18 Sep

Missions Update 2023

Here is a recap of recent work.

Domestic Missions

After issuing several calls for home missionary, on November 20, 2022 Zion PRC received an acceptance of a call to Rev. James Laning, then pastor of Hull PRC in Northwest Iowa. He has since completed his ministry in Hull, moved to West Michigan, and will be installed as PRC home missionary on Feb.5, 2023, Lord willing. He then plans to take some special classes and receive some special training for his work as home missionary.

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In accordance with the decision of Synod 2021, the Domestic Mission Committee (DMC) sought out a calling church for Domestic/Home Missions.

We joyfully report that Zion PRC has agreed to be the calling church for Home Missions and has been officially appointed to this role by the DMC on behalf of synod. Now the Council and Congregation of Zion PRC will take the lead in calling a missionary, caring for his needs, and overseeing and supporting his work to publish the gospel of Christ in North America. While Zion PRC takes the lead, the DMC looks forward to helping the congregation in this effort as much as possible with its help and advice.

Please pray that God will bless the efforts of Zion PRC and the DMC to take up the work of Home Missions again, especially praying that God will provide our churches with a man to serve as a Home Missionary.

In the service of Christ,
the Domestic Mission Committee of the Protestant Reformed Churches

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Covenant PRC Ballymena, Northern Ireland (150)

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PRC Missions in the Philippines

Greetings to our PRCA Congregations

Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Lord of the Harvest. Significant changes have taken place in our mission labors in the Philippines which we need to report to you.

Decision to Withdraw Our Missionaries

The Doon Council and the FMC decided in April 2023 to begin the process of withdrawing our missionaries from the Philippines. Synod 2023 expressed approval of this decision for these reasons:

"a. Since the PRCP has become more established, they want to carry out the mission work in the Philippines, rather than having our missionaries do this work. 1) The PRCP’s desire to perform their own mission work: “The testimony of the missionaries and the testimony of the recent 2023 delegation indicate that the PRCP desire to perform their own domestic mission work within the Philippines and do not desire the assistance of the PRCA in their mission work” (Agenda, p. 264). 2) At this time, SNO is not a viable mission field for our missionaries. Due to the presence of a dangerous communist group in SNO, it would not be safe for our missionaries to live there. In addition, the PRCP desire to take over this work in the future. 3) The impact of this for the missionaries: “The missionaries are no longer fulfilling many aspects of their mandate and call as missionaries” (Agenda, p. 264). Instead, the missionaries are now functioning more as visiting ministers by providing pulpit supply, teaching catechism, leading Bible studies, and helping the Classis periodically. This was not the reason they were called to the Philippines as missionaries.

b. The PRCP no longer intend to utilize the missionaries to provide seminary instruction to their prospective ministers. 1) Providing seminary instruction had become the primary work of the missionaries due to developments on the mission field. 2) However, the one student who was receiving instruction from the missionaries is no longer enrolled. In addition, the PRCP has made known their desire to utilize our denominational seminary moving forward. The Classis of PRCP wrote: “We are pondering now to send our future students in [sic] the PRTS in MI, USA [the Lord willing] just like what the Berean PRC did with Rev. Ibe ten years or so ago. The advantages we think outweigh the disadvantages” (Agenda, p. 286) 3) Thus, this important aspect of the work of the missionaries is no longer desired.

c. Doon PRC and the FMC have the calling to determine whether the missionary’s work should be continued. “During the initial term of service and subsequently, the calling church and the denominational mission committee shall regularly evaluate the missionary’s labors, primarily to help him develop the gifts necessary for mission work, and secondarily to determine whether the missionary’s work should be continued” (“Constitution of the Foreign Mission Committee,” VI.D.2; emphasis added).

d. A decision regarding the withdrawal of both missionaries from the field follows our normative practice of sending missionaries two by two into this particular field of labor (cf. Acts of Synod 2008, articles 57-58; Acts of Synod 2009, articles 35-37)."

Preparations and plans have been made, and also have been implemented, for our staggered withdrawal from the Philippines.

