Today, June 7, is the twenty-third Lord's Day of 2020; we may note the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches, and mission fields.
We rejoice with those PR congregations and fellow saints who have begun worshiping publicly again, though it still be with tight COVID-19 restrictions (smaller numbers, social distancing, masking, etc.). As more of our churches re-open for public worship and others wait for permission (especially our sister churches and the saints in India), we pray for grace to wait on the Lord and to be content in His way. And may we together - from church sanctuary and from home - through Jesus Christ and by His Spirit continue to worship our unchanging Father, whose grace is sufficient for all our needs.
Psalm 42:1,2,5 - As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
God reveals in His Word and sacraments His great love to us. By faith, we know that love. Faith is a sure knowledge of all that God reveals in His Word, and a hearty confidence, that not only for others, but for me also is by His grace forgiveness of sins, righteousness, and the hope of eternal life. There is certainty because it is Christ that brought me to the banqueting house. It is not I who with a fickle love chose Him. It is not I who by my own beauty allured Him. It is not by my works performed that drew His attention. No, He, by His grace and mercy, sought me and bought me and brought me to His house of wine. By faith, I experience this love and break forth in singing! There is no doubt or fear in the child of God regarding Christ’s love for us. It is certain!
~ Rev. A. Spriensma in "His Banner over Me Was Love," his latest special meditation
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- For those who may still be limited to house worship, these PRCs are live-streaming services (whether full or partial). You are encouraged to worship with one of these congregations: Byron Center PRC at 9:30 AM and 5 PM (EST); Calvary PRC at 9:30 AM and 6 PM CDT; Crete PRC at 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM CDT; Doon PRC at 9:30 AM and 5 PM; Faith PRC at 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM (EST); First PRC-GR at 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM (EST); First PRC-Holland at 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM; Georgetown PRC at 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM (EST); Grace PRC at 9:30 AM and 5 PM EST; Hope PRC-GR at 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM (EST); Hope PRC-Redlands, CA at 10 AM and 5 PM (PST); Hudsonville PRC at 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM EST; Hull PRC at 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM; Loveland PRC at 9:30 AM and 6 PM MST; Lynden PRC at 10:00 AM PST; Pittsburgh PRC at 9:30 and 5 PM EST; Southeast PRC at 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM EST; Southwest PRC at 9:30 AM and 5:30 (EST); Trinity PRC at 9:30 and 5:00 (EST); Zion PRC at 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM (EST).
- Rev. J. Mahtani was installed this morning as the thirteenth pastor in the history of Hope PRC-GR (Walker). Rev. C. Haak led the service. Tonight Rev. Mahtani will preach his inaugural sermon.
- Today Rev. R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC) declined the call to Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN).
- Rev. C. Haak (Georgetown PRC) is considering the call to Kalamazoo PRC (received May 18).
- Last Sunday Rev. E. Guichelaar (Randolph PRC) declined the call to First PRC of Edmonton, AB.
- The Council of First PRC, Edmonton has formed a new trio: Revs. G. Eriks, N. Langerak, and J. Engelsma. The congregation plans to call June 14 from this trio.
- The Council of Unity PRC has formed a new trio from which to call a pastor: Revs. G. Eriks, C. Haak and E. Guichelaar. A congregational meeting is scheduled for June 17, 2020, 7:30 PM, Lord willing.
- The Council of Grandville PRC has formed a new trio for minister on loan to Singapore: Revs. G. Eriks (Hudsonville PRC), E. Guichelaar (Randolph PRC), and R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC). Due to continued restrictions in Singapore, the CERC has asked that the calling of a new minister on loan be put on hold for now.
- Did you know... that
- Hope PRC (Walker, MI) met in Covenant CHS gym today so that the whole congregation may worship and witness the installation and inaugural sermon of her new pastor, Rev. Jon Mahtani, and still maintain social distancing?
- Zion PRC (Jenison, MI) returned to public worship for the first time today, while Doon PRC (IA) has expanded to two-thirds (from one half) the number of congregants who may attend each worship service?
