-22, 2018 D.V. Hear from our speakers: Rev. B. Huizinga, N. Langerak and J. Marcus on the topic of 'Seeking The Lord'. Mark your calendars and finalize your plans to attend what promises to be an edifying time of growth and fellowship with saints from Canada and abroad, as well as an opportunity to see some of the beauty that God has created here in Canada. For more information or to register, please visit our website https://edmontonfamilyconf.wixsite.com/conference2018, or contact Scott Ferguson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., For those that prefer the phone, you can call (780)489-6470.
  
  
• Southeast PRC in Grand Rapids has made a special announcement and request concerning a significant event in her history: "Southeast Protestant Reformed Church (formerly Fourth PRC) will be celebrating 75 years of existence in March of 2019.  A book is being developed to commemorate this event.  If you have memorabilia, pictures, anecdotes, etc. relating to this history and are willing to share, please contact Tim Pipe Sr at 616-890-2545 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.."

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• Synod 2018 announcement: Synod 2017 appointed Byron Center PRC the calling church for the 2018 Synod. Synod will convene, D.V., on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 8:00 a.m., in the gymnasium of Adams Christian School (please note the change of venue from the announcement in the May 1 Standard Bearer). The Pre-synodical Service will be held on Monday evening, June 11, at 7:00 p.m. at Byron Center PRC (please note that the pre-synodical service and the meetings of synod will be held in different venues). Delegates in need of lodging should contact Mr. Mike Elzinga (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Phone: (616) 328-2753.
  
  

• PRC Seminary News:
  
  
  • The seminary has now completed its fifteen weeks of regular classes in the second semester and this past week the students took their final exams. Pray that the Lord may give a profitable summer break to faculty and students.
    
    
  • The seminary will be open daily during the summer months, including the library and archives. Staff will be available for assistance with any needs you may have.
    
    
  • Two of our professors have special trips planned this summer: Prof. R. Dykstra will labor in our sister church in Singapore (Covenant ERC) for six weeks and Prof. R. Cammenga will be part of an exploratory mission trip to Mexico with Rev. C. Griess (First PRC, Grand Rapids, MI) and Doner Bartolon, one of our pre-seminary students who comes from the area to be visited.
    
    
  • The upcoming internships of Seminarians Matt Kortus and Jacob Maatman will soon begin. Sem. Kortus will be interning at Trinity PRC under Rev. N. Decker and his Council and Sem. Maatman will intern at Hudsonville PRC under Rev. G. Eriks and his Council. The internship program runs from July 1 to December 31.
    
    
  • *FUTURE TEACHERS AND MINISTERS: Information for the 2018 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 31.
    
    

 
See the newest issue of "Covenant Reformed News" - May 2018!

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS

• Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, we note the following:
  
  
  • Rev. A. den Hartog and his wife Sherry continue to serve the CERC until at least June of this year. Read the "Pastor's Voice" part of her bulletin to learn more.
    
    
  • Her latest newsletter (APRIL 2018) - Reformed News Asia - was recently posted and may be found on this page. Watch for the next issue soon!
    
    
  • The latest young peoples' magazine, Salt Shakers, was received and posted recently (March 2018 - cf. image above). Check that out on this page.
    
    
• Concerning our sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC, we call attention to the following:
  • Covenant PRC's latest newsletter was received and posted recently (April 2018). And don't forget her other publication - Covenant Reformed News! That latest issue received last week (May 2018) may be found here.
    
    
  • Join Reformed believers from around the world at the 2018 British Reformed Fellowship family conference at Hebron Hall in South Wales from Saturday, July 21, to Saturday, July 28. Our speakers, Prof. David Engelsma and Rev. Andy Lanning, will lecture on "The Reformed Family—According to the Word of God." More information and booking forms are available at http://brfconference.weebly.com or contact Briana Prins (616-214-2779; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

• 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 too.

 
Reformed Book Outlet in Hudsonville, MI, a ministry of Hudsonville PRC (cf. note below)

SPECIAL NOTICES:

• Looking for graduation cards and gifts in this time of year? Visit the Reformed Book Outlet in downtown Hudsonville, MI or visit their website.
  
