Trivia question

Of the 33 Protestant Reformed Churches in North America, what time do most hold their morning worship service? Answer later in this column.

Young people’s activities

There was a Young People’s Christmas Bazaar recently in Loveland, CO where the congregation gathered together for an annual dinner and silent auction. Soups, salads, hot cocoa, and cinnamon rolls were available, the fellowship was fine, and proceeds benefitted the young people attending the Western Retreat and the annual Convention. Attendees were invited to don their best (or worst) Christmas attire and enjoy the evening. We are sure many did just that!

The Zion PRC Young People’s Culver’s restaurant fundraising event was held Monday, December 17 at the Jenison location. The young people helped serve throughout the dinner hour. All tips/donations as well as a percentage of the Culver’s evening sales were donat­ed towards the YP’s Convention expenses. All were in­vited to join and enjoy some great fellowship and food, with thanks being expressed for the continued support.

Congregational activities

Save the date! Cornerstone PRC is hosting a Christian Parenting Conference on Saturday, March 23, 2019. Mark your calendars and look for more details to come!

Young adult activities

Lynden PRC Young Adults have sent out this update concerning their retreat:

We have secured a location for our retreat during July 1-5, 2019! It will take place at Mt. Baker Bibleway Camp. Check it out at http://www.mtbakercamp.org/home.do. We hope to include activities such as a day trip to beautiful Artist Point, white-water rafting, and more. Registration is set to open in February 2019, so don’t miss out! We encourage any young adults post-high school age to attend. Further details have been posted to our Facebook page: Lynden PRC Young Adults Retreat 2019. Request an invite to see these details, or message the group if you have any questions!

Minister activities

Immanuel PRC in Lacombe, Alberta called Rev. W. Langerak to be their next pastor. On December 23 he declined their call. Grandville PRC in Michigan issued a call to Rev. S. Key to be minister-on-loan to the CERC in Singapore. On December 16 his decline of this call was announced. Grandville’s new trio for this position consists of Revs. J. Engelsma, G. Eriks, and E. Guichelaar. On December 9, Trinity PRC in Hudsonville, MI called Rev. G. Eriks to come over and help them.

School activities

From the Federation of PR School Societies comes this important note:

There is a significant need for more good Christian teachers for our beloved schools. This is true in light of increasing enrollment, recently established and emerging schools, and continual teacher retirements. We ask that this need be prayed for and supplication made that the young men and women of your congregation be led by God to enter into the vocation of a Christian school teacher. This.is intended to bring the serious need for teachers to your attention so this specific request can be brought to our heavenly Father and the need made known directly to your congregation.

The Covenant Christian High Christmas program was held on December 15 at the Jenison Center for the Arts. The band and choirs performed, in addition to special numbers, and a final piece with the Protestant Reformed Student Orchestra.

Mission activities

Rev. Daniel Kleyn and his wife Sharon now have a badminton court on the lawn of their home in the Beverly Hills Subdivision of Antipolo City. This was not accomplished easily. First, they had to dodge the head of the sledge hammer used to pound in the poles as it went flying off. Then, Rev. Kleyn developed some kind of reaction to a plant he encountered while installing the poles. Finally, the court is in good use. Future visitors are invited to a badminton tournament in the Philippines!

Did you know the Protestant Reformed Seminary in the Philippines is now officially slated to begin classes in August of 2019? The three missionaries will be the primary instructors. We are thankful to God for the proceeding of this work. May He bless the endeavor in the future!

Trivia answer

Twenty-eight of the Protestant Reformed Churches in North America use 9:30 a.m. as the time for their morning worship service. Four churches meet at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, and one begins at 10:30 a.m. Perhaps next time we will look at the times of the second worship services.