- Hope PRC (Walker, MI) met in Covenant CHS gym today so that the whole congregation may worship and witness the installation and inaugural sermon of her new pastor, Rev. Jon Mahtani, and still maintain social distancing?
DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:
Trinity PRC, Hudsonville, MI, host of PRC Synod 2020
PRC Synod 2020:
- The Board of Trustees and the Council of Trinity Protestant Reformed Church (the convening church for Synod 2020) have been forced to make restrictions on the meetings of the synod of the Protestant Reformed Churches which begins its meetings on Tuesday, June 9, 2020. The Coronavirus pandemic and the consequent Executive Orders of Michigan’s governor make it necessary to limit the attendance at synod’s meetings to “those whose in-person presence is strictly necessary” (Executive Order 2020-77) to conduct the business of synod, i.e., the delegates, the advisors, the staff of Trinity PRC, the appellants and protestants, which number shall be no more than 35 persons. Those who attend must observe COVID-19 safety protocol. Attendance at the pre-synodical worship service on Monday, June 8, is limited to the delegates, the advisors, the Council members of Trinity PRC and their spouses, but it will be live-streamed. We accept this as the will of our heavenly Father for the meetings of this year’s synod, and ask that you remember the meetings of synod in your prayers.
- Watch for daily reports on Synod's work at this page of the PRC website.
PRC Seminary News:
- The seminary has completed its second semester and has entered its spring/summer break. Some of the plans the professors and students had for the summer have changed due to COVID-19 cancellations and postponements, but there are other activities that are hoped can still be carried out. Continue to pray for faculy, students, and staff as they continue their labors this spring and summer.
- Now that the stay-at-home order has been lifted in Michigan, the seminary is open daily for any needs our members and friends may have. Feel free to call or email the seminary if you wish to have your needs fulfilled in other ways.
- The Spring 2020 issue of the PR Theological Journal is now available - in digital (pdf and epub) form only at present. Our printer has informed us that it will be a few weeks before the print edition can be produced. There are good articles on nineteenth-century Southern Presbyterians, Calvin's view of the reward of grace, a plea for biblical languages, and two book review articles besides other book reviews. Check it out on the seminary's journal page!
- Seminarian Josiah Tan and his family plan to return to the States this week. Plans are for him to begin his internship July 1 in First PRC under Rev. C. Griess.
- For more seminary news and information, visit the PRC seminary website!
SISTER-CHURCH NEWS:
- Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, the following may be noted from her bulletin today:
- We are now in the phase one of the post circuit breaker period and the authority has not lifted the restrictions on public worship and overseas travel. As these measures continue to affect our pulpit supply, our calling of MOL and coming together again physically to worship, pray that we have a quiet and peaceful heart to wait upon the Lord to bring to pass all these restrictions. Pray that God will sustain us in our waiting and that we put our trust in the Lord and His mercy, knowing that His will is always good for us.
- Pray for journey mercies for brother Josiah and his family as they leave Singapore for US on Thursday, 11 Jun 20, this week. Brother Josiah will soon begin his internship under Rev. Cory Griess, in First PRC of Grand Rapids. Pray that God will use this internship to further develop his gifts and grant him a profitable experience so as to prepare him for the ministry of the Word.
- The April 2020 newsletter - Reformed News Asia #59 - was published and posted recently. You may find it on this page.
- Concerning our sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC, the following may be noted:
- Rev. A. stewart continues to lead the services via live-stream.
- Read the latest CPRC newsletter - February 2020!
- Read the new May 2020 issue of the "Covenant Reformed News"!
- Concerning the PRC in the Philippines, the following may be gleaned from the bulletins of the Berean PRC, Bulacan PRC, Maranatha PRC, and Provident CC:
- Congregational and Denominational News:
~ Berean PRC: Rev. D. Kleyn will lead us in our worship services today via live-streaming on our Facebook page. Our brothers and sisters in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija will join us today in our worship services via Facebook live, the Lord willing.