  
• Looking for pamphlets published by the PRC? Visit the PRCA Evangelism page for a complete list of materials available in digital format or by order from the publishing church.
  
  
• Looking for Reformed literature and a solid Reformed and biblical magazine to read? 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 will also want to read the RFPA's Spring Newsletter!

• The 2018 PRYP's Convention will be held August 13-17, 2018 at Lake Geneva Christian Center in Alexandria, MN. The hosting churches of the Midwest are excited to have you join us for an upbuilding week of fellowship and fun!
  
  • Registration for the 2018 PRYP Convention is now closed! All registrants are reminded to mail their paperwork and payment by May 31. Any paperwork postmarked after May 31 must include the $25 late fee.
  • We still need chaperones for 2018 Young People’s Convention! The convention is planned for August 13-17 at Lake Geneva Christian Center in Alexandria, MN.  To register, 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..
  • Due to housing limitations in Iowa, the Iowa convention steering committee has asked that the people coming from Michigan be bussed directly to the camp on Monday.  Conventioneers will not be allowed to drive directly to the camp, but must register for a bus. Bussing is lined up to leave from the Grand Rapids area Monday morning around midnight in order to get to the camp in time for registration.  Cost to ride the bus is around $100. To register or for more information contact Chris Dykstra at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    
    

Don't forget to listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday! Today Rev. R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC, Spokane, WA) delivers a special Pentecost message titled "The Pouring Out of the Holy Spirit," based on Acts 2:1-4.

• From the Reformed Witness Hour (RWH) Committee: the RWH has a new, updated website! Please visit reformedwitnesshour.org to watch our introduction video, view pictures and audio from our history, and read and listen to almost 20 years of past radio broadcasts! If you haven’t visited the RWH website recently, now is an excellent time to familiarize yourself with this important radio-internet ministry of the Reformed faith.
  
  
• NEW RWH Station - The Cornerstone PRC Word and Deed committee has partnered with the Reformed Witness Hour to air their messages on the radio in the Chicago area. Beginning today, September 10, the broadcast can be heard every Sunday at 4:00PM on WYLL 1160AM or on the internet at www.1160hope.com. Please tune in and encourage others to do so as opportunity arises in your personal witnessing.

Missionary D. Kleyn teaching pastors in Negros Occidental (cf. note below)

 MISSION NEWS:

• Remember in prayer our home missionary, Rev. A. Spriensma, who continues to labor in the West Michigan area and beyond.
  
  
• The February/March 2018 newsletter of the Limerick Reformed Fellowship mission station is now posted on this page.
  
  
• Have you read Rev. Titus' most recent report on the work going on in Myanmar (May 2018)? Find that on this page.
  
  
• A brand new Philippines mission newsletter was received and recently posted (April 2018) and may be found on this PRC webpage.
  
  
• Don't forget to follow the Kleyn's blog on life and activities in the Philippines. And that also includes the Holstege's one! And the Smits once again too!
  
  
• From this Sunday's bulletins of the Provident Christian Church in Marikina, the Philippines and the Maranatha PRC in Valenzuela we find the following notes concerning their pastors as well as concerning our missionaries and their labors today and in this coming week:
  • Provident CC:

    • Rev. Holstege will preach in the first service today, then teach the Church Order, Articles 75ff. Rev. Kleyn will preach in the second service. Next Sunday, Rev. Holstege plans to preach both times at PCC.

    • The Wednesday night Bible study will begin again, Lord willing, on May 30, not May 23 as announced before. Rev. Kleyn will lead a study of the Covenant of Grace by looking at the “Declaration of Principles of the Protestant Reformed Churches.”

    • Revs. Kleyn and Smit will travel to Negros Occidental this week, Lord willing, for the monthly pastors’ classes in Sipalay. May the Lord prosper their journey and work.

      
      
      
  • Maranatha PRC:
    • Our Pastor, Rev. L. Trinidad will lead our first service and our second service.
    • Rev. D. Kleyn will lead us in our both services. He will also teach the Belgic Confession lessons after the Second Service.

Let us continue to lift up 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.
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