Decision to End Our Mission Work in the Philippines

In addition to its approval that our missionaries be withdrawn from the Philippines, Synod 2023 directed "the Doon council and the FMC to close the mission field in the Philippines and take the necessary steps to bring the work to completion." Here are the Synod's reasons:

"a. Since the PRCP has become more established, they want to carry out the mission work in the Philippines, rather than having our missionaries do this work. 1) The PRCP’s desire to perform their own mission work: “The testimony of the missionaries and the testimony of the recent 2023 delegation indicate that the PRCP desire to perform their own domestic mission work within the Philippines and do not desire the assistance of the PRCA in their mission work.” (Agenda, p. 264) 2) At this time, SNO is not a viable mission field for our missionaries. Due to the presence of a dangerous communist group in SNO, it would not be safe for our missionaries to live there. In addition, the PRCP desire to take over this work in the future. 3) The impact of this for the missionaries: “The missionaries are no longer fulfilling many aspects of their mandate and call as missionaries” (Agenda, p. 264). Instead, the missionaries are now functioning more as visiting ministers by providing pulpit supply, teaching catechism, leading Bible studies, and helping the Classis periodically. This was not the reason they were called to the Philippines as missionaries.

b. The PRCP no longer intend to utilize the missionaries to provide seminary instruction to their prospective ministers. 1) Providing seminary instruction had become the primary work of the missionaries due to developments on the mission field. 2) However, the one student who was receiving nstruction from the missionaries is no longer enrolled. In addition, the PRCP has made known their desire to utilize our denominational seminary moving forward. The Classis of PRCP wrote: “We are pondering now to send our future students in [sic] the PRTS in MI, USA [the Lord willing] just like what the Berean PRC did with Rev. Ibe ten years or so ago. The advantages we think outweigh the disadvantages.” (Agenda, p. 286) 3) Thus, this important aspect of the work of themissionaries is no longer desired.

c. There are still necessary steps that must be taken tobring the work to completion. These steps include, but are not limited to, ensuring that the ongoing work of the missionaries is properly transferred to the PRCP and determining who will manage the Philippine Book Fund (both inventory and funds) as well as the mission fieldwebsite."

According to this synodical decision, our foreign mission work in the Philippines is being brought to a fitting and brotherly conclusion.

Withdrawal of Rev. Smit and Family

We spent the latter half of April and most of May selling and disbursing our household possessions. What we wanted to keep (books and some household possessions), we put into 10 shipping boxes (20" x 20" x 20"). We expect that these things will arrive in Hudsonville, MI, by late July.

After our farewells in May to the PRCP congregations and our brethren in southern Negros Occidental, and after graduations at Faith Academy on June 2, we departed from Manila and travelled on a direct flight to Vancouver, B.C., Canada, on Monday, June 5. We spent a week in the Lynden, WA, area so that we could visit family and so that I could provide pulpit supply to the Lynden congregation on June 11. We arrived in Hudsonville, MI, on June 14, where we will remain in our interim housing during the summer months with our older children and siblings as we wait for the Lord to provide for me a place of labor in our churches in His good time.

Current Activities of Rev. and Mrs. Kleyn

Rev. and Mrs. Kleyn are currently doing the work of downsizing, selling items, and packing their remaining belongings and books.

Rev. Kleyn is preaching three Sundays a month in the vacant Provident PRC and one Sunday in Provident's outreach work in Guiguinto, Bulacan. He is teaching Provident's two catechism classes and leading its Wednesday Night Bible Study, which currently meets twice a month and is continuing its study in Acts.

The Kleyns are expected to depart from the Philippines in about mid-September, the Lord willing.

July Delegation of the Doon Council and FMC

For the brotherly closure of the mission work, a delegation from the Doon Council and FMC is being planned for a visit in the Philippines from July 21 to 31. This visit is intended to provide fellowship for the Kleyns, but it is also intended by the Doon Council and the FMC to express a formal and fitting "farewell" to our fellow saints in the PRCP and SNO. Mr. Jim Regnerus (Doon) and Mr. Brian Gritters (FMC) will serve on this delegation, and be accompanied by their wives and some of their daughters.

