Denominational Activities

Classis West was scheduled to meet Wednesday, September 30 in Edgerton, MN with the examination of Pastor-elect Ryan Barnhill taking place. An officebearers’ conference centering on “The Local Church and Missions” was planned there on September 29.

Classis East convened Wednesday, September 9 at Byron Center, MI PRC. The meeting was brief, consisting mostly of routine items.

School Activities

Heritage Christian School provided a full-service restaurant at the Hudsonville, MI fairgrounds from August 24-29. Expanded and improved menu options included breakfast, lunch, supper, dessert, and snacks in the white building just inside the north pedestrian gates of the fairgrounds on all six days of the fair. That sounds like a reason in itself to attend the fair!

Eastside Christian School planned their Picnic on the Patio for September 3 at First PRC in Grand Rapids, MI. The school Foundation provided a buffet meal of hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, and desserts.

The Ladies’ Circle of Faith Christian School in Randolph, WI has been busy! Friday, September 4, was the date of the back-to-school singspiration, coupled with a dessert auction. The next day they hosted a brat fry/bake sale at the local Piggly Wiggly store. They also planned to host a Jog-A-Thon the evening of September 11. It is good to see evidence of the energy that is poured into our Christian schools!

The Covenant Christian High School fall festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 10. Among other happenings, freshly canned jams, jellies, and preserves will be sold at that time. A reliable source tells us the Rock River Wild Plum jam may indeed make the trip from northwest Iowa. Oh, what a plum year it was!

Young People’s Activities

The Young People’s Society of First PRC of Holland, MI invited those from the area to an end-of-summer picnic fund raiser on Saturday, September 5. A delicious dinner included BBQ grilled chicken, corn on the cob, salads, and dessert. There were activities for everyone including horse-drawn hay rides.

The Young People’s Society of Heritage PRC, Sioux Falls, SD invited members of the Siouxland churches to a shooting challenge held at Clay Bird Shotgun Sports just west of Sioux Falls. Men and boys (and one young lady) took turns poking holes in the sky in a friendly competition. Some did very well on a difficult course. A hot dog lunch followed, with snacks and drinks being supplied throughout the morning. Forty-eight registered shooters helped the Heritage young people earn funding for next summer’s convention.

Minister Activities

Pending his successful examination by Classis West in Edgerton, MN on September 30, Pastor-elect Ryan Barnhill is looking forward to his ordination as minister of the Word and sacraments in Peace PRC, Lansing, IL on October 9, with Prof. Barry Gritters leading the service.

On August 30 a letter was read in the morning service at the PRC of Doon, IA. This letter from Rev. C. Haak acknowledged the call that the calling church for a second missionary to the Philippines had extended to him on August 17. Rev. Haak asked for prayers on his behalf that the Lord of the harvest might clearly reveal His sovereign will as he considered this call. On September 13, it was announced in Doon PRC that Rev. Haak had declined the call.

Congregational Activities

With joy and thanksgiving to God, the congregation of Providence PRC invited those from the area to an open house of their new building, on Saturday September 12 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The church is located at 1569 44th St. in Hudsonville MI. Thanks be to God for His provision of a beautiful building in which His praises may be raised!

Our denomination has launched a mobile app, available on all platforms (Apple, Android, Windows, Amazon) for phones and tablets. The app includes daily devotional content, sermons, lectures, articles, and much more. Follow the latest events and blogs to stay informed about our local church and mission updates. To download the app, go to your app store and search for “protestant reformed;” you should see the maroon shield icon. New daily content began cycling on September 1. May God use this technology for the spread of the gospel of Christ.

Young Adult Activities

Once again the Reformed Witness Committee of the area churches is sponsoring a weekly Bible study at Dordt College in Sioux Center, IA. The Young Reformers began Monday, September 14 in Dordt’s classroom building, room 1316. The group is currently studying the book of Romans, but also discusses various special topics as they arise in the classroom or workplace. Area young adults are encouraged to bring friends to the meetings. The group can be found online at: https://www.facebook.com/youngreformersatdordt.

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