Trivia question

Which Protestant Reformed minister made history on November 26, 2017? Would you like more information? Hint: it has to do with his installation. Answer later in this issue.

Congregational activities

The Edmonton congregation was invited to a night of food and fellowship, along with the Lacombe congregation, as Immanuel PRC welcomed Rev. Brian Feenstra and his family into their midst. Friday, January 12, was reserved for a potluck supper at Genesis PR Christian School, beginning at 6:30 p.m. All were requested to bring a dish to share, while beverages and dessert were provided. Following the meal there was a brief welcome program. It was an enjoyable evening of thanksgiving and praise for God’s provision for His church!

Members of the congregation at Hudsonville, MI PRC are planning to camp at Wabasis Lake in June.

The Protestant Reformed Student Orchestra presented a concert on January 25 at the St. Cecelia Music Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

In many of our churches new officebearers have recently been installed. May God bless them as He has called and qualified them for their labors in His church. May the elders “Take heed that purity of doctrine and godliness of life be manifest in the church of God. And ye deacons, be diligent in collecting the alms, prudent and cheerful in the distribution of the same: assist the oppressed, provide for the true widows and orphans, show liberality unto all men, but especially to the household of faith” (PRC “Form of Ordination of Elders and Deacons”).

Young people activities

The 2018 Young People’s Convention will be hosted by the Siouxland area churches of Iowa, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Chaperone and nurse registration for 2018 Young People’s Convention began Monday January 1, 2018. The convention is planned for August 13-17 at Lake Geneva Christian Center in Alexandria, MN. To register, go to www.prcconvention.com, and follow the instructions under the chaperone or nurse tab. If you have questions, send an email to Chaperone@ prcconvention.com.

The young people of Heritage PRC in Sioux Falls, SD are hosting their 2nd Annual Pinewood Derby fundraiser on Saturday, February 24, from 11-2 in the church fellowship hall at 3800 E 15th Street, Sioux Falls. Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup will be served for lunch. Spectators are welcome and a donation box will be available for those who wish to eat. A donation of $15 will cover registration, food, and the kit to build your car. Competitors had to sign up by January 13, with the kits distributed in mid-January. Proceeds will go toward 2018 convention expenses.

Minister activities

Southwest PRC in Michigan called Candidate David Noorman to be their next pastor.

On December 31, 2017 Rev. Andy Lanning was installed as pastor in Byron Center, MI PRC, with Rev. S. Key leading the service. A welcome program followed the evening service.

Delayed by snow and ice in Michigan, the Smit family arrived two days late, but safely, in the warmth of the Philippines, on December 29.

Sister-church activities

Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church’s (Singapore) Camp will be held at Bayou Lagoon Park Resort, Melaka (http:www.bayoulagoon.com.my). The theme will be “Holiness: Not a Condition but a Necessity” taken from I Peter 1:16. The speaker will be Rev. A. den Hartog. For more information, email the address of smahtani@singnet.com.sg. All campers will be required to bear their own costs for the camp.

The Covenant Protestant Reformed Church of Northern Ireland held its congregational dinner recently at Ross Park Hotel.

Denominational activities

Hudsonville, MI PRC hosted the January 9 Classis East officebearer’s conference, with Prof. B. Gritters speaking on the topic of family visitation. After explaining the important principles of family visitation, Prof. Gritters addressed and answered various practical questions concerning this beloved practice. At the end of the speech there was time for questions and discussion. All officebearers and church members were invited.

Classis East met January 10 at Hudsonville, MI PRC. The body will reconvene on February 28 to deal with an appeal put in the hands of a special committee.

School activities

Faith Christian School in Randolph, WI planned their annual “Across the Border” Supper for February 9.

Trivia answer

On November 26, 2017 Rev. Richard J. Smit became the first Protestant Reformed minister (to our knowledge) to be installed three times in the same congregation. Rev. Smit has been installed three times in the PRC at Doon, Iowa. The first time was September 9, 1996 as a seminary graduate in his first charge. The second time was March 19, 2009, when he accepted the call to be missionary to the Philippines with Doon as the calling church. The third time was recently on November 26, 2017, as Rev. Smit again accepted Doon’s call to be missionary. Maybe you knew all that. Thanks to an interested reader for helping with the question. If you have interesting PRC trivia questions or news, you may send them to the Church News editor via email found in the front of each issue. More trivia next time.