Southern Negros Occidental

Rev. Kleyn recently (June 19-20) travelled to SNO with Rev. V. Ibe, Elder Sonny Umali, and Elder Alann Penaverde in order to introduce the delegation of PRCP with the five pastors and several elders of the SNO congregations (Inayauan, Si-alay, Canturay, Maricalum (Sipalay), and Hinobaan). According to Rev. Kleyn's report, this visit seemed to be a good start to the transition of the work in SNO to the PRCP churches.

PRCP Congregations

The Contact Committee of the PRCP is currently working with the Contact Committee of the PRCA regarding pulpit supply needs in the latter part of 2023 and beyond. This possible pulpit supply for the two PRCP churches is very helpful since only Berean PRCis served by Rev. Vernon Ibe, while Provident PRC remains vacant. We pray that the Lord will also grant seminary students to the PRCP, and through their seminary training, faithful pastors. We commend the PRCP to the grace and Word of our God.

Conclusion

Synod 2023 thanked the current and former missionaries (Revs. A. Spriensma, D. Holstege, R. Smit, and D. Kleyn) as well as their wives and families for their selfless and dedicated labors over the years in the Philippines. In expressing thanks for the fruit that the Lord brought through our laborers, Synod echoed Scripture: “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” (1 Corinthians 3:5-6)

Synod also thanked the FMC and the Doon PRC for their diligent labors for the past 22 years in the Philippines. We, too, express our sincere thanks for their faithful and persevering labors.

We also pray that the Lord in His mercy will guide our churches soon into another foreign field of labor in the areas, as designated by Synod, under the oversight of the FMC: Mexico, The Caribbean, Central and South America, Africa, and Asia (including the Middle East).

While we pray that the Lord's kingdom may come, may He grant us the grace and wisdom to be prepared for the privilege to serve Him through our calling churches and missionaries in another place in the Lord's harvest field (Mark 16:19-20).

In His Service and in Your Behalf,
Rev. Richard J. Smit and Family

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17 Sep

PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for September 17, 2023 *(Updated)

Published in News

Psalm 115 1 Today, September 17, is the thirty-eighth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2023. Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.

If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you, or listen online.

Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake. Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. ...O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great. ...The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence. But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD. ~ Psalm 115:1-3,9, 12-13, 17-18

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

Last Sunday Loveland PRC voted to call Rev. D. Noorman (SW PRC-Wyoming, MI)l.
Hudsonville PRC postponed their congregational meeting for the calling of her next pastor until next Sunday, Sept.24. The Council's new trio is: Revs. N. Decker (Grandville PRC), Rev. W. Langerak (Trinity PRC), and Rev. D. Noorman (SW PRC).
On Sept.3 Cand. M. Koerner accepted the call from Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB). Plans have been made for him to be examined at the upcoming meeting of Classis West in Crete PRC (IL) on Sept.27. Pending approval of that examination, the brother will be ordained and installed in Hosanna.
Randolph PRC's Council announces a new trio: Revs. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands), J. Maatman (SE PRC), and R. Smit (foreign missionary). The congregational meeting will be held on September 24, after the morning service.
Zion PRC's Council has formed a new trio from which to call a pastor: Revs M. Kortus, J. Maatman, and J.Smidstra (First PRC-Holland, MI). The congregational meeting is set for Sunday, September 24 after the evening service.
The Consistory of Lynden PRC (WA) presents a new trio: Rev. J. Engelsma, Rev. D. Noorman, and Rev. R. Smit. A congregational meeting is scheduled for Sunday, October 1, after the morning service.
Georgetown PRC's Council has formed a new trio from which to call a pastor: Revs. A. Brummel, G. Eriks, and D. Noorman. The congregational meeting is set for Oct.8 after the morning service.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. M. DeBoer in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. C. Haak in Georgetown PRC; Rev. A. Brummel (2nd week) in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. N. Decker in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. S. Key in Loveland PRC; Rev. M. DeVries (1st week) in Lynden PRC; Rev. J. Laning in Randolph PRC; Rev. J. Holstege and Prof. D. Kuiper in Zion PRC. May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to pray for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

TrinityPRC new sanctuary 2018
Trinity PRC (Hudsonville, MI), host of last week's meeting of Classis East

Classis East: Classis East met this past Wednesday, September 13, at Trinity PRC. For a summary of the actions and decisions, visit this page.

