Mr. Wigger is an elder in the Protestant Reformed Church of Hudsonville, Michigan.

Congregational Activities

The consistory of the PRC in Edgerton, MN called a congregational meeting in late August for the purpose of voting on two proposals. They were to consider a proposal to install central air-conditioning in their parsonage, and they were asked to approve money for the repair of the floor in the kitchen of their church. Both proposals passed.

Edgerton’s council also recently approved submitting a brief letter of concern to the editor of the Enterprise regarding stores being open on Sunday.

The council of the First PRC in Holland, MI called their congregation together for a special congregational meeting in early August also to consider two proposals—one to approve the sale of their church building to the Lord of Life Lutheran Church, and the other to approve the final plans for their new church building. At that meeting, approval was given to sell the church property, while the proposal to approve construction of a new building was tabled, so that the council could investigate an alternate plan as well as modifications to the proposed design.

At a special congregational meeting held in mid-August, the members of the Lynden, WA PRC considered two proposals regarding the use of funds from the Janet VanDenTop estate. First, they approved the purchase of portable partitions for use in their church basement, and second, they also approved the purchase of a new telephone system for their church and parsonage.

Rev. R. Miersma reports from Immanuel PRC in Lacombe, AB, Canada that the work on their new church building is progressing well. He writes, “The outside of the building is virtually finished…. The first week of September the pews arrive. No word on the organ yet, which is being built in the Netherlands. We hope to be in the building sometime in September.”

We also report that building plans for the Grace PRC in Standale, MI are progressing well. Prices are being received from sub-contractors, and the building committee is revising the plans slightly to keep the costs within reason.

Denominational Activities

The Hope Heralds presented their annual Fall Concert September 7 in the Grandville, MI PRC. It was an enjoyable evening of praise to God as this men’s chorus concluded their summer season.

Our seminary held its convocation on September 4 in the Byron Center, MI PRC. Prof. R. Dykstra spoke on the subject, “Holding Fast the Faithful Word.”

This year, students from our churches in seminary include: Mr. Nathan Brummel in his 4th year, presently in his internship in our Hope PRC in Redlands, CA; Mr. Gary Eriks in his 3rd year; and Mr. Michael Kortering in his 2nd year. In addition to this, there are two men, Mr. Philip Rainey and Mr. Angus Stewart, from the Covenant PRC in Northern Ireland; Mr. Mark Shand, from the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Australia; and Mr. Korstiaan den Engelse, from the “Bond” in the Hervormde Kerk in the Netherlands, beginning as first-year students. There are some students from the Heritage Netherlands Reformed Church who also continue to take a number of courses.

We remember in our thoughts and prayers pastors-elect Jim Laning (Hope PRC in Walker, MI) and Martin VanderWal (Covenant PRC in Wyckoff, NJ) in their classical examinations and subsequent ordinations, the Lord willing (my writing of this being before Classis East meets on September 10). We also remember in prayer Candidate Daniel Kleyn and his wife as they continue to labor in Northern Ireland and await God’s will.

A “Get-Acquainted Open House” for Mr. and Mrs. Mark Shand and their family of four children was held at the Byron Center, MI PRC on September 5. Also included with this open house was a grocery shower.

Evangelism Activities

In evangelism news from our South Holland, IL PRC, we find that one of their ads this summer promoting the pamphlet, “Modern Bible Versions,” written by Prof. D. Engelsma, appeared in the June 7 and 14 issues of “World Magazine.” This ad appeared in an issue in which the cover story featured the NIV committee dropping its plans for their “gender inclusive” version of the NIV, due to so much reaction against its lack of faithfulness to the Scriptures. This turned out to be a very timely advertising of the booklet, which enabled South Holland to mail out their introductory “packets” to many different areas.

Minister Activities

Our South Holland, IL PRC was to call a pastor from a trio of the Revs. A. denHartog, K. Koole, and J. Slopsema.