Trivia Question

Who were Calvary PRC’s (Hull, Iowa) first two pastors? See the church profile part of this article for the answer. More trivia next time.

Minister activities

Because of the lockdown in Ireland, Rev. M. McGeown’s immigration appointment scheduled for November 6 has been canceled. The U.S. Consulate advised the McGeowns that they would be offering no routine appointments during the lockdown. The next available appointment is March 8, 2021, which the McGeowns have booked. Let us pray for one another for patience and contentment in these difficult times.

Rev. C. Spronk was led by God to decline the call extended to him from Wingham PRC. Her new trio consists of Revs. J. Engelsma, J. Laning, and N. Langerak.

The Consistory of Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN) formed a new trio from which to call a pastor. It consisted of Revs. J. Smidstra (First PRC, Holland), A. Spriensma (PRC home missionary), and C. Spronk (Faith PRC). And on November 1, Rev. Spriensma received this call.

Young people’s activities

The Crete, IL YPS held a scavenger hunt on November 7. Hopefully, they found what they were looking for!

Thursday, November 5, the Georgetown PR young people hosted a take-out soup supper. Chili, chicken noodle, cheese broccoli, and potato ham soups were available along with salad, rolls, and trifle dessert cups. A delicious ending to a Fall day!

The Doon, IA PRC young people (and not so young) competed in their annual Car Challenge on November 7. It was a gorgeous Fall day, sunny and 70 degrees. Adventure was in the air as the teams traveled to the unincorporated Lyon County towns of Beloit, Edna, and Granite to complete the challenges. They gathered at church for an awards presentation, snacks, and storytelling. Winning team members each received a new car (Hot Wheels) and a $2 bill for their efforts. Alas, a year is a long time to wait for the next Challenge to arrive!

School activities

Covenant Christian High School performed a band concert on Tuesday November 3 in the CCHS gym with safety precautions and physical distancing. The concert was live-streamed and a limited number of free tickets were made available. Eastside Christian held a Honeycrisp Apple Sale— $15 for a 6-pound bag. Orders were to be placed by Monday, November 9. The apples were to be ready for curbside pickup at Eastside on Monday, November 16 from 1-3 pm. I love a good apple…they’re almost like candy. And Honeycrisp is a good one! My personal favorites are the B-51 and the Sugar Bee. Wish I had one now!

Special Education Deficit Drive: The PRSE Fall deficit drive is currently underway. This year the approved drive is $330,000. As we approach the end of the year, please prayerfully consider Protestant Reformed Special Education in your year-end giving. My personal plea: This cause is vital. Please support it generously! Thank you.

Seminary news

The Seminary faculty has licensed student Marcus Wee to speak a word of edification in our churches. Brother Wee is a member of our sister church, Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church in Singapore. We are thankful to God for this progress and commend student Wee to His care!

Congregational activities

The annual lecture in Loveland, CO PRC was rescheduled for Friday, November 13. Prof. B. Huizenga spoke on the topic Of God, Through God, and to God: Our Covenant Doctrine as Protestant Reformed Churches. In Pittsburgh PRC, Rev. Bruinsma spoke on “A Reformed Perspective of John Wesley.”

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:3