Trivia question

Which PRC minister recently led two different congregational Prayer Day services on back-to-back days?

PRC news (denominational)

Now that I kept you all in suspense with my question about whom First PRC-Edmonton called on February 27, we can confirm that it was Rev. E. Guichelaar. My apologies for an obvious copy editor’s mistake! It was supposed to be filled in by yours truly before it went to press. I can guess you had a little laugh at my expense. Probably not the last time that will happen.

On March 13 Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC) declined the call to Grace PRC.

On March 9 Peace PRC issued a call to Rev. E. Guichelaar.

March 20 was the date Rev. R. Barnhill was installed as the third pastor in Heritage PRC’s history. Rev. S. Key led that special service.

Special notice for Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2022 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available. Please email prcscholarship@gmail.com to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essays must be submitted by May 31.

PRC news (congregational)

Doon PRC (IA): Her building addition is coming along nicely. In an early March bulletin this note was published: “The construction project has now advanced to the point that we are able to enter through the new doors! The ushers will again usher from the back of the sanctuary. The new bathrooms are not yet ready.”

Grandville PRC (MI): The congregation enjoyed (and will enjoy!) two special music events. On March 20, the Activities Committee invited the members to a hymn sing following the evening service, which included both congregational singing and some special numbers. And, coming up on April 17, the Sunday School children will present a special Easter program after the morning service.

Trinity PRC (Hudsonville, MI): Her Activities Committee planned a Gym Jamboree for Saturday evening, March 12, at nearby Hudsonville Christian School. Not sure what that all involved, but it sounds like it could get rather wild and crazy. Let’s hope there were no serious injuries.

Unity PRC (Byron Center, MI): In a recent bulletin it was reported that the members needed to be patient a little longer as they endured colder temperatures in the gym of Zion Christian School, which they are using while they wait to build their own church. Apparently, the new furnaces had arrived but some further construction needed to be done before they could be installed. Perhaps the good news is that the worst of the Michigan winter is over and spring has arrived—with warmer temperatures.

Young people/young adult activities

On Sunday, March 13, at Georgetown PRC the Young Calvinists sponsored a presentation by Prof. R. Dykstra on “Making Confession of Faith.” His talk addressed what public confession of faith includes, knowing whether one is ready, and why one must confess his/ her faith in Christ Jesus. Time was also allotted for discussion. The presentation was intended to benefit those who have already made confession of faith as well as those who will do so in the future.

Back on February 28, the Randolph PRC young people held a Pizza Ranch fundraiser. I can taste the broasted chicken and dessert pizzas from here (Hudsonville has their own Pizza Ranch, you know)!

The Crete PRC young people have planned a gym night for Saturday April 30. I’m guessing that basketball and volleyball will be the dominant activities.

The Peace PRC Young People’s Society are hosting a singspiration on Sunday evening, April 24. “Please join us as we glorify God in singing praises to Him.”

Are you aware of the Colorado Young Adults Retreat? “Save the date for a retreat in Colorado Springs! Retreat will be held at Bear Trap Ranch on August 1-4 for ages post high to 30.” Registration opened on Monday, March 14, and the notice said, “spots are limited, so sign up early!” We hope you did—and will if you haven’t yet. That is always a very special event.

Advance notice! An Adult Singles’ Conference (ages 25+) is being planned for August 18-21, 2022. Rev. J. Marcus and Rev. M. McGeown have agreed to speak. You are asked to email prcsinglesconference@gmail.com or see the Facebook page for more details. Will you be there?

PR Christian school activities

Sioux Falls Protestant Reformed Christian School invited the members of Heritage PRC to attend a chapel service led by Rev. S. Key on Friday morning, March 18, at the church. Afterward, all were invited to the school for refreshments.

The covenant children of Adams Christian School presented their all-school program on Friday, March 25, at Friendship Christian Reformed Church in Byron Center, MI.

PR Special Education held a special fundraiser on the evening of March 26 at the Grandville (MI) Middle School auditorium. The audience was treated to “an engaging and informative presentation” by Mr. Glenn Kooima titled “For Lawrence: Lest We Forget.” Glenn is a member of Calvary PRC (Hull, IA) and this presentation is about the life of his uncle, WWII bomber pilot 1st Lt. Lawrence Kooima. A free will offering was taken to benefit the PR Special Education program, which is now throughout PR Christian schools.

And, in Lynden (WA), Covenant Christian School held its annual program on Thursday, March 31. A thrilling theme was developed: “Martin Luther: Warrior of the Faith.” “Through song, narration, and video,” the children told “the story of how God used this man to bring reformation to His church.” Truly, I wish I could have been there!

Trivia answer

Rev. Matt DeBoer led his own congregation’s Prayer Day service on Wednesday, March 9, in Edgerton, MN, then traveled to Sioux Falls, SD the next night (Thursday, March 10) to lead Heritage PRC’s service. Sometimes the churches in the West have to get creative in obtaining pulpit supply when they are vacant. We’re grateful Rev. DeBoer was willing to do this for them.