Trivia question

Who was the seminary student that graduated in 1999 and accepted the call to Loveland, CO PRC? Answer found later in this article.

Denominational activities

The pre-synodical service was held Monday, June 7, at 7 p.m. in Georgetown PRC with Rev. R. Van Overloop preaching. Synod convened on June 8, at 8 a.m. in Georgetown PRC. Seminary graduation took place on Thursday, June 10 in Georgetown PRC, at 7:30 p.m. with Prof. D. Kuiper giving the address on ”Putting One’s Neck to the Work.” To watch the program, visit the seminary’s YouTube channel at prcts.org.

Minister activities

Byron Center PRC called Prof. R. Dykstra (PRCA Seminary). On May 30 Prof. Dykstra announced his acceptance of this call. This is an historical first in the PRC. He was to be installed on June 27. Hudsonville PRC formed a new trio of Rev. R. Barnhill (Peace PRC-Dyer, IN), Rev. W. Bruinsma (Pittsburgh PRC), and Rev. R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC-Spokane, WA) with Rev. Bruinsma receiving the call. On June 13 he declined this call. Wingham PRC has formed a trio of Rev. R. Barnhill (Peace PRC-Dyer, IN), Rev. S. Regnerus (Lynden PRC), and Rev. M. De Boer (Edgerton PRC) with Rev. Barnhill receiving their call. On June 6 he declined this call. The Consistory at Crete PRC announced the following trio to the congregation: Rev. N. Decker (Grandville PRC), Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon PRC), and Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC). On June 13, they extended a call to Rev. J. Engelsma. Kalamazoo, MI PRC formed a trio of Revs. R. Barnhill, M. De Boer, and D. Lee, with Rev. Barnhill receiving this call. On June 27, he announced his decline of this call.

Congregational activities

The congregation at Doon, IA voted to proceed with a building project that includes enlarging the narthex, adding restrooms and a council room. Fundraising has begun.

Young peoples activities

The young people at Edgerton, MN thanked the congregation for attending the Ice Cream Social this spring and for the generous donations that will help them attend the Western Young People’s Retreat.

Hull, IA Young People’s Society invited everyone in the area to their annual Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast, May 31 at Trinity CHS. A time of fellowship and a delicious breakfast of pancakes, cinnamon rolls, egg casseroles and fresh fruit were enjoyed. A freewill donation was taken in support of the PRYP’s Convention.

School activities

Covenant Christian High School commencement took place on Friday evening, June 4, at the Grandville Middle School football field in Grandville. Rev. G. Eriks delivered the address. Due to current COVID-19 regulations, attendance was limited to 1,000 people. Each graduate was given 9 tickets to distribute to their families and friends.

Evangelism activities

From the bulletin of Edgerton, MN PRC:

What does God’s Word say about homosexuality? Today, some in the church world and in Christian colleges argue that when two of the same gender are in a committed relationship of love, homosexuality is a good thing and to be celebrated. Come to Edgerton PRC on Friday evening, June 25, at 7:00 p.m. to hear Pastor Matt DeBoer explain what the Bible really teaches about this subject, how we can answer popular objections, and how church leaders and church members are to respond to homosexuality.

A glance back in time—1998-99

Work began on Bethel PRC’s new building…Georgetown PRC also…Randolph PRC completed a building project that added a separate building consisting of two classrooms and restrooms. Classis West examined and approved Pastor-elect Daniel Kleyn as minister of the Word and sacraments. Then he was installed in Edgerton, MN…. Profs. D. Engelsma and H. Hanko spoke at the conference in Northern Ireland…. In Hull, IA they adopted a proposal to build a new parsonage…. Rev. and Mrs. R. Smit thankfully received the gift of a daughter, Rebekah Ann…. Rev. R. Hanko continued to labor as missionary to Northern Ireland…. Loveland, CO PRC celebrated its 40th anniversary with a program of thanksgiving and praise…. Rev. A. Brummel and his wife Crysta rejoiced in the birth of a son, Brandon Trey…. Rev. and Mrs. J. Laning received an infant son, born about three months prematurely at under three pounds. The babe, Samuel continued to do well and came home in December after a hospital stay of about two months…. Seminarian G. Eriks finished his six-month internship in Loveland, CO…. The 1999 Young People’s convention was hosted by Hope PRC of Redlands, CA…. Rev. G. VanBaren submitted a request for honorable emeritation…. Mission work was ended in San Luis Valley, CO and begun in Spokane, WA…. The council of South Holland, IL PRC approved the organization of a daughter congregation in the Dyer, IN area…. The newly organized congregation in northwest Indiana chose the name Cornerstone PRC…. Candidate G. Eriks accepted a call to Loveland, CO PRC.

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