Mr. Wigger is a member of the Protestant Reformed Church of Hudsonville, Michigan.

Congregation Activities

Members of the Immanuel Ladies Guild of the Immanuel PRC in Lacombe, AB, Canada invited all the ladies of their congregation, as well as the ladies of neighboring First PRC in Edmonton, to a Spring Lecture on May 10 at the Immanuel PRC. Coffee was served at 10:00 A.M., followed by the lecture, based on Joshua 24:15 and Philippians 2:2, presented by Immanuel’s pastor, Rev. R. Smit, at 10:30. The morning came to a close with lunch and a time of fellowship for the ladies.

On Thursday evening, May 31, an organizational meeting was held in the fellowship hall of the Hull, Iowa PRC for all confessing members of the Hull PRC interested in becoming charter members of the Hull daughter congregation. There was a time for questions, followed by a time to sign up to be a charter member. Plans called for this all to be concluded so that a “request to organize” could be brought to the Hull PRC Council at their June 4 meeting. We are happy to report that at their meeting on that Monday evening, the Council did give approval to a request for organization from their daughter congregation. This request, with its approval, will now be forwarded to the September meeting of Classis West asking for its approval according to Article 38 of the Church Order. The formal request, signed by thirty-eight families and nine individuals, was approved with three grounds. 1) Among those who are requesting organization, there are a sufficient number of men qualified to serve as elders and deacons. 2) There is a sufficient number of families to support a new congregation. 3) This daughter congregation, being predominantly members from Hull PRC, will provide relief to their congregation, which relief is necessary because of their current size. If this request is approved by Classis and the synodical deputies, organization will likely take place some time in October, D.V. Charter members of the daughter church from the Hull PRC were also encouraged to write down their suggestions, including supporting reasons, if desired, for a possible name for their new church. These suggestions were to be collected for a few weeks, followed by a decision later this summer.

The consistory of the Georgetown PRC in Hudsonville, MI continues to discuss with Rev. J. Kortering proposals for how they can be of assistance to the mission in Velore, India, led by Paul Raj. Rev. Kortering has been corresponding with the brother, but at present Paul Raj’s situation is somewhat unsettled. Georgetown is working toward an informational meeting for their congregation with Rev. Kortering on Sunday evening, July 1. A committee from their consistory is also meeting with a committee from the consistory of the Byron Center, MI PRC, as they too are interested in some type of assistance to this endeavor.

In connection with this possible long-term support of the work in India, the Byron Center congregation took a collection recently to help fund a fact-finding trip to India planned for later this month by two of their congregation’s members.

The consistory of the Immanuel PRC in Lacombe, AB, Canada called a special congregational meeting for May 30 at their church for the purpose of treating several proposals related to the sale of 1.7 acres of their property to the Genesis PR School Society, and it appears from subsequent bulletins from Immanuel, that for the most part these proposals, with some amendments, were approved.

The Covenant Ladies Circle of the First PRC in Edmonton, AB, Canada invited everyone from their congregation, as well as members from Immanuel PRC in Lacombe, to their annual Ice Cream Social and Pie Baking Auction held Saturday, June 2.

Young People/Young Adult Activities

The Young People/Young Adults of Lynden, WA PRC were invited to play volleyball this summer. An “informal league” was formed with young people and young adults from the neighboring OCRC and other local churches.

The 2007 Young People’s Convention, hosted by the Grandville, MI PRC, will be held at Beulah Beach in Vermillion, Ohio, August 13-17. The theme is “Living Sacrifices of Thankfulness,” taken from Romans 12:1, 2. You can find more information on the Internet at www.prcconvention.com.

Mission Activities

Seminarian Cory Griess, along with his wife, Lael, is working in Pittsburgh, PA for two months this summer. Mr. Griess has finished his second year in our seminary and is interested in the work of missions. It is the intention of our professors and Theological School Committee to give Mr. Griess an opportunity to become involved with the work Rev. W. Bruinsma is doing in Pittsburgh and in the surrounding areas.

Rev. A. Stewart, pastor of the Covenant PRC in Ballymena, N.I., accompanied by his wife, Mary, and Seminarian Martyn Mc Geown, traveled to South Wales on June 8. Rev. Stewart gave a lecture entitled, “The Psalms versus Common Grace.”

Rev. A. Spriensma and Rev. R. VanOverloop went to the Philippines in late May to visit with the newly established Berean PR Church. This was an emissary visit to encourage the saints there and to make recommendations to Synod 2007 concerning how we can further help them.

Minister Activities

Rev. J. Slopsema declined the call to serve as the next pastor of the Peace PRC in Lansing, IL. Peace has since extended a call to come over and help them to Candidate Clayton Spronk.

Rev. R. VanOverloop declined the call extended to him to serve as our denomination’s next missionary to the Philippines.

With joy the faculty of our Seminary informed the churches that they have licensed Mr. Cory Griess to speak a word of edification in our churches.