Mr. Wigger is a member of the Protestant Reformed Church of Hudsonville, Michigan.

Congregation Activities

By this time of year all of our churches are well into their fall season of catechism classes and Bible studies. The days of summer vacation are long gone and forgotten and there is a renewed emphasis and dedication to the study of God’s Word. Hopefully you take advantage of those opportunities in your local congregation to continue to grow in your knowledge of the good news of the gospel. The Kalamazoo, MI PRC traditionally marks the start of their year of Bible study and catechism instruction with a visit from the Hope Heralds, a group of approximately 55 men from the Michigan churches who sing praises to God in area churches and rest homes during the summer months. This kick-off concert took place the evening of September 15 at Kalamazoo. The entire congregation, along with invited family and friends, came together that evening for an hour of praise and inspiration meant to encourage and set the tone for the coming season of Bible study.

Saturday, September 19, the Junior and Senior Bible Societies of the Peace PRC in Lansing, IL got together for their 2nd annual kick-off cook-out for the start of their fall Bible study season. Those able and interested were invited to join together for a late afternoon bike ride, to be followed by a cook-out for everyone in the early evening.

The Junior Adult Bible Society of the Hope PRC in Walker, MI planned an early fall outing on September 11 at Millennium Park for food, fellowship, and games. The announcement in Hope’s bulletin also drew attention to the society’s new name—a change meant to encourage Hope’s young singles to join the society, as well as the young couples of the congregation.

The Jr. Christian Fellowship Society of the Hudsonville, MI PRC enjoyed a potluck dinner and organizational meeting on September 18 at Heritage Christian School. Weather permitting, plans called for a game of softball outside, or a game of volleyball inside.

The Covenant of Grace PRC in Spokane, WA held an organizational meeting for their Bible studies on September 16. Their pastor, Rev. R. Kleyn, gave a brief meditation on the necessity of Bible study, after which Covenant decided what Bible study groups they would have this year, what they will study in each, and when they will meet.

September 18 and 19 the men and boys of First PRC in Holland, MI enjoyed their annual camp-out at PJ Hoffmaster State Park, on the shore of Lake Michigan, near Muskegon. These overnight camp-outs are held rain or shine each year. Thankfully, this year’s was mostly shine.

The Consistory of the Georgetown PRC in Hudsonville, MI asked Pastor-elect Cory Griess to speak a word of edification for them on Sunday morning, September 13. Mr. Griess, his wife, Lael, and their family have been members of Georgetown for the past four years while he attended our seminary, preparing for the work of pastor in our churches. That evening there was also a time for the congregation to express their farewells and prayers for Cory and Lael before they left for Calvary PRC in Hull, IA and the work the Lord calls them to there. The Griess family anticipated leaving for Calvary on September 21, DV.

While members of the Georgetown congregation bid farewell to the Griess family, they were also encouraged to attend a brief program updating them on developments in their work with Paul Raj and the saints in Vellore, India.

The India Outreach Committee of the Byron Center, MI PRC planned to have a couple of representatives by the map of India in their fellowship hall on Sunday morning, September 13, to answer any questions about their work being done there.

The adults and young people of the First PRC in Edmonton, AB, Canada were once again invited to play volleyball on September 18. These nights of volleyball take place on a regular basis two times a month throughout the fall and winter months.

Denomination Activities

On September 15 the League of PR Adult Bible Societies Mass Meeting/Lecture was held at the Faith PRC in Jenison, MI. Rev. A. Lanning, pastor at Faith, spoke on “Blessed Readers,” based on Revelation 1:3.

On Sunday evening, September 13, the Hope Heralds presented a concert of praise in song at First Jenison CRC. Members of our churches in the area were encouraged to attend.

The Theological School began its new school year on September 8. May the Lord bless our professors and their students as they begin this very important work for our churches. This year there will be nine students attending our seminary, including two interns who are working in the churches for this semester as part of their training.

Our thanks goes out to our Theological Seminary, the speakers, and all those who had a part in the Calvin Conference, September 3-5, held at the First CRC in Byron Center, MI. This conference was held in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the birth of the great church reformer John Calvin and was entitled, “After 500 years: John Calvin for Reformed Churches Today.” By all accounts this was a very profitable and edifying conference.

Minister Activities

The Immanuel PRC in Lacombe, AB, Canada has extended a call to Rev. T. Miersma, our denomination’s former missionary in Spokane, WA, to become their next pastor.

We extend our congratulations to Rev. Allen and Crysta Brummel on the birth of a baby girl, Carly Shae, born Sunday morning, September 13.