~ Maranatha PRC: Rev. L. Trinidad will lead us in both Worship Services live-stream via Facebook . Maranatha Protestant Reformed Church at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. D.V. Metro Manila is under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) [started June 1]. The guidelines are as follows: distancing with Face masks, 21 yrs. old below and 60 yrs. old above still under the 24-hour curfew, for other people the curfew hours from 10:00 PM - 5:00 AM. The permitted transportations are Cars, Pickup, SUV, AUV, Van, and Buses.
~ Provident PRC: Rev. Holstege will livestream for our morning family worship today (https://youtu.be/SnquWdDGMXE). The elders have sent a link to a worship service with a sermon by Rev. Rodney Kleyn for our afternoon family worship.
Next Sunday (June 14), Lord willing, we will have one regular worship service at 9:00 am for those who are able to attend according to the IATF guidelines for modified GCQ. The worship service will also be livestreamed for those who cannot attend. Rev. Holstege will preach for us, DV.
The Essentials of Reformed Doctrine class will resume today at 1:30 on Zoom.... All the youth should prepare to join on their computer or other device at home. They will learn Lesson 12.
~ The PRCP Classis is scheduled to meet in our church building this Friday, June 12, but in compliance with the requirements of the GCQ.
~ And for more on the life and work of our "sisters" in the Far East read the news under Philippine missions.
- The PRC also has a "corresponding relationship" with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) of Australia. We remember these brothers and sisters in our prayers and labors also.
Do you desire to know more of what the PRC holds to doctrinally and practically? Read this valuable resource to learn more!
SPECIAL NOTICES:
- Are you interested in the PRC? Would you like to learn more about her? Are you in need of some pamphlets and/or articles published by the PRC for use in evangelism and/or witnessing? Visit the PRCA Evangelism page for a complete list of materials available in digital format or by order from the publishing church.
Psalter music available FREE: the entire collection of Psalm Choir videos and CDs is currently available free. With many PRC members and fellow saints worshiping at home due to the present pandemic, these are a valuable resource. You may find the playlists on YouTube here. And, all volumes of the Psalm Choir CDs may be found here. These too can be used for family or personal devotions, as well as for personal comfort and peace in seasons of fear and distress.
- The Reformed Book Outlet is making plans to re-open soon - stay tuned for details! If you need to place an order or have questions, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We will not be answering the phone. Thank you.
- Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you or on Sermonaudio wherever you are!
- Beginning this month, Rev. A. Spriensma (PRC home misisonary) will deliver the messages, with a special focus on missions. Today's message is titled "The God-Sent Ones" based on John 17:18. Listen to the broadcast on the station near you, on your favorite podcast, or visit the links provided here to listen to this program.
- From the Reformed Witness Hour Committee:
- Beginning this month, Rev. A. Spriensma (PRC home misisonary) will deliver the messages, with a special focus on missions. Today's message is titled "The God-Sent Ones" based on John 17:18. Listen to the broadcast on the station near you, on your favorite podcast, or visit the links provided here to listen to this program.
~ The Reformed Witness Hour Committee wishes to remind everyone that you can receive their bi-monthly newsletter via email simply by signing up at http://eepurl.com/gikNsL. Each newsletter contains information about places around our globe where the RWH is downloaded; news about the RWH’s witness on the radio and via the internet, printed booklet, and CD and links to many popular and relevant RWH messages.
~ A Spanish edition of the RWH has been produced and may be found on this YouTube channel (PRC Espanol). Why not check it out - and help spread the word!
June 2020 issue of Salt Shaker magazine has just been released!
ESPECIALLY FOR PRC Young People and Young Adults:
- PRYP Convention News: With heavy hearts Georgetown PRC and the Federation Board have decided to postpone the 2020 Young People’s convention until next year. Due to the current conditions in our country, getting 500 -600 people together in one location does not seem wise at this time. The Fed Board would like to adhere to the guidelines put out by the government and we do not want to have the parents weigh the benefits of sending their child to the convention against the risk of exposing them to this virus. Georgetown PRC is planning to host the convention next year.
