PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for February 13, 2022 *(Updated)

Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this seventh Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, February 13. We thank the Lord for these weekly spiritual rest stops on our pilgrimage to our heavenly home. May our worship today rise up to our faithful God as a sweet-smelling sacrifice through Jesus Christ our Savior.

By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me. And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever. Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen. ~ Psalm 41:11-13

If you are new to 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.

• This Wednesday, Feb.16, Prayer Day services will be held in these congregations in the West Michigan area: Faith, Georgetown, Grace, Hudsonville, Trinity, Unity, and Zion. Most of the services begin at 7 p.m., but check the church's website for details. You are cordially invited to join us in confessing our dependence on the Lord and asking Him to provide for all our needs, especially His grace in Jesus Christ.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. R. Barnhill  (Peace PRC-Dyer, IN) accepted the call from Heritage PRC (Sioux Falls, SD), which also means he declined the call from Hudsonville PRC.
  
  
• Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA) is considering the call to Doon PRC (received Jan.16). He plans to answer by Feb.20.
  
  
• Grace PRC's Consistory announces a trio (revised after Rev. Barnhill's acceptance) of Revs. J. Laning (Hull PRC), J. Marcus, and C. Spronk (Faith PRC). The congregational meeting is planned for this Wednesday, Feb.16. *UPDATE: Rev. C. Spronk received this call.
  
  
• First PRC Edmonton's Consistory has formed a trio from which to call a pastor again: Revs. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC , Hull, IA), E. Guichelaar (Randolph PRC, WI), and S. Regnerus (Lynden PRC, WA). The congregation plans to vote on Feb.27 after the evening service.
  
  
• Rev. J. Langerak preaches his farewell in Heritage PRC today and he and Sarah plan to move to Spokane this week. He will be installed in Covenant of Grace PRC on Feb.27 by Rev. R. Hanko, D.V. Heritage has planned a farewell for the Langeraks for this evening.
  
  
• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. E. Guichelaar (2nd week) in Covenant of Grace PRC (Spokane, WA); Rev. C.Haak (video) and Rev. J. Engelsma in Doon (IA) PRC; Rev. M. Kortus (2nd week) in First PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. C. Spronk in Grace PRC; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. D. Holstege in Hudsonville PRC.  What a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs! Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations.
  
  
• For those whose in-person public worship may still be limited, 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.

• Did you know that... Grace "Night of Music" will be held this coming Saturday, February 19, at 7:00 PM at Grace PRC? "Please come out to support the Grace Young People and enjoy a night of praise featuring Voices of Victory, One Accord, instrumental groups, and much more. We hope to see you there!" It's a wonderful to end the week!

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

Rev. M. McGeown (Providence PRC, Hudsonville; 2010 PRTS graduate) led the chapel again this past week at seminary.

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The second semester of the 2021-22 school year is now four weeks in. Things are going well, for which we thank our faithful Father. The schedule and calendar have been posted on the seminary's website and the PRC website. (see special calendars on the right side). 
• Sem. M. Wee is providing pulpit supply to Hope PRC-Redlands (CA) today, while Sem. M.Koerner is in Crete (IL) PRC. And the professors continue to preach locally (and sometimes beyond) on a weekly basis as well.
• The seminary faculty and their wives also participated in the annual PRC ministers' retreat in Shipshewana, IN this past weekend.
• Rev. M. McGeown (Providence PRC) led the chapel again this past Wednesday. In his back-to-back chapels he spoke on Samson. Arend Haveman led the daily devotions. This week Aaron Van Dyke will take his turn.
• The first round of practice preaching will be held on the Mondays of Feb.21 and 28. Pray for the students as they prepare their latest assigned sermons.
• The seminary is open daily (8-5), including the library and bookstore, for our members and friends. The staff is available to assist with any other needs you may have as well. Feel free to call in advance for help with any questions.
• The printed edition of the Fall 2021 issue of the PRT Journal was mailed out this coming week. The digital editions (pdf and ePub) are also available on the seminary's website. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Sharon, the seminary secretary.
• For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.
  
  

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  • Pastor J. Tan is busy serving the CERC faithfully each week.  His "pastoral note" to the congregation today begins this way: "Beloved CERC family, today we come to the Lord’s house to worship the One True and Living God. The God who is Just, Merciful, Truth and love. Let us bow before this God in great reverence and humility. Let us offer up our sacrifice of thanksgiving together as a family. He is infinitely worthy to receive our praise and worship not just twice this Lord’s Day. He is Infinitely worthy. And after we have worshipped and praised God in heaven for 10 thousand years, we have only scratched the surface."
  • The most recent issue of "Reformed News Asia" is available - December 2021 - #65. Be sure to check it out for the latest news from our sister!

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  
  • Rev. A.Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena. 
  • Sign up for the 2022 British Reformed Fellowship family conference at Castlewellan Castle in Northern Ireland from Saturday, July 9, to Saturday, July 16. The speakers, Prof. David Engelsma and Prof. Brian Huizinga will lecture on "Union With Christ." For information see the website (http://brfconference.weebly.com).
  • Be sure to check out the January 2022 edition of "Covenant Reformed News" - just published at the end of January! Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart and R. Hanko.
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
  • The latest Philippines Newsletter is available - January 2022 (visit the foreign missions page and see the download at the top of the right-hand column).
    
  • Berean PRC bulletin: "Elders Sonny Umali and Alann Penaverde will lead us in our worship services this morning. Ptr. Ibe has a week off (Sunday off). The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services today via live streaming at our Facebook page, D.V."
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: "Rev. R. Smit will preach and lead our worship services today. A livestream of our services will be provided at the “PPRC and Friends” Facebook page. Rev. D. Kleyn is scheduled to visit the Bearers of Light Community Church in Guiguinto, Bulacan today, the Lord willing, in order to preach and teach there."
  • The PRCP seminary has resumed in-person classes for the second semester at the Seminary Library in Beverly Hills, Antipolo. 

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

• Currently, Rev. W.Bruinsma (Pittsburgh PRC, Pennsylvania) is the featured speaker, with focus on a series on Hebrews 11. Today's message is based on Hebrews 11:30 and titled "The Utter Destruction of Jericho."
  
• The Reformed Witness Hour publishes each month's messages in an attractive booklet. 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 Committee 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

Need a solid resource explaining the difference between Calvinism and Arminianism? Read this pamphlet available here.

• The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is open four days a week and features Reformed publications, good Christian music, and other practical items (cards, etc.) Come visit the store Tuesday - Friday from 10am-5pm, or Saturday from 10am - 1pm!
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Are you interested in learning 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.
  
  
• The PR Sunday School Association also publishes complete OT and NT Bible Story Lessons for young children and older children. Visit this page to learn more.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

"Alas, in these degenerate times, few have any idea that saving faith is a miraculous thing. Instead, it is now almost universally supposed that saving faith is nothing more than an act of the human will, which any man is capable of performing: all that is needed is to bring before a sinner a few verses of Scripture which describe his lost condition, one or two which contain the word "believe," and then a little persuasion for him to ‘accept Christ,’ and the thing is done.

…O my reader, be not deceived on this vital matter: to mortify the lusts of the flesh, to be crucified unto the world, to overcome the Devil, to die daily unto sin, and live unto righteousness, to be meek and lowly in heart, trustful and obedient, pious and patient, faithful and uncompromising, loving and gentle; in a word, to be a Christian, to be Christ-like, is a task far, far beyond the poor resources of fallen human nature.”

~ Arthur W. Pink