PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for February 27, 2022 *(Updated)

Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this ninth Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, February 27. We praise and thank the Lord for these weekly spiritual oases on our pilgrimage to our heavenly home. May our worship this day be a sweet incense before our faithful God through Jesus Christ our Savior.

O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. ~ Psalm 43:3-4

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.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

• Rev. J. Langerak was installed this morning in Covenant of Grace PRC (Spokane, WA) by Rev. R. Hanko. We rejoice with this congregation in God's provision of another undershepherd. May the Lord give to Pastor Langerak a faithful and fruitful ministry there.
  
  
• 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 today after the evening service. *UPDATE: Rev. E. Guichelaar has received this call.
  
  
• Peace PRC has formed a trio of Revs. E. Guichelaar (Randolph PRC), J. Holstege (Zion PRC), and J. Marcus. They plan to call from this trio on March 9.
  
  
• The Council of Hudsonville PRC has formed a trio of Revs. D. Kleyn (missionary to the Philippines), J. Laning (Hull PRC) and J. Marcus. The congregation will vote on Wednesday, March 16.
  
  
• Last Sunday (Feb.20) Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA) declined the call from Doon PRC.
  
  
• Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC) is considering the call to Grace PRC (received Feb.16). He plans to answer by March 13.
  
  
• On February 6 Rev. R. Barnhill accepted the call from Heritage PRC (Sioux Falls, SD). As of now, his farewell at Peace PRC is planned for March 13. 
  
  
• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. J. Laning in Doon (IA) PRC; Rev. H. Bleyenberg (1st week) in First PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. J. Slopsema in Grace PRC; Rev. S. Regnerus (1st week) in Heritage PRC; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. G. Eriks 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.
  
  
• Did you know that...
  • Byron Center PRC's Community Bible resumes this week Thursday? Here's the notice as it appears in her bulletin today: "The community Bible study meets again at church on March 3 at 7:30 PM. Our study will begin at John 15:14. We welcome you to join us." If you know anyone in that area, let them know about this opportunity for instruction in the gospel of Jesus Christ and for Christain fellowship.
  • Sem. Marcus Wee led the morning service of Covenant ERC in Singapore today and brought a word of edification? Actually, he did it from the PRC Seminary assembly room last night (U.S. time), using the technology on both sides of that vast expanse of land and sea. It was a wonderful opportunity for this "son" of that congregation to help them out in their need as well as to experience some level of fellowship with his fellow saints in his home church.

Hope PRC, Redlands, CA, host this week's Classis West meeting and officebearers' conference (see note below)

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• Classis West: Classis West will convene on Wednesday, March 2 in Hope PRC, Redlands, CA. There will be an officebearers' conference on the Tuesday before, which will also be livestreamed at this link: Live Webcast: Hope Protestant Reformed Church (sermonaudio.com)
  
  
• Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2022 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.

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The second semester of the 2021-22 school year is now six weeks in. Things continue to go well, for which we thank our faithful God and Father. The schedule and calendar have been posted on the seminary's website and the PRC website. (see special calendars on the right side). 
• The first round of practice preaching will be held on the Mondays of Feb.21 (M.Wee; M. Koerner) and 28 (I. Peters; A. Haveman). Pray for the students as they prepare their latest assigned sermons and for the professors as they guide the students in this all-important aspect of their work.
• Marcus Wee led the daily devotions this past week. This week Matt Koerner will lead them.
• 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 recently mailed out. 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 includes this special note: Today our own seminarian, Marcus Wee would be leading us in worship and giving to us a word of edification. he is now in the final semester of his studies. The Lord Willing, his Synodical examination will take place this coming June. Originally, he wanted to come back last year during the summer break (June to July), but because of COVID restrictions and other complications, he was not able to. Many of us have not seen our brother and his family face to face for some time. ...Let us together give thanks to God for prospering our brother thus far in his seminary training and personal growth. Truly the fields are white unto harvest, but the labourers are few.
  • 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).
  • The newest issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is out - check out the February 2022 edition here. 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: Rev. V. Ibe led the worship services today. "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 preached and lead her worship services today. A livestream of our services will be provided at the “PPRC and Friends” Facebook page."
    
  • Classis of the PRCP convened on Friday (February 25, 2022) at Provident PRC in Provident Village, Marikina City.
  • 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 11:32-38 and titled "Faith That Endures."
  
• 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

What does the Reformed faith say about how we worship God? Read this pamphlet for help answering this question.

• 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 10 am - 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

"The public worship of the church is vital for obedience to the will of our God who saved us. In eternity the church will be worshipping God. The seer of God, the apostle John, wrote in Revelation 14:6-7, 'And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters' (see also Revelation 22:9).

The 'everlasting gospel' is: Worship God.

We are concerned about this because worship is a Reformation subject. Not only is this an important subject because presently there is strange fire being offered in many places, but the remembrance of the Reformation brings us to this subject.

The fathers of the Reformation were concerned not only with the doctrinal aberrations of the Roman Catholic Church, but with the practice of that church in its public worship. For that reason, you will find an entire volume of Luther on the subject of public worship, and hundreds of references of Calvin on the subject. So important a place did public worship have in the life of Calvin, that his expulsion from the city of Geneva was rooted in differences on the question of how the church would worship God."

~ Prof. B. Gritters in Public Worship and the Reformed Faith