Providence United Reformed Fellowship (PURF) began meeting for morning services in November of 2007 under the leadership of Pastor Philip Tjoelker. In July, the fellowship decided to seek affiliation with the United Reformed Churches of North America. Also, Phil began as full-time chaplain of Rest Haven Christian Services in Palos Heights and Homer Glen. In September, PURF began meeting for two services each Lord’s day. In November 2007, Lynwood United Reformed Church voted to support the founding of PURF with
- Continual prayer,
- Fellowship and encouragement,
- Guidance from the elders,
- Members for the steering committee,
- Financial support, and
- Support for Phil Tjoelker as a licensed exhorter with responsibilities of pastoring of PURF.

Chaplain Tjoelker sustained his candidacy exam on November 11, 2008.

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