Trivia question

In the year 2000, who labored as missionary to the British Isles? Find the answer in the “Glance Back” part of this issue.

Singles conference

Save May 7-9 for another Adult Singles’ Conference! The Lord willing, there will be another three-day event in the Grand Rapids area for singles ages 25+. The weekend will include two speeches by Revs. R. Barnhill and W. Langerak, discussion groups, and several social activities. Plan to attend and be encouraged and edified by other like-minded singles!

Minister activities

Remember Rev. J. Marcus in your prayers as he awaits a call to labor in one of our churches, and Rev. M. McGeown and his wife as they await permission to travel to the USA to take up labors in our Providence congregation. Also keep our vacant congregations in your prayers, that God may sustain them during their vacancies and that God may provide them a servant to labor in their midst. Current vacant congregations include Hudsonville, Wingham, Kalamazoo, and Byron Center.

Wingham, Ontario PRC formed a trio of Revs. N. Langerak, S. Regnerus, and J. Smidstra. On February 23 the congregation called Rev. Smidstra.

The Council of Byron Center submitted the following trio of ministers to the congregation to call from to be their pastor: Rev. R. Barnhill, Rev. J. Engelsma and Rev. D. Holstege. A congregational meeting on March 7 resulted in Rev. J. Engelsma receiving the call.

School activities

The Ladies Circle of the Northwest Iowa PR School in Doon, IA held their annual soup supper on February 16 at the Community Center, with to-go orders an option. They also hosted the annual Winter Pool Party and iceskating night at the All-Seasons Center in Sioux Center. Some chose to skate, some chose to swim, some did both. Everyone enjoyed the food and fellowship.

Congregational activities

The congregation at Byron Center, MI PRC held their annual sledding and pizza party recently.

Adults from the Helping Hands Committee of First PRC in Grand Rapids, MI recently aided the catechism students there in the making of greeting cards for shut-in members and elderly of their congregation. I’m sure those cards were an enjoyment to the recipients! A thoughtful gesture.

Bethel PRC in Roselle, IL has made plans to disband in June of this year. Her final worship services are planned for June 27, with the final Consistory meeting set for the night following, June 28. This decision was approved by of Classis West at its March meeting (cf. the report in this issue).

The Randolph, WI Hostess Supper was held Friday, March 5, at 7 p.m. at the school commons. This year for entertainment, Prof. R. Camminga agreed to give a presentation on the Mexico mission trip, but due to a kidney stone, he couldn’t.

The Doon, IA Junior Adult Society hosted a progressive supper.

Young people’s activities

“It is with regret that, after much discussion, the Federation Board, along with the recommendation of the Steering Committee of Georgetown PRC, has decided to cancel the upcoming 2021 Young People’s Convention due to restrictions and health concerns pertaining to the ongoing pandemic.” We hurt for our young people who have now been unable to enjoy this blessing for two summers in a row. But in the good news department, Faith PRC’s 2022 Steering Committee has resumed work on planning and preparing for next year’s convention.

The Consistory of Hope PRC in Grand Rapids has approved a week-long canoe trip for the young people and young adults of the church in the Boundary Waters of Ely, MN this summer (July 26-31). An informational meeting will soon be scheduled. Any adults (over 25) interested in being a chaperone should contact Pastor J. Mahtani. The young people there also invited the congregation to a singspiration on March 7.

The Cornerstone PRC young people hosted a co-ed dodgeball tournament/fundraiser on March 19.

The young people of Randolph, WI PRC held a soup supper in late February and the young people of Doon, IA held their spud night.

This from the bulletin of Southwest PRC: “Save the Date: Southwest PRC Young People are planning on hosting the annual Memorial Day Southwest Softball Tournament at Whistlestop Park on May 29th. Start getting your team together and watch for further announcements on sign ups. If you have any questions please email southwestsoftball@gmail.com.”

Sister-church activities

Classis of the PRC in the Philippines met recently. Among their business was approving the disbanding of the Maranatha congregation as of March 1 because of a lack of men to serve as officebearers. Their members are transferring to the Provident PRC. Classis also approved the emeritation of their seventy-six-year-old pastor, Rev. L. Trinidad. We pray for these fellow saints as they transition to a new flock, and we thank the Lord for the faithful ministry of pastor Trinidad. May the Lord bless and keep them through these changes.

School activities

In March, Trinity Christian High in Hull, IA presented a musical program featuring both choirs in Hull PRC. Grandparents of Trinity seniors were invited to “Grandparents’ Day” on March 26. They could attend class with their grandchild, enjoy a brief program, and fellowship over a delicious meal.

Notice was given for supporters of Protestant Reformed high schools to attend an evening of great band music on April 16 in Iowa. PR Christian high-school bands from Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin planned to be in attendance. Sounds like a real treat!

It is evident that there is currently a great need for teachers in our good Christian schools. Let us pray to our heavenly Father to supply us with more teachers. The young people, in particular, are encouraged to examine their gifts and abilities and consider whether God calls them to the blessed work of a Christian school teacher. There are many teaching positions available in our Christian schools for the upcoming school year!

A glance back in time to 2000/2001

Classis West met in September in Randolph, WI and in March of 2001 in Doon, IA…. Our seminary students were: William Langerak, Rodney Kleyn, David Overway, Angus Stewart, and Paul Goh…. Rev. R. Moore labored as missionary to Ghana, W. Africa. John and Judy Bouma were missionary helpers…. Classis East met in Faith PRC in September and in Georgetown PRC in January…. Rev. R. Hanko labored as missionary in the British Isles. Rev. B. Gritters and K. Koole traveled to Northern Ireland for our churches’ annual visit to that mission field…. Our DMC decided to provide preaching in Fayetteville, NC…. Randolph PRC’s new trio included Revs. A. denHartog, M. Dick, and J. Slopsema…. First PRC in Holland, MI was erecting a new parsonage that was completed in July…. First PRC in Holland, MI hosted the annual young people’s convention at Lake Ann Baptist Camp near Traverse City, MI…. The congregation of First PRC in Edmonton, Alberta held their annual Car Rally and Soup Supper…. Rev. G. Eriks and two men from the congregation in Loveland, CO visited the prison in Florence to lead a Bible Study there…. Prof. R. Decker taught a four-week Elder’s Seminar in Grandville PRC…. Grace PRC and pastor M. Dick were busy with an outreach program at Grand Valley State University…. The congregation at Doon, IA celebrated four wedding anniversaries of 50 years or more in February…. Hudsonville, MI PRC celebrated their 75th anniversary as a congregation…. Trinity PRC in Hudsonville was organized on July 19 and its first trio was Revs. Bruinsma, Haak, and Slopsema…. The Free Christian School of Edgerton, MN celebrated its 50th anniversary…. Rev. George Lubbers passed to his heavenly home…. A program was held in Hope PRC of Walker, MI to commemorate Rev. J. Kortering’s 40 years in the ministry.

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1.