Congregation Activities

We pass along some exciting news from the Calvary PRC in Hull, IA. At a congregational meeting held on March 1, their congregation approved a proposal from their Council to purchase a plot of land on which to build a church building. This property is in the town of Hull proper, but on the other side of town from the Hull PRC, so the two congregations will not be right on top of one another. Calvary hopes to begin building sometime in 2011, the Lord willing. We thank God for His provision for Calvary. Their congregation is no doubt already looking forward to the day when they will have their own place to meet. The Third Biennial PR Women’s Conference, “Women in Fellowship,” hosted by the ladies of the Byron Center, MI PRC, was held March 12 and 13 at First Byron CRC. This year’s conference had a slightly different format than the first two, in that discussion groups, rather than sectionals, were scheduled after each speech. Byron Center hoped this change would better promote the idea of fellowship, the theme of the conference. Mrs. Lori Gritters spoke on Friday evening addressing the ladies on the subject, “Walking in Fellowship with God.” This was followed Saturday morning with Rev. A. Lanning speaking on the idea of fellowship under the theme, “Walking with Fellow Believers.” Rev. A. Spriensma closed the conference by exhorting the ladies to the calling of “Walking in Fellowship with the Church Universal.”

The Southeast PRC in Grand Rapids, MI was able to enjoy a Talent Program after their evening service on March 14. The program featured many wonderful musical pieces performed by various members of their congregation. Immediately after their evening service, prior to the program, a light supper was provided. A collection was taken to help the young people of Southeast attend this year’s convention.

The Hull, IA PRC said goodbye to their pastor of the past ten years, Rev. S. Key, and his wife, Nancy, with a farewell program Sunday evening, March 14. Rev. and Mrs. Key planned to move to Loveland, CO that week, with installation following as their next pastor on March 21, D.V.

The Young Adults Society of the Hope PRC in Redlands, CA planned a society outing including children, for Saturday, March 13 at Ford Park in Redlands. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and dessert were provided. Ford Park offered a Frisbee golf course, so society members were encouraged to bring a Frisbee if they were interested in playing.

The Young Singles of the Grandville, MI PRC sponsored a game night with the seniors of their congregation, on Friday evening, March 19. In addition to games, the singles also provided a light supper for their guests.

While filling a classical appointment at the Loveland, CO PRC, Rev. R. Kleyn, pastor of the Covenant of Grace PRC in Spokane, WA, also presented a slide show on the ongoing work in the Spokane area after Loveland’s evening service on March 7.

The Calvary PRC in Hull, IA enjoyed an evening of fellowship on March 6, made possible through the efforts of their Activities Committee at the All-Seasons Center. Pizza was served around 5:30, followed by either swimming or ice skating, we assume in different areas of the center, with dessert pizza served at the close of the evening.

School Activities

On March 19, Genesis PR School in Lacombe, AB, Canada, had their last day of swimming for those students taking swimming lessons. It was a time for fun and games from 1:00 until 2:30 p.m., and any parents and children of the Immanuel PRC congregation were invited to come and enjoy a swim as well.

The congregation of the Edgerton, MN PRC was invited to the Northwest Iowa PR All-School program on March 19 at Edgerton PRC. A fifteen-minute prelude by the band started the evening’s program, followed by the program itself. Those attending the event were also invited back to the school for refreshments following the program.

Sister-Church Activities

The Covenant PRC in Ballymena, NI now has a Facebook account providing updates on their church building, photos, website audios, YouTube videos, CR News, upcoming lectures, and any other important information. A link to the CPRC Facebook is in the top left corner of Covenant’s main website—www.cprc.co.uk.

Rev. A. Stewart, pastor of the Covenant PRC in NI, accompanied by his wife, Mary, traveled to Limerick on March 11. Rev. Stewart led a Bible study in Shannon, Co. Clare on Thursday night and gave a lecture on St. Patrick on Friday.

Mission Activities

A delegation from the Council of the Southwest PRC in Grandville, MI, consisting of elders Tom De Vries and Les Kamps and deacon Eric Lubbers, visited our denomination’s mission field in Pittsburgh, PA the weekend of March 12-14. As calling church they visited with our missionary, Rev. W. Bruinsma, conducted some family visitation, and conducted the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

Recently Rev. Bruinsma and Mr. Keith Bauman went to WORD FM and recorded eight one-minute ads to be aired on that station. These ads have attracted many calls and visits to the Pittsburgh Fellowship. While at the radio station, Rev. Bruinsma also recorded four live segments for “Bibleburgh,” a radio show aired on Sunday evenings. He spoke on several subjects that included the signs of Christ’s coming and Christ as the only mediator between God and man.

Minister Activities

The “News” extends its congratulations to Rev. C. Griess and his wife, Lael, serving the Calvary PRC in Hull, IA, on the occasion of the birth of a daughter, Salem Joy, born on March 9, weighing 6 lbs. and 15 oz.

Rev. A. Spriensma accepted the call he received from the Byron Center, MI PRC to serve as their next pastor. As a result of that decision, Rev. Spriensma also declined the call to serve as pastor of the Cornerstone PRC in Dyer, IN.

Rev. W. Langerak declined the call to serve as the next pastor of the Hull, IA PRC.