Congregation Activities

Reflecting on the Word of God found in Psalm 84:10, “For a day in thy courts is better than a thou­sand,” we call your attention to the anniversary of the Heritage PRC in Sioux Falls, SD, organized April 23, 2010.

All the societies of the Grand­ville, MI PRC were invited to hear Dr. Nate Lanning and Dr. Brendan Looyenga’s lectures on Tuesday, March 19. Dr. Lanning spoke on “Understanding Evolution: Reformed Consensus, Scientific Concepts, and Physical Proof,” and Dr. Looyenga on “Teaching About Evolution and Evolutionists within a Biblical Framework.” There was a question and answer period follow­ing the lectures.

In view of the upcoming instal­lation of Rev. David Overway as pastor of the Hope PRC in Walker, MI, Hope’s Adult Bible Society decided to study the Form for the Ordination (or Installation) of Ministers of God’s Word.

“Women in Zion” was the theme for this year’s Women’s Conference sponsored by the Byron Center, MI PRC. This year’s conference was held on March 8 and 9 at the Jamestown Reformed Church. Fri­day evening Rev. R. Van Overloop, pastor of Grace PRC in Standale, MI, delivered the keynote address, speaking on the theme, “Within His Courts.” This was followed Saturday morning and afternoon by two more speeches: Mrs. Sue Looyenga spoke on “When in the Valley of Weeping,” and Mrs. Linda Verburg spoke on “With Purpose.” Squeezed between these speeches, the 268 registered ladies enjoyed times of fellowship and singing together, as well as taking part in small discussion-groups focusing on Reflecting Our Redemption in Our Trials and Reflecting God’s Glory in Our Lives. Much thanks to the Byron Center congregation for con­tinuing to sponsor this worthwhile event.

Classis West of our PR churches met in regular session on Wednes­day, March 6 at the Lynden, WA PRC. The day before, March 5, the delegates, as well as others in­terested in the subject, were invited to an Officebearers’ Conference celebrating the 450th anniversary of the Heidelberg Catechism, 1563-2013. That conference featured four speeches. Rev. Rodney Kleyn, pastor of the Covenant of Grace PRC Spokane, WA, started the conference by speaking on “The History and Significance of the Heidelberg Catechism.” This introductory speech was followed by three speeches by Prof. Barry Grit­ters, professor of practical theology and New Testament studies in our seminary. Prof. Gritters spoke on “Preaching the Heidelberg Cat­echism” (1, 2, and 3).

Young People’s Activities

The Federation Board, the gov­erning body of our churches’ young people’s societies, was pleased to inform our young people that it had recently organized a test committee called the “Young Calvinists.” Ac­cording to their bulletin announce­ment, the Young Calvinists “had been created in order further to unite the young people’s societies of our churches and foster a godly zeal for our PR heritage. Young Calvin­ists anticipates an exciting diversity of communication tools, activities, and opportunities for the young people and young adults. These opportunities include speeches, discus­sions, singing events, and more. The committee has also created a blog/website at youngcalvinists.org. The Young Calvinists blog will provide meditations and topical messages from a variety of writers, news and updates about upcoming events, and audio and video links to past speeches and events.

The Young Calvinists presented their first event, called Talking Points. This was a speech/discus­sion on the topic, “Who Am I . . . In Christ?” led by Rev. Ron Van Overloop. This meeting took place on March 16 at Covenant Chris­tian High School in Walker, MI. It was designed for young people and young adults alike.

The Young People’s Society of the Providence PRC in Hudsonville, MI hosted a gym night/pizza party at Adams Christian School. The young people from the Kalama­ zoo, MI PRC were invited to come and join in the fun. The excite­ment started around 6:30 p.m. and wrapped up around 10:30 p.m.

Sister-Church Activities

Rev. Carl Haak, pastor of the Georgetown PRC in Hudsonville, MI, along with Elder Pete VanDer Schaaf, a member of our denomi­nation’s Contact Committee, left for Northern Ireland on March 14 for a two-week visit with the Cov­enant PRC of Northern Ireland in Ballymena. This trip came at the request of the denominational Contact Committee. The delega­tion planned on conducting church visitation both in Ballymena, with Rev. Angus Stewart and his Coun­cil, and in their mission outreach in Limerick, Republic of Ireland, with Rev. Martyn McGeown and the Limerick Reformed Fellowship. Rev. Haak was asked to preach on the two Sundays of the visit, give four lectures during the week, and lead Bible studies. The delegation planned to return home on March 26, D.V.

Mission Activities

Elders Jim and Ron Kuiper, along with deacons Eric Lubbers and Jeff Potjer, a delegation from the Southwest PRC in Wyoming, MI, visited missionary pastor Rev. Wilbur Bruinsma, his family, and the members of the Pittsburgh Fellowship on March 8-10. In addition to spending a Sunday in worship with the members of Pittsburgh, and having oversight of the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, the men also visited with the Bruinsmas and had oppor­tunity to meet with Pittsburgh’s Steering Committee. May the Lord continue to bless the work in Pittsburgh.

Minister Activities

Rev. Cory Griess, pastor of the Calvary PRC in Hull, IA, declined the call extended to him to serve as the next pastor of the Randolph, WI PRC.