- The newest issue of the young peoples' magazine, Salt Shaker, is available (from Singapore!). Find the June 2020 issue here.
- The Western Young People's Retreat - Update! Lynden and Spokane Young People's Retreat is still being tentatively planned for July 14-17, 2020, at Camp Sanders in Tensed, Idaho. The facility director thinks that the camp will be open and running by then. For registration information or other questions please contact Rev. Rodney Kleyn by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
- Colorado Retreat: Registration for the retreat is closed! For further updates, please visit our Facebook page Colorado Young Adults Retreat 2020. Pastors Key and Guichelaar will speak for us on II Timothy 1:7, as we learn to be more 'Brave and Bold in the Faith'.
PRC MISSION NEWS:
Domestic Labors:
- Remember in prayer our home missionary, Rev. A. Spriensma, who continues to labor in the West Michigan area and beyond through Byron Center PRC, the calling church.
- Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, his present travels and activities are quite limited. The ongoing Bible study in Dorr, MI led by our missionary is currently postponed also.
- But, he has been writing short meditations for the PRC website. You may find those here.
- Limerick Reformed Fellowship News:
- Rev. M. McGeown continues to lead the services via live-streaming during the UK's lockdown. He recently accepted the call to Providence PRC in Hudsonville, MI. Plans are being made for him to complete his labors in Limerick and move to Michigan as soon as it is possible, but it could be many months before that happens.
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A new Limerick RF Newsletter was published last month (May). You may find that here.
Philippine Missions:
- Berean PRC News: This congregation continues to work in Gabaldon, Nueve Ecija (the saints join Berean PRC services via live-stream during this time of confinement).
- PRC of Bulacan News: The Consistory reports that they have begun public services again in the PR Fellowship in Albuera. Rev. J. Flores plans to lead them by Zoom (morning service only).
- Maranatha PRC News:
The missionary work in Sipalay, Negros Occidental is temporarily cancelled due to the Enchancement Community Quaratine. Let us pray that the Lord will end this plague and let His work of preaching and teaching be continued.
- For more on life and activities in the Philippines from the personal perspective of the missionary's, visit the Kleyn's blog, the Holstege's, and the Smits!
We remember in prayer the needs of these busy pastors and missionaries in the Philippines, especially in these difficult days of COVID-19 quarantine. May the Lord of the harvest give them grace to carry on as best they can and be encouraged in all their labors.
India:
- Let us remember to pray for the Lord's blessing on Georgetown PRC's labor in Vellore, India. The saints in that part of the world are experiencing severe restrictions too, besides a recent locust infestation and more.
- Let us pray for our sister church's work (Covenant ERC in Singapore) in Kolkata, through Rev. E. Singh. The body of Christ in that place is also deeply affected by the pandemic. Let's be in prayer for these fellow saints too. This update was in CERC's bulletin today: Likewise, do continue to pray for the saints in Kolkata as they are still in the midst of the lockdown imposed by the Indian government and as they recover from the aftermath of the cyclone three weeks ago. Pray that God will provide all the necessary means for our missionary pastor, Rev Singh, to care for His people in Kolkata.
Myanmar:
- We also remember Hope PRC's (Grand Rapids, MI) support of and involvement with Rev. Titus' work in Myanmar. Our brothers and sisters here too need our prayers and encouragement as they suffer under coronavirus quarantines and economic hardships.
- Erik Guichelaar
- Joshua Engelsma
- Jonathan Mahtani
- Richard Smit
- Daniel Holstege
- Immanuel PRC
- Reformed literature
- young people activities
- Martyn McGeown
- Audred Spriensma
- missions and evangelism
- PRC Seminary
- sister church relations
- ministerial calls
- Reformed Book Outlet
- Myanmar missions
- PRC young adult retreats
- India mission work
- Emmanuel Singh
- Angus Stewart
- Daniel Kleyn
- Rodney Kleyn
- Carl Haak