Evangelism Activities

We include in this first issue of the “News” for 2011 the last of the Reformation Day lectures sponsored by our congregations back in October.

Rev. Carl Haak, pastor of the Georgetown PRC in Hudsonville, MI, was able to combine a Reformation Lecture and classical appointment while in the Wingham, Ontario PRC in late October. Rev. Haak spoke on October 29 on the subject “Unconditional Election.”

The Evangelism Committee of the Loveland, CO PRC invited their congregation, who in turn were encouraged to invite friends and neighbors, to a Reformation Day Lecture on October 29. Their pastor, Rev. Steven Key, spoke on the topic, “Restoring the Foundation for Christian Piety.”

Rev. Thomas Miersma, pastor of the Immanuel PRC in Lacombe, AB, Canada, gave a Reformation Day lecture for his congregation and the surrounding community on October 29 on the topic, “The Reformation, Biblical Missions, and Evangelism.”

The South Holland PRC in Crete, IL was the site of a Reformation Day lecture on October 22. Rev. William Langerak, pastor of the Southeast PRC in Grand Rapids, MI, spoke on the subject, “Christian Liberty or Doctrine of Devils.”

By our count, there were sixteen different Reformation lectures given by various congregations or committees this Reformation season, with Prof. David Engelsma giving his lecture on the Federal Vision four times—once in Michigan, once in Iowa, once in Wisconsin, and once in Illinois. We should also add here that, in the question and answer period after the first lecture in Michigan, Prof. Engelsma was not able to answer all the submitted questions due to time constraints. He has therefore been answering these questions at www. talkfederalvision.com, so if you have opportunity, check it out.

The Evangelism Committee of the First PRC in Grand Rapids, MI hosted a South Africa Presentation given by Professors Gritters and Dykstra on Sunday evening, November 28. They showed pictures and talked about their visit this past summer to six churches in Namibia.

Congregation Activities

After a year and a half of regular Sunday-morning Heidelberg Catechism preaching for our vacant Trinity PRC in Hudsonville, MI, Prof. Robert Decker asked to be relieved of that obligation. Sunday morning, November 28, marked his final regularly-scheduled service for Trinity. In gratitude to him for his labors, there was a time of appreciation for him after that morning service. Prof. Dykstra has agreed to take up that labor for Trinity. The Choral Society of the Loveland, CO PRC presented their fall program on Sunday evening, December 5. A collection was taken for Loveland’s organ fund.

The 4th to 7th grade catechism classes of the Georgetown PRC in Hudsonville, MI went caroling after their evening service on December 5, to the aged and some other members of their congregation. Then they returned to church for refreshments.

During the month of November, the congregations of the Georgetown and Hudsonville PRCs were given the opportunity to share what the Lord has given in a food drive for others in their church family. Members were encouraged to bring non-perishable goods to their church kitchen by the end of the month, or, if they preferred, they could donate gift certificates. Items collected were distributed by the deacons in December.

The choir of the Hope PRC in Redlands, CA presented a program of thankfulness and praise to our heavenly Father in song on Sunday evening, November 28.

All children of Sunday School age of the First PRC in Grand Rapids, MI were invited to attend a card making party in late November.

The children of the Byron Center, MI PRC were invited to a cookie decorating night on December 1.

Sister-Church Activities

On Friday evening, December 3, Rev. Martyn McGeown, pastor of the Limerick Reformed Fellowship in Limerick, Republic of Ireland, spoke at the Rest Convalescent Home in Porthcawl, South Wales. Rev. McGeown spoke on the subject, “God Is Love.” Then on December 7, Rev. McGeown spoke in Limerick, on behalf of the LRF, on the subject, “What Happened at the Cross?”

Young People’s Activities

The Federation Board of the young people’s societies hosted a Thanksgiving singspiration at the Hudsonville, MI PRC on Sunday evening, November 21.

On that same evening, the young people of the Calvary PRC in Hull, IA and the young people of the Lynden, WA PRC hosted Thanksgiving Singspirations, giving also those congregations an opportunity to “give thanks unto the Lord and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High” (Ps. 92:1).

The Young People’s Society of the First PRC in Edmonton, AB, Canada sponsored three bottle drives for November and December. A total of $387 was raised during the first drive, to offset the cost of this year’s convention.

School Activities

The Student Council of Covenant Christian High School in Grand Rapids, MI again this past month sponsored the Gift Certificate Drive to help those who have need in area PRCs. Those wishing to donate could send their gifts to Covenant, care of the Student Council.

Minister Activities

Rev. G. Eriks declined the call he was considering to serve as pastor of the Hope PRC in Walker, MI.

The Edgerton, MN PRC extended a call to Rev. C. Spronk to become their next pastor.

Rev. D. Overway received the call from the Wingham, Ontario, PRC.