PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for April 25, 2021

The following are special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this Sunday, April 25, the seventeenth Lord's Day of this year 2021.

Today we are called and privileged to gather in worship of our triune God through our Savior Jesus Christ and by the power of His Holy Spirit. May we worship our King in spirit and in truth and give Him the glory due to His name.

But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield. ~ Psalm 5:7,8, 11,12

• If you are visiting this website and are interested in the PRC, we invite you to join us at any of our services (morning and afternoon/evening). For congregations, locations and times, visit this page.

• Rev. R. Van Overloop (Grace PRC, Standale, MI) is considering the call to Kalamazoo PRC (received April 4). He plans to answer next Sunday, May 2.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. C. Griess (First PRC, Grand Rapids, MI) declined the call to Hudsonville PRC.
  
  
• The Council of Byron Center PRC has formed a new trio: Rev. R. Barnhill (Peace PRC), Prof. R. Dykstra (PRCA Seminary), and Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC). A congregational meeting will be held, D.V., following the evening service of May 2.
  
  
• The Consistory of Wingham PRC (Ontario, CA) has announced a new trio from which to call a pastor: Revs. R. Barnhill (Peace PRC, Dyer, IN), S. Regnerus (Lynden WA PRC), and N. Langerak (Crete, IL PRC). The congregational meeting is on hold due to increased restrictions in Ontario (see note below).
  
  
• This evening Rev. D. Holstege is giving a presentation on his work in the Philippines for SE-PRC (Grand Rapids, MI - meeting at Adams CS). "Please plan to stay afterward to learn more of the work being performed and encourage our missionaries by showing interest in their endeavors."

• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. D.Kuiper in Byron Center PRC; Prof. R.Cammenga and Rev. C. Spronk in Hudsonville PRC; Prof. B.Huizinga and Rev. R. Van Overloop in Kalamazoo PRC; Prof. B.Gritters and Rev. G.Eriks in Providence PRC. We thank the Lord for this blessing of our church federation to help one another in this need.
  
  May we also continue to pray for all the needs of these vacant congregations, including Wingham PRC, which cannot receive pulpit supply from the U.S. at this time (pandemic travel restrictions). We have also received word that Ontario is going under strict lockdown orders again (for up to 6 weeks), meaning that the church's in-person worship and other meetings will have to be suspended for the time being. May the Lord encourage their hearts during these difficult times and soon open the way for them to gather in person again.
  
  
• For those who may still be limited to house worship, whether completely or partially, we invite you to visit the PR churches page and follow the links to the websites where the churches' livestream may be found. Or you may visit the selected audio sermon page and listen to one of your choice there.

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

Upcoming pulpit supply for Covenant ERC, Singapore (from First PRC-Holland's bulletin today): The Lord willing, Pastor and Kelly Smidstra will depart for Singapore on Tuesday, April 27, in order to assist our sister church during her time of vacancy. Pastor and Kelly will return on Monday, August 23.

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The seminary completed its thirteenth week of the semester last week; that means two weeks to of classes before final exams. Continue to remember the seminary's faculty, students, and staff in your prayers as we approach the final part of the semester.
• Prof. R. Dykstra is in the final weeks of his time serving the Covenant ERC in Singapore. Plans are for him and his wife to depart on May 10.
• With joy the faculty announces that it has licensed student Matthew Koerner (sophomore) to speak a word of edification in the churches.  We are grateful for the brother’s progress to this point in his training.  All scheduling of Mr. Koerner must be done through the seminary, either by sending a request to the seminary secretary, Miss Sharon Kleyn, or the rector, Prof. R. Cammenga.
• The print version of the Fall 2020 issue of the PRTS Journal is available. The digital copies (pdf & epub) have been posted on the seminary website. Work has now begun on the Spring issue. If you wish to be added to our mailing list, please call or email the seminary.
• For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.
• Special Notice for Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2021 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essays must be submitted by May 31st. 

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore: 
  • From the "Pastoral Voice" in her bulletin today: Do remember Rev Singh and our Kolkata brethren in prayers. Due to the sudden increase in the COVID-19 cases in India, the authorities have clamped down on worship services again. They will have to revert to online service this week. Pray for their safety too as they are in the midst of the Kolkata Assembly Election.
  • The February 2021 (#64) issue of Salt Shakers is available. Be sure to read the varied and profitable articles - especially the young people!
• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland and her Limerick, Ireland mission:
  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word in person to the saints in Ballymena.
  • Read the March issue of the "Covenant Reformed News"!
  • Rev. M.McGeown continues to minister the Word in Limerick until he is able to come to the U.S. to serve Providence PRC. To read his last update (newletter), visit this page.
    
