Trivia question

Which congregation in the PRCA became the denomination’s first “English speaking congregation?” Answer later in this column.

Minister activities

Hudsonville PRC formed a new trio of Rev. R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC–Spokane, WA), Rev. E. Guichelaar (Randolph PRC), and Rev. R. Barnhill (Peace PRC–Dyer, IN). Rev. R. Kleyn received this call.

Rev. R. Barnhill (Peace PRC-Dyer, IN) declined the calls from Wingham PRC and Kalamazoo PRC.

Crete PRC called Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon PRC). Rev. Engelsma was directed by God to accept Crete’s call. Rev. Engelsma preached his farewell sermon on August 1, with a farewell program following. The moving company showed up in Doon on August 2, and Rev. Engelsma was scheduled to be ordained in Crete PRC on August 15 with Prof. D. Engelsma leading the service.

Rev. C. Griess received the call as replacement for Prof. B. Gritters in the PR Theological Seminary as Professor of Practical Theology and New Testament Studies. Rev. J. Engelsma was chosen as the alternate should Rev. Griess decline. Rev. Griess accepted this call on July 11 and preached his farewell sermon on August 8.

First PRC of Grand Rapids, MI called Rev. R. Kleyn to be their pastor.

Rev. D. Lee and Rev. J. Marcus are eligible for calls in the PRC and her sister churches. Let us remember them in prayer as they await new charges.

Kalamazoo PRC formed a new trio of Revs. M. De Boer, C. Haak, and D. Lee. On August 1, they voted to call Rev. DeBoer.

Josiah Tan, candidate for the ministry in his home church, Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church, has returned to Singapore with his wife and family. The Session made him the sole candidate for the CERC, and on August 9 the congregation voted to call him. May God abide with them, and if it be His will, lead Candidate Tan to accept the call to service as a minister of the Word and sacraments in our sister church in Singapore.

Help for Wingham PRC: With Consistory approval, Rev. Guichelaar planned to make a four-week visit to Wingham, Ontario, from July 19-August 16. The first two weeks were to serve as the final two weeks of his vacation time, during which time a mandatory 14- day quarantine would have to be observed. In the two weeks that follow, Rev. Guichelaar planned to lead worship services in Wingham PRC. During those final two weeks, Rev. Guichelaar also intended to offer himself in any way he can to the Wingham PRC consistory and congregation. Wingham PRC has been without a minister for approximately nine months, and due to border closings has not been able to get any pulpit supply from Classis East since becoming vacant. Rev. Guichelaar was in a unique position to give Wingham PRC pulpit supply since he possesses Canadian citizenship and should have no trouble crossing the border. Planning a trip like this also allowed Rev. Guichelaar and his family to visit with family that they had not been able to see in some time.

Evangelism activities

“Still Totally Depraved?” Trinity PRC invited all to come and hear a lecture by Prof. David Engelsma on this very timely topic. It was held on Friday July 30, 2021, 7:30 p.m. at Fair Haven Church in Hudsonville, MI, and a good crowd was in attendance.

The Crete Evangelism Committee is planning their annual Reformation Day lecture for October 29, 2021. Mr. Dan VanUffelen, teacher of church history at Covenant Christian High School, will speak: “Post Tenebras Lux: The Vocation Reformation.”

Singles conference

There will be a single’s conference at Peace PRC in Dyer, Indiana on October 8 and 9 for singles 25 and up. Please plan on attending.

School activities

This coming year is the 25th anniversary of Eastside Christian School. They are planning a special “Picnic on the Patio” celebration to be held on the evening of Saturday, September 11. Alumni and supporters are invited to join us!

Save the date of Friday evening, September 24 at 7:00 p.m. at Heritage PRC for the annual Christian education lecture and an open house sponsored by the School Society in Sioux Falls to commemorate the opening of Sioux Falls PRCS. Rev. Jonathan Langerak will be the speaker, with an open house at the school, fellowship, and refreshments to follow!

Trivia answer

According to the minutes of Classis in 1930 (before there was a synod) the first “English speaking congregation” was the one in Holland, MI. We suppose that means no Dutch in the service. And don’t miss the irony of it—the church in that area where the Dutch first settled in West Michigan. More trivia next time.

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