Trivia question

Where is the Senior Retreat this summer? Answer later in this column.

Evangelism activities

Calvary PRC of Hull, IA, in conjunction with the Domestic Mission Committee of the PRCA, invited area residents to attend a special mission presentation by our home missionary, Rev. Aud Spriensma, in their sanctuary on Sunday, June 16. The title of his presentation was: “Our Home Missions: Reaching the Nones and the Dones.” Refreshments followed the presentation.

The Evangelism Committee of Grace PRC in Mich­igan invited the congregation to a speech by Prof. B. Gritters after their worship service on May 26. The speech was entitled “You Are My Witnesses.” Their bulletin notice stated, “As a committee, we are excited to be able to learn as a church body about how to create a culture of evangelism within our own congregation.” Refreshments were served after the speech.

Minister activities

Immanuel PRC of Lacombe, AB, Canada announced a new trio of Revs. M. McGeown, C. Spronk, and M. VanderWal. Rev. Clay Spronk received their call. On May 26 Rev. Spronk announced he had been led by God to decline this call. May God continue to bless the congregation at Immanuel and provide their next under-shepherd in His good time.

Southeast PRC (Grand Rapids, MI) announced a trio of Rev. B. Huizinga (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA), Rev. R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC-Spokane, WA) and Rev. J. Mahtani (Cornerstone PRC-St. John, IN). Rev. Huizinga received this call on May 19. On June 2 he declined it. Southeast PRC Council then announced a new trio: Revs. R. Kleyn, D. Lee, and J. Mahtani. On June 16, Rev. R. Kleyn received the congregation’s ma­jority vote.

Young people’s activities

The young people of Byron Center, MI PRC made a trip to Pittsburgh on June 7-10, where they participated in a work-bee day and a time of fellowship and worship.

On Saturday, June 29, the Byron Center PRC Young People held a Car Wash/Bake Sale at the church. Many delicious homemade baked goods were available for pur­chase. All were encouraged to “relax, visit and enjoy free refreshments while we get your car sparkling clean!”

The Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Australia in­vite any young people and young adults aged 13 and up to their biennial youth camp. This youth camp will be held in Brisbane from December 28, 2019–January 3, 2020. Rev. Martyn McGeown from the Limerick Re­formed Fellowship of the Republic of Ireland will be the guest speaker. This is a great time to meet other young people, fellowship with them, and learn about our Savior. Please contact Megan at meggyhiggs@gmail.com for a flyer or for additional information.

School activities

From the bulletin in Loveland, CO PRC: “Rowes Flowers and the Fundraisers are asking for 24 volunteers to help deliver flowers Thursday, May 9, Friday, May 10, and Saturday, May 11. Spend a lovely day delivering stunning flowers to deserving moms while raising money for our school.”

Also from Loveland’s bulletin:

At the special School Society meeting the proposal to purchase the property located at 1118 E 57th Street for future expansion needs and additional monies needed for further development passed overwhelmingly. The Board is grateful for the good membership turnout at the meeting and humbled by the show of gratitude and support for the Board’s labors. We also stand in amazement each month with the generous monetary support for this cause from our congregation as well as from our brothers and sisters in the Lord abroad. To God be the glory!

Denominational activities

A pre-synodical service was held on Monday evening, June 10, at 7:00 p.m. in First PRC of Grand Rapids. Rev. R. Van Overloop preached the sermon. Synod began its 2019 meetings on June 11, at 8 m. in the First PR Church of Grand Rapids. Seminary graduation took place on Thursday, June 13 in First Church, at 7:30 p.m., with Prof. R. Dykstra giving the address from I Timothy 4:16.

The Theological School Committee put forward an aggregate of pastors to Synod, one of which was to be called by Synod to replace Prof. R. Cammenga: Rev. J. Engelsma, Rev. C. Griess, Rev. B. Huizinga, and Rev. R. Kleyn. Rev. B. Huizinga has received this call. As churches, we offer our fervent prayers for him and his family as he considers this weighty call.

Mission activities

The Foreign Mission Committee of the PRCA meets the third Tuesday of each month in the Hull, IA PRC. Members are made up of the five Siouxland area churches. In addition to the work of the night, the committee has been discussing the book An Introduction to the Science of Missions by J.H. Bavinck. One chapter is discussed each meeting. Noteworthy is his definition of missions:

Missions is that activity of the church—in essence it is nothing else than an activity of Christ, exercised through the church—through which the church, in this interim period, in which the end is postponed, calls the peoples of the earth to repentance and to faith in Christ, so that they may be made His disciples and through baptism be incorporated into the fellowship of those who await the coming of the kingdom [p. 62].

From the bulletin of the Limerick Reformed Fellow­ship of Ireland:

Pastor and Larisa leave tomorrow (Monday 27 May) for the USA. They will visit Loveland, CO; Hull, IA; and Grand Rapids, MI (and Pastor will preach in Loveland, Hull, Doon, and Holland PR churches). Pastor will also attend the PRC Synod in Grand Rapids, MI, which begins on Tuesday 11 June. Pastor and Larisa plan to arrive back in Ireland on Friday 21 June. While they are in the USA, Rev. Justin Smidstra (Holland, MI) and Rev. Angus Stewart will supply the pulpit here.

Congregational activities

At an informational meeting in May, 42 families and 7 individuals from Byron Center, MI congregation signed up as a daughter church to begin worship services at Zion Christian School on July 7.

We express congratulations to Professor and Mrs. Herman Hanko on the occasion of their 66th wedding anniversary on May 27.

Senior activities/trivia answer

The Senior Retreat registration is open. The dates are September 17-20, at Gull Lake Ministries in Hickory Corners, MI. The theme is “God’s Care For Us.” Forms are available at zionprc.org. Click on “Senior Retreat.”