Covenant of Grace-Spokane, WA: Loveland PRC's Council is sending a delegation of Rev. Key, Elder Robert Brands, and Deacon Matthew Miersma to visit the saints in Spokane, WA this week. The purpose of this visit is to assist with the financial and spiritual needs of the remaining members and to evaluate the situation there as our council is providing spiritual oversight to Covenant of Grace at this time.

Reformed Doctrines Class: A new season of instruction in Prof. D. Engelsma’s Reformed Doctrines Class will begin on Wednesday, September 27 at Faith PRC (Jenison, MI), God willing. The class meets from 7:30 to 8:30 PM. The first class will treat of the creation and rebellious fall of Lucifer and a host of angels with him. It will consider the question, whether we take the devil and his demons seriously enough in the struggle of our Christian life. The class meets every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. All are welcome to attend.

Classis West: Classis West will hold its next regular meeting in Crete PRC (IL) on Wednesday, September 27.

Crete PRC will be hosting an officebearers' conference on Tuesday afternoon, September 26. The theme of the conference is “Abuse in Our Churches and the Proper Response.” The first speech will be given at 1:00 by Prof. C. Griess on the topic of “The Consistory’s Response to Sexual Abuse.” The second speech will be given at 2:30 by Prof. R. Dykstra on the topic “Repentance and Reconciliation of the Abuser.” There will also be a round table discussion after the second speech. The round table discussion will center around the theme of the conference “Abuse in our Churches and the Proper Response” and will be for officebearers only. Visitors are welcome to attend the speeches.

PRC 100th Anniversary: With gratitude to our faithful God, the PRCA look forward to our 100th anniversary. The celebration is planned for June 23-27, 2025, at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI. The various committees of the 100th anniversary steering commitee are busy preparing for this historic event, including a special commemorative book. Watch for further notices and updates!

Lunch on the patio behind seminary this past Friday included some guests once again

PRC Seminary Notices:

The PR Theological Seminary will enter its fourth week of the first semester of the 2023-24 term tomorrow. Things are going well so far, for which we thank our gracious Father. The schedule and calendar have been posted here. The faculty, students and staff covet your prayers as we have begun this new school year.
Rev. G. Eriks will lead the chapel on Wednesday this week, while Joe Ophoff will lead the daily devotions.
The Theological School Committee (TSC) will be meeting this week Wednesday afternoon at the seminary.
Seminary Convocation was held on Wednesday Sept.6. A full auditorium at Hope PRC (GR) participated in good singing, heard a powerful speech by Prof. B. Huizinga on "The Protestant Reformed Minister Today," as well as beautiful music from the PR Student Orchestra. The video of the convocation program is now available on the PRTS' YouTube channel.
Senior Sem. Arend Haveman is doing his internship this summer and fall (July-December) in Pittsburgh PRC under Rev. W. Bruinsma. He is busy with all aspects of the ministry.The junior student this year is Aaron Van Dyke (Faith PRC); the sophomore is Bruce Feenstra (Hope-Redlands, CA; attending Hope PRC-Walker, MI); and the freshmen are Joseph Ophoff (Loveland PRC) and Isaac Van Baren (Hope PRC-Walker, MI). Sem. Ophoff is enrolled in the new special seminary entrance program (SSEP), which initially involves finishing some pre-seminary requirements and beginning some seminary-level courses.
The Spring 2023 issue of the PR Theological Journal was mailed out in late April. Digital copies have been posted on the journal webpage (see link here). The Spring issue features articles on a distinctive feature of PRC teaching on the covenant of grace, on the image of God in man from a conference in Mexico, on R.L. Dabney's "proposals of mercy," and the first part of a history of Classis West of the PRC - and, of course, several significant book reviews. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Valerie Kleyn, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Look for the fall issue in a few months!
During the school sessions the seminary is open daily from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (holidays excepted), including the library and bookstore. PRC members and friends are welcome to visit and make use of these resources.
For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website - and don't forget the blog!

