Congregation Activities

Keeping in mind the Word of God found in John 17:9, “I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine,” we extend our congratulations to the following congregations celebrating anniver­saries this month, the Covenant PRC of Northern Ireland, orga­nized on August 2, 2006; the Ran­dolph, WI PRC, organized August 17, 1943; and the Crete, ILPRC, organized on August 24, 1926.

This summer the Consistory of the Grace PRC in Standale, MI sponsored a conference on marriage for their congregation’s benefit. Three nights were set aside for a consideration of a good Christian marriage, using the Marriage Form found in the back of the Psalter as a guide. The first meeting, led by Rev. R. Van Overloop, took place on June 19, followed by another on July 17 and one final meeting scheduled for August 7, D.V.

The Consistory of the George­town PRC in Hudsonville, MI was excited recently to announce their plans for a program they entitled, “Strengthening of Our Marriages Through a Mentoring Program.” Plans were to hold classes, for cou­ples volunteering to serve as men­tors, on Sunday evenings in July after the evening worship service, and then for all married members, on three Tuesday evenings, July 23, August 6, and 20, during which they would watch a 30-minute pre­sentation by Paul Tripp, followed by refreshments and discussion. This two-part program presented a unique opportunity for members of Georgetown to fellowship together and help strengthen their mar­riages.

Seminarian Josh Engelsma, his wife, Courtney, and their three chil­dren planned to start his internship on July 1 under the sponsorship of the Peace PRC in Lansing, ILand their pastor, Rev. C. Spronk. In anticipation of that event, Peace rented a home for the Engelsmas in Lansing. A June bulletin insert also included a list of household items needed by the Engelsmas for their six-month stay, and the congrega­tion was asked to donate as many of those items as they could. And then on Monday, June 17, the members of Peace planned a clean-up day at the temporary home of the Engels­mas.

A recent poll gauging the inter­est of the congregation in having Grace PRC in Standale, MI host the 2016 Young People’s convention indicated to their Consistory that there is enough support for Grace to be able to accept the invitation from the Federation Board of the Young People’s Societies. The Consistory went on to thank their congrega­tion for their willingness to become involved in this opportunity.

Denomination Activities

Even though by now it is some­what ‘old news,’ we have to add our congratulations to Seminarian Erik Guichelaar, who graduated from our denomination’s seminary on June 13 at the Hudsonville, MI PRC. To mark the occasion, Prof. B. Gritters spoke on “A Confessional Ministry.” With thanks to God, our Synod declared Mr. Guichelaar a candidate for the ministry of the Word and Sacraments, eligible for a call on or after July 13, 2013.

Young People’s Activities

The “Young Calvinists” presented another “Talking Points,” held at the Grandville, MI PRC on June 22. Mr. C. Terpstra led, speaking on the subject, “Are You a Reformed Reader?”

The Young People’s Society of the First PRC in Holland, MI invit­ed their congregation to an “evening of music” on June 30 after their eve­ning worship service. First’s choir sang a number of selections, there were several special numbers, and the congregation joined together in song. A collection was taken for the 2014 convention expenses.

The 2013 Young People’s West­ern Retreat was held July 1-4 in northeastern Washington under the sponsorship of the Lynden and Covenant of Grace PRCs in Lynden and Spokane, WA. Rev. R. Kleyn and Rev. R. Hanko spoke on the theme, “Put on the Whole Armor of God,” from Ephesians 6:11. Thirty young people from Lynden, Spokane, Loveland, Lacombe, and Edmonton planned to attend, along with 11 families and individuals that were either camping or chaperoning at the retreat.

Evangelism Activities

Sunday evening, June 2, the collection at the Edgerton, MN PRC scheduled for the Reformed Witness Committee (formerly rep­resenting the Doon, Hull, and Edg­erton congregations) was changed to the Edgerton Reformed Witness Committee. The Edgerton RWC planned to update the members of their congregation on changes to the organization. In brief, each lo­cal congregation that was once part of the RWC is now responsible for outreach work in its own area to help promote local evangelism.

The Evangelism Committee of the Providence PRC in Hudson­ville, MI sponsored two classes concerning Jehovah’s Witnesses, what they believe and how to wit­ness to them. Rev. H. Bleyenberg was the speaker. These two classes were held in late June.

Mission Activities

Rev. R. Smit and his family, one of our denomination’s missionaries to the Philippines, were recently in the United States for a five-week furlough. During those five weeks Rev. Smit gave various presentations on the development of the mission work in which he and Rev. D. Kleyn are engaged in the Philippines. Per­haps you had an opportunity to see one of these presentations. Regard­less, we all share in our churches’ support for this exciting and im­portant work that our churches are doing.

Minister Activities

Rev. C. Spronk declined the call he was considering to serve as pas­tor of the Faith PRC in Jenison, MI.

Rev. R. Kleyn received the call from the Randolph, WI PRC, and Rev. C. Haak received the call from the Doon, IA PRC.