How many years has our sister church, the Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church of Singapore, been an organized congregation? Answer later in this column.
In late September, the area where our missionaries labor in the Philippines dealt with Typhoon Ompong. But according to Rev. Daniel Kleyn, the affect they experienced was minimal. They did have high winds and about five inches of rain in a 24-hour period so that catechism was canceled in Provident Christian Church of Marikina. But so far as we know there were no injuries due to the storm, for which we thank the Lord.
The congregation of Southeast PRC successfully made the move to Adams Christian School as their temporary facility, as their Long-Range Planning Committee actively seeks new accommodations.
A new photo was taken recently of the congregation at Kalamazoo PRC.
Trinity PRC in Hudsonville, MI held their progressive dinner in mid-October.
From the Randolph (WI) PRC bulletin: “After 60 years of service, Jeanne Buteyn has retired from organ accompaniment for worship. We would like to take this opportunity to thank her for her time, commitment, and willingness to share her gift with the congregation in this way. We appreciate the many years she has led us in song. Thank you, Jeanne!” We can only echo those sentiments here! And thanks to all our accompanists. You perform a valuable service to your congregation!
The Ladies’ Circle of First PRC of Edmonton, AB was planning the annual Remembrance Day Car Rally.
Eastside Christian School recently sold their well-known Dutch banket, while Hope School Circle sold pig-in-the-blankets.
The Heritage Christian School Fall Children’s Clothing and Toy Sale was held on Saturday, October 6 from 9 a.m.–12:00. Items for sale included infant to teen clothing, winter gear, snow boots, outdoor/indoor toys, books, games, shoes, baby equipment, maternity, and more. Delicious baked goods were also for sale! This event was located in the large gym at Heritage Christian in Hudsonville.
All current, retired, and prospective teachers were invited to the Protestant Reformed Teachers’ Convention on Thursday, October 18 and Friday, October 19. The annual convention was hosted this year by Heritage Christian School in Hudsonville, MI.
The congregation of Grandville, MI PRC voted October 7 to call a minister-on-loan to the CERC of Singapore. The trio consisted of Revs. G. Eriks, W. Langerak, and S. Key. Rev. W. Langerak (Southeast, Grand Rapids PRC) received this call.
The consistory of Immanuel PRC of Lacombe, AB presented the congregation with the following trio from which to call a minister: Rev. E. Guichelaar (Randolph, WI), Rev. N. Langerak (Crete, IL), and Rev. M. VanderWal (Wingham, ON). Voting took place on the 23rd of September with Rev. Nathan Langerak receiving the call. In God’s wise plan, He led Rev. Langerak to decline this call. After forming a new trio of Revs. J. Engelsma, E. Guichelaar, and M. VanderWal, on October 28 Immanuel voted to call Rev. J. Engelsma.
On September 23 Rev. Nathan Decker announced that God had led him to accept the call to Grandville, MI PRC. He was installed by Rev. K. Koole on October 28. May God bless his labors there! And may God provide for Trinity PRC another pastor soon. Their Council formed this trio: Revs. J. Engelsma, B. Huizinga, W. Langerak. On October 28 Rev. B. Huizinga received this call.
The consistory invited the congregation of Kalamazoo, MI PRC to a celebration commemorating Rev. Michael DeVries’ 40 years in the ministry. A short program and light supper took place after the evening service on October 7. We join with the congregation in thanks to God for this faithful servant!
The evangelism committee of Kalamazoo, MI PRC made arrangements to sing at the New Friends assisted living building.
Bethel PRC held its annual Reformation Day Lecture on Friday, October 12 at 7:30 p.m. Professor Ron Cammenga spoke on the subject: “Getting the Gospel Right: Celebrating the 400th Anniversary of the Canons of Dordt.”
Fall Reformation lecture: Rev. Andrew Lanning spoke on the topic “The Reformation’s Defense of Scripture’s Authority” on October 26 at Southwest PRC. Those who were unable to attend could participate via live-stream.
The Reformed Witness Committee of the five Siouxland area churches scheduled a lecture for Friday, October 26, in Hull PRC. Prof. Doug Kuiper spoke on the topic “The Controversy Regarding Sovereign Grace: The Synod of Dordt and its Relevance for Today.”
From the bulletin of First PRC of Edmonton, AB: “Advance notice: The evangelism committee has scheduled a public lecture for Friday, November 23, at 7:30 p.m., entitled ‘Fighting for Sexual Purity: The Battle Against Pornography.’ Please mark your calendars and invite your friends.” The evangelism society also purchased copies of Behold I Come Quickly containing speeches from the 2016 BRF Conference regarding the coming of our Lord. They encouraged their members to take a copy for personal use and to give out copies in their personal witness to others.
When Rev. Angus Stewart from Northern Ireland visited the USA recently, he gave a presentation of the work in Northern Ireland to the congregation in the Wingham, ON PRC. He also spoke for Eastside Christian School, the RFPA, and gave a Reformation lecture in Pittsburgh PRC. He preached in Wingham PRC, Southeast PRC, and Zion PRC. While Rev. Stewart was in the U.S., Rev. K. Koole made the trip to Northern Ireland and preached and taught catechism in the Covenant PRC for two Lord’s Days. He also traveled to Limerick, Ireland to preach there one Sunday.
There was an invitation to join for a weekend Singles Conference November 9 and 10, in Grand Rapids, MI, geared toward single members of the church (ages: mid-20s and up). A game night was planned for Friday November 9, with two speeches on Saturday, the 10th. Lord willing, speeches were to be given by Rev. R. Van Overloop and Rev. N. Langerak on the topic “Single Members in the Church.”
The annual PR Young People’s Thanksgiving Mass Meeting was to be held at First PRC on November 11, from 2 to 3 p.m., with a speech given by Rev. C. Griess. Young people were encouraged to attend for a good time of fellowship! Refreshments followed the meeting.
From the September 23 Covenant ERC bulletin: Today we celebrate 31 years of the Lord’s faithfulness towards us as a congregation. As we look back upon the past 31 years, and especially the past year, we confess once again with our hearts, “Our help is in the name of Jehovah, who made heaven and earth” (Ps. 124:8).
The Standard Bearer is a semi-monthly, 24-page print magazine devoted to explaining and defending reformed doctrine, promoting the Reformed life of the church and believer, and combating old and new errors that threaten to disrupt the reformed faith and life.
THE STANDARD BEARER IS PUBLICATION BY REFORMED FREE PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED-2022