John 17 11

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
- Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. Today the CERC celebrated her 36th anniversary with a special program. The pastoral voice in the bulletin this week included this fitting note:
  We thank God for His preserving hand on us as a church, over the past year, and over the past 36 years as well. He has kept us through many joyous times and hardships; the joy of beginning as a daughter church; the joy of having pastors and teachers, both foreign and local; the joy of having a local classis, the ERCS; the joy of many who have come from without, joining our church; the joy of watching a second, and a third generation growing up in the faith. We have had many sorrows and hardships in our history as a church as well; the sorrow of controversy, a split, and the dissolving of a sister church relationship; the sorrow of schism; the sorrow of those who have left us; the sorrow of many who have passed away (mingled with joy that they are now in heaven).
  Many joys and sorrows we have had as a church. Many more await us, the Lord willing. Through it all, we know that God is faithful. 1 Corinthians 10:13: “There hath no
  temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
  May we bask in the goodness and faithfulness of God, who has preserved us in the past, and who will certainly preserve us in the years to come, as elect members of His church.
- The last issue of Salt Shakers was Issue 69 is on the theme "GST: The Christian's Response." Especially for young people, the magazine contains a variety of articles and is edifying for ALL readers! Visit the link provided here to read and learn.

Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
- Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully in the CPRC.
- The August 2023 issue of Covenant Reformed News was recently published. Visit the link to read the articles on being clothed with Christ (part 3) and on why baptize all infants of believers by Rev. R. Hanko.
- The CPRC YouTube channel may be found here.
PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
- Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led worship services today. And, "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, NE. will join us in our worship services today via Livestream at our official Facebook account." And this special note re the departure of the Kleyns: "We bid Rev. and Sis. Sharon Kleyn the Lord’s blessings as they go back to the U.S. tomorrow, D.V. We pray that God will provide them safe travel to the U.S. and that God will bless the ministry of Rev. Kleyn at Doon PRC as her new under-shepherd. We pray that God will uphold Provident PRC now that Rev. Kleyn will be gone in their midst who has long been their missionary/pastor."
- Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. D. Kleyn led her worship services for the last time today.

REFORMED RESOURCES for EDUCATION, EDIFICATION, and EVANGELISM

Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!

W Bruinsma RWH

This month (September 2023) the RWH continues the series on the return of Jesus Christ by Rev. W. Bruinsma. Today's message is titled "Peace Shall Destoy Many" based on Daniel 8:23-25. For theSeptember RWH Newsletter, visit this page.
The Reformed Witness Hour publishes each month's messages in an attractive booklet. These printed sermons are a great blessing to many and are distributed all over the world, including to many prisoners in the U.S. If you or your Evangelism Committee would like to receive these, let the RWHC know and they will add you to the mailing list (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

CatBookSamples

In need of sound biblical and Reformed catechism materials for children and young people? Check out the PRC's full curriculum of materials here.

For sound, distinctively Reformed literature on a variety of subjects and for all ages - including church history and Bible study materials - visit the Reformed Free Publishing Association website or stop in at their Jenison (Michigan) location.

RBO Aug 2023 2

The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is now operating in its new store in downtown Hudsonville! The new location is at 3472 Harvey St. in Hudsonville. Visit the store and browse the variety of resources for your Reformed-Christian faith and walk, including many children's titles. They are open Tuesday-Friday, 10-5, and Saturday 10-1.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

Do You Know the True God? (1)

Do you know the true God? Not the god of man’s imagination, but the God of the Bible? This is an important question, because Jesus teaches us that eternal life is knowing God and His Son, Jesus Christ (John 17:3). If you are to live with God forever in heaven, you must know Him.

If you are interested in knowing the true God, please consider the following.(1) The True God

1. The true God is very great and glorious. He is so high and holy that nothing in all the world is like Him. He is the eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, unchangeable God (Ps. 113:4-6).

2. The true God is the Creator of the world. In six days, He created the heaven and earth and all that they contain. God also created you (Gen. 1).

3. The true God is the Sustainer of the world. He upholds every creature by His almighty power. He gives you life, breath, and all things (Acts 17:25, 28).

