All Articles For News From Our Churches

Trivia Question: (Yes, we do plan to continue our predecessor’s tradition!) With Josiah Tan’s graduation this spring, what graduate number was he in the PRC Seminary’s history?   PRC News (Denominational) Classis Meetings: Classis East met on September 8 in Grandville MI PRC. Classis West met in Crete IL PRC on September 29. Look for reports of these meetings in the SB. Officebearers’ Conference: In connection with Crete PRC hosting Classis West on September 29, the Council decided to host an Officebearers’ Conference the day before on September 28 at the church. The theme of the conference is “Sanctification—the Blessed...

Trivia question Will there be more trivia questions? Answer later in this column.   Sister-church activities From the bulletin of the CERC in Singapore: It has been three years and almost eight months to be exact, that our congregation has been without a minister of the Word of our own. Come tomorrow afternoon, we will meet to vote to extend a call to candidate Josiah Tan to be our own minister, DV. 9 Aug. is not just the country’s National Day, but it is also a day of significance in the history of CERC. …we covet your prayers that God...

Trivia question Which congregation in the PRCA became the denomination’s first “English speaking congregation?” Answer later in this column.   Minister activities Hudsonville PRC formed a new trio of Rev. R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC–Spokane, WA), Rev. E. Guichelaar (Randolph PRC), and Rev. R. Barnhill (Peace PRC–Dyer, IN). Rev. R. Kleyn received this call. Rev. R. Barnhill (Peace PRC-Dyer, IN) declined the calls from Wingham PRC and Kalamazoo PRC. Crete PRC called Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon PRC). Rev. Engelsma was directed by God to accept Crete’s call. Rev. Engelsma preached his farewell sermon on August 1, with a farewell...

Trivia question How many churches are included in Classis East of the PRCA? And how many in Classis West? Answer later in this column.   Minister activities Prof. R. Dykstra (PRCA Seminary) accepted the call from Byron Center PRC. He was installed on June 27 with Prof. B. Gritters leading the service. The inaugural sermon was preached in the evening, with a short program and refreshments following. Hudsonville PRC called Rev. W. Bruinsma (Pittsburgh PRC). Rev. Bruinsma was led to decline this call. Rev. R. Barnhill (Peace PRC-Dyer, IN) declined the call from Wingham PRC. Kalamazoo PRC also called Rev....

Trivia question Who was the seminary student that graduated in 1999 and accepted the call to Loveland, CO PRC? Answer found later in this article.   Denominational activities The pre-synodical service was held Monday, June 7, at 7 p.m. in Georgetown PRC with Rev. R. Van Overloop preaching. Synod convened on June 8, at 8 a.m. in Georgetown PRC. Seminary graduation took place on Thursday, June 10 in Georgetown PRC, at 7:30 p.m. with Prof. D. Kuiper giving the address on ”Putting One’s Neck to the Work.” To watch the program, visit the seminary’s YouTube channel at prcts.org.   Minister...

Trivia question When Heritage PRC in Sioux Falls, SD was organized in 2010 it became the first PR church in South Dakota in how many years? The only previous South Dakota PRC was located where? Answers later in this column and more trivia next time.   Minister activities Prof. R. Dykstra and his wife Carol returned to the USA in early May after serving the CERC of Singapore for five months. Rev. J. Smidstra and his wife Kelly traveled to Singapore in late April and he intends to fill the pulpit there into late August. Rev. C. Griess (First PRC...

Trivia question Which student did Synod 1960 examine and declare a candidate for the ministry of the Word and sacraments in the PRC? Answer later in this column.   Minister activities Hudsonville PRC formed a new trio of Rev. C. Griess (First PRC—Grand Rapids, MI), Rev. E. Guichelaar (Randolph PRC), and Rev. R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC—Spokane, WA). Rev. Griess received this call, declining it on April 18. Kalamazoo, MI PRC called Rev. R. VanOverloop. Wingham PRC called Rev. J. Smidstra (First PR Holland, MI). Rev. Smidstra declined this call. Byron Center PRC called Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon PRC)....

Trivia question How many students were enrolled in the PRC seminary in September 1974? Find the answer later in this column. More trivia next time.   Minister activities Rev. E. Guichelaar (Randolph, WI) declined the call to Kalamazoo, MI PRC. Rev. J. Smidstra (First Holland, MI) received the call from Wingham PRC, declining it on March 21. Byron Center has formed a new trio consisting of Revs. R. Barnhill (Peace PRC), J. Engelsma (Doon PRC), and D. Holstege (missionary to the Philippines). On March 7 they voted to call Rev. Engelsma to be their next pastor. The Irish government had...

Trivia question In the year 2000, who labored as missionary to the British Isles? Find the answer in the “Glance Back” part of this issue.   Singles conference Save May 7-9 for another Adult Singles’ Conference! The Lord willing, there will be another three-day event in the Grand Rapids area for singles ages 25+. The weekend will include two speeches by Revs. R. Barnhill and W. Langerak, discussion groups, and several social activities. Plan to attend and be encouraged and edified by other like-minded singles!   Minister activities Remember Rev. J. Marcus in your prayers as he awaits a call...

Trivia question Which church was organized in 1932 as the third Protestant Reformed Church in Grand Rapids? Find the answer later in this column.   Minister activities Rev. J. Smidstra (First PRC, Holland) received the call to Hudsonville PRC and, after consideration, declined it on February 14. Kalamazoo PRC formed a new trio consisting of: Revs. M. DeBoer (Edgerton, MN), E. Guichelaar (Randolph, WI), and J. Laning (Hull, IA). Rev. Guichelaar received this call. A trio was formed by the consistory of Wingham, Ontario consisting of Rev. N. Langerak, Rev. J. Smidstra, and Rev. S. Regnerus. On February 23, the...