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
  
  • A new Philippine Newsletter was recently released! Read it at the link provided here.
    
  • From Berean PRC in Manila: Rev. V. Ibe will lead us in our worship services today. The live streaming will be available on Berean PRC Facebook page. ...The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija will join in our worship services via live streaming available on Berean PRC Facebook page. ...Because of the ongoing MECQ restriction imposed by the government to contain further the spread of Covid 19 in NCR and neighboring provinces from April 12 – 30, 2021, the Consistory postponed the public confession of faith of Sis. Irene and rescheduled it to May 02, 2021 instead, the Lord willing.
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. D.Kleyn led her services today. Our Wednesday Bible Study has been suspended for now due to the present restrictions and the curfew hours that the government has imposed. Our Bible study will resume again as soon as it is determined that we are able to do so, and the Lord willing.
  • PRCP Seminary News: Online classes are continuing at present.
  • The Classis of the PRCP will continue its meeting this afternoon [April 18] here in Provident PRC, the Lord willing, starting at 6:00 p.m.
• India: This brief update may be given concerning the saints in Vellore with whom Georgetown PRC maintains contact and assists:

Pastor Raj is thankful for the translation of the Church Order into Tamil. Recently he gave a series of lectures on Reformed Church Polity and the Threefold office of Christ. Covid numbers are running high in India and the Government has ordered a strict lock down. As a result the English congregation is worshipping online. Only those of the PRCV who live close to the Eden Campus join together for worship. Sermons are posted on YouTube. Twelve young people have ‘graduated’ from GFH and 12 new children have entered.

• Myanmar: Hope PRC reports through Rev. Titus that tensions and struggles have increased in the country after the recent military coup. Let's remember this pastor and his congregation as well as other Christians as they suffer due to the political unrest in that land.

Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!

• Rev. R.Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC in Spokane, WA) is currently doing a series on the Gospel according to Mark. Today's message is based on Mark 2:13-17 and titled "I Came to Call Sinners."
  
• Listen to the broadcast on the station near you, on your favorite podcast (Google Music, Spotify, and iTunes), or visit the links provided here to listen to this program. Have you listened lately?
• The Reformed Witness Hour publishes each month's messages in an attractive booklet (see the attachment to this news post for the latest one - April 2021). These printed sermons are a great blessing to many and are distributed all over the world, including to many prisoners in the U.S. If you or your Evangelism Commitee would like to receive these, let the RWHC know and they will add you to the mailing list (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  

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REFORMED RESOURCES FOR EDIFICATION, EDUCATION, and EVANGELISM

 Are you growing in grace and knowledge by reading the Standard Bearer? For information on how to subscribe, visit this page.

• Want to learn more about the doctrines and practices of the PRC? Or, are you in need of some pamphlets and/or articles published by the PRC for use in evangelism and/or witnessing? Or are you simply interested in growing in your faith and walk with the Lord? Visit the Resources pages of this website and the PRCA Evangelism page for a complete list of materials available in digital format or by order from the publishing church.
  
  
• Do you need some catechism materials for use in your church or family? The PRC publishes catechism materials on Bible history and Reformed doctrine, for children of all ages. Visit this page for more information.
  
  
• For sound, distinctively Reformed literature on a variety of subjects and for all ages - including church history and Bible study materials - visit the Reformed Free Publishing Association website or stop in at their Jenison (Michigan) location.
  
  
• Reformed Book Outlet news: The Reformed Book Outlet has reopened and you are welcome to shop the store in downtown Hudsonville (MI). If you have any needs during this time, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This Week's Thought for Contemplation:

The name of God is that by which he is remembered and celebrated among men for the sake of his excellences—such are his wisdom, goodness, power, righteousness, truth, mercy. Therefore, we petition that this majesty be hallowed in excellences such as these, not in God himself, to whose presence nothing can be added, nothing taken away: but that it be held holy by all, namely, be truly recognized and magnified. And whatever God does let all his works appear glorious, as they are. If he punishes, let him be proclaimed righteous; or if he pardons, merciful; if he carries out what he has promised, truthful. In short, let there be nothing at all wherein his graven glory does not shine, and thus let praises of him resound in all hearts and on all tongues  (Calvin’s Catechism, 1538)

~ Found in Trinity PRC's bulletin this week