4. The true God is the Absolute Ruler of the world. He brings to pass His eternal will by His almighty power. God is your Ruler and King (Dan. 4:34-35).

Taken from one of this month's featured resources

14 Sep

Classis East Report - Sept.13, 2023 & October 25, 2023

TrinityPRC new sanctuary 2018

Classis East of the Protestant Reformed Churches Update

Classis East convened Wednesday morning, September 13, 2023 at Trinity Protestant Reformed Church. Rev. M. McGeown opened with prayer and read the names of the thirty-eight delegates from the nineteen member churches. After the roll call, Rev. David Noorman assumed the position as chairman of the meeting (photo below).

DNoorman

Rev. Wilbur Bruinsma (photos below with his wife Mary) submitted a request to classis for emeritation (retirement) to be effective January 1, 2024. Classis approved his request and by motion expressed its heartfelt thanks to Rev. Bruinsma (and his wife Mary) for making faithful use of his God-given talents for almost 45 years as pastor and missionary. Classis sang the doxology and offered up a prayer of thanksgiving for the work of Rev. Bruinsma led by Rev. Eriks. We pray that God will bless Rev. and Mary Bruinsma in their remaining months in the active ministry and that He will continue to use them for service in the church in new ways in the years to come.

Haak Bruinsma CE Sept 2023

Bruinsma CE Sept 2023

Classis adopted a pulpit supply schedule for three vacant congregations: Georgetown, Hudsonville, and Zion PRCs.

Classis treated an appeal Mr. Pete VanderSchaaf and declared it legal. Therefore this appeal is now available for non-officebearers to read. For more information login to prca.org and navigate to the bulletin page where you will find a folder for Classis East. When you open the Classis East folder you should be able to open the appeal under the name “Appeal of Pete VDS Sept 2023.” Due to the complexity of this case, Classis East decided to give the committee of pre-advice a month to prepare its advice. Classis will reconvene October 25 to consider the appeal. We pray for God’s blessing on the committee in their work.

Some of the work of classis was treated in closed session.

Two consistories came to classis asking for advice regarding the discipline of impenitent members of their congregations. The consistories reported to the classis on their work with the individuals who are walking in sin. After taking time to ask the consistories follow-up questions about their work, classis advised each consistory to proceed in their discipline of these members. May God use their work for the recovery of these members.
Classis heard and deliberated on a report of a Special Committee to assist a consistory with a sensitive matter.
Classis deliberated on the legality of an appeal in closed session. Classis declared the appeal illegal and provided the appellant with advice on how to move forward with the case.

At around 5:00pm classis approved a motion to “recess until October 25.” Rev. Noorman read Hebrews 13:20-21 and closed the session with prayer.

In Christ’s service,

Rev. C. Spronk, Stated Clerk

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen (Hebrews 13:20-21)

Report of the continued session of October 25, 2023

Classis East reconvened on Wednesday, October 25, with the 38 delegates meeting at Trinity PRC in Hudsonville, MI. Rev. Noorman continued to lead the meeting as chairman.

Classis East heard reports from two committees (a special committee to help a consistory with an abuse case, and the Classical Committee). The main work of the classis was to treat an appeal that contended that a consistory erred in judgments made about the writings of one of our ministers. One of the decisions of classis requires that the consistory involved give information to its congregation. To give the consistory some time to receive and respond to the decisions of Classis East, the Stated Clerk of Classis East plans to wait awhile before publishing the information publicly. When it is time to make the information available, it will be published at prca.org.

The expenses of the meeting totaled $4,891.36.

Classis East plans to meet again on January 10, 2024 at Hope PRC in Walker, MI.

At around 2:00pm classis adjourned and Rev. Noorman closed the meeting with prayer.

For the public minutes, click on this link.

10 Sep

PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for September 10, 2023 (*Updated)

Published in News

Psalm 114 7 Today, September 10, is the thirty-seventh Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2023. Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.

If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you, or listen online.

When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language; Judah was his sanctuary, and Israel his dominion ...Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob; Which turned the rock into a standing water, the flint into a fountain of waters. ~ Psalm 114:1,2; 7,8