Congregation Activities

We are thankful to the Lord for the completion of another catechism season. As members of various con­gregations we appreciate the work of the students and the support of the parents in the past year. As in many of our churches, some of the students each year learn the whole of chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews. This year was no exception, and it should not go unnoticed that they join generations of Protestant Reformed children in our churches who over the years were up to the challenge of accomplishing this memory project. Let us all continue to encourage our children to memorize the Scriptures in the days of their youth, when they have such an amazing God-given ability to do this.

The choir of Grace PRC in Standale, MI invited the members of their congregation, and others from nearby churches, to join them in praise to God in song for their annual Spring Concert on Sunday evening, April 29.

The Men’s and Ladies’ Societies of the Hope PRC in Walker, MI enjoyed their end-of-season dinner banquet on May 1. Following the dinner, Prof. D. Engelsma spoke to the societies on “The Significance of Herman Hoeksema for the Reformed Faith and the Christian Church.”

The Senior and Junior Adult Bible Societies of Hope PRC in Walker, MI met for the last time this society season as a combined society on April 24 to listen to Prof. H. Hanko address them on the topic, “Personal Experiences during the Struggles and Controversy of the Schism of 1953.”

On Sunday evening, April 22, the members of the Georgetown PRC in Hudsonville, MI were invited to remain after their worship service to enjoy their choir’s annual Spring Concert.

The ladies of the Doon, IA PRC served as this year’s host for the annual Spring Ladies’ League Meeting on April 24. Doon’s pas­tor, Rev. D. Overway, addressed the ladies on “Our Psalter: 100 Years of Praise.” A dessert social followed the speech.

The Annual Combined Bible Study for our churches in the Chi­cago, ILarea was held at the Cor­nerstone PRC in Dyer, IN on April 24. Bible study for that meeting centered on Esther 8.

All the men of the Heritage PRC in Sioux Falls, SD were encouraged to join their Men’s Book Club for discussion on Saturday morning, May 5, at their church office. Plans called for continued discussion on Resolved, by Orrin Woodward. The men plan to look at the book When People are Big and God is Small, by Edward T. Welch, next.

The congregation of the Trinity PRC in Hudsonville, MI got to­gether Saturday, April 28, for their annual outside Spring Cleanup. All who were interested in helping were invited. Outside work included the areas around the church and the fellowship building, as well as the corner of the property where their parsonage used to stand. We say “used to stand” because the home was torn down a week or so earlier. We can report that by the time the parsonage finally did come down, there wasn’t much of value left in it. Trinity’s members had taken al­most everything out, like windows for use in other construction, or doorknobs for a reminder of what used to be. Area fire departments also used the home for training purposes. For the present, the area will become green space, since Trinity has a parsonage a couple of blocks away for Rev. Decker and his family.

The Randolph, WI PRC spon­sored a lecture on April 27 at their church. Rev. W. Langerak, pastor of the Southeast PRC in Grand Rap­ids, MI, made the trip to Randolph to speak on the subject “The Bible’s Identification of Anti-Christ.”

School Activities

The Junior High students of Covenant Christian School in Lyn­den, WA invited their parents, grandparents, and anyone else in­terested in the school to join them for their Geography Fair on Friday evening, May 4. If you went you would have enjoyed displays, ethnic food samples served by students dressed in (almost) authentic tradi­tional clothing, an ethnic folk-song sing-along, and all kinds of fun and activities for all ages.

The Senior Class of Covenant Christian High School in Grand Rapids, MI invited supporters to join them for a Southern Breakfast treat on April 28 at Covenant. In addition to the standard breakfast items, there were some southern favorites.

The Hope Foundation of Hope PR Christian School in Grand Rap­ids, MI hosted their annual Skate/Hockey Night on April 28 at Walker Ice and Fitness Center. Open skat­ing and races were from 5-7 p.m. The Junior High hockey game began at 7 p.m., followed by the adult hockey game at 8 p.m.

Young Adult/Young People Activities

The Young Adult Society of the Hope PRC in Redlands, CA met together on April 20 at their church for a hot dog roast and a scavenger hunt.

The young people and their lead­ers of the Faith PRC in Jenison, MI were invited to the home of Rev. and Mrs. A. Lanning on April 30 for pizza and games, including their annual backyard wiffle-ball game.

Minister Activities

The faculty of the PR Theologi­cal Seminary rejoices to inform our churches that they have licensed Mr. Joshua Engelsma to speak a word of edification in our churches. We echo the seminary when we add that we are thankful to the Lord that He has brought the brother to this point in his preparation for the ministry of the gospel.

Rev. G. Eriks, pastor of the Hud­sonville, MI PRC, declined the call to serve as the next pastor of the Hope PRC in Walker, MI.

And Rev. Doug Kuiper, currently pastor of the Randolph, WI PRC, accepted the call to serve as under­ shepherd in the PR congregation in Edgerton, MN.