PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for June 5, 2022 *(Updated)

Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this twenty-second Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, June 5.

Today is Pentecost Sunday, the day we reflect on and rejoice in our Savior's gift of the Holy Spirit to His church and to every member of her.  As we celebrate this gift, we thank our triune God for the gifts of the Spirit distributed in the church - from the ministry of the Word to leadership and care to Christian friendship and fellowship. And by the power of the Spirit, we worship our God and bring Him our thanks and praise this day. We cordially invite you to join us in worship on this day and on any Sunday.

And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:4-13

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.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

• Today Rev. J. Smidstra (First PRC-Holland) declined the call to Hudsonville PRC.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. J. Smidstra received the call from Hosanna PRC* in Edmonton, AB. He plans to answer by June 19. [Note: *Last Sunday the congregation voted to make this the new name of their reconstituted church. Her bulletin today includes this note: "After voting last Sunday, Hosanna Protestant Reformed Church was the name chosen for our newly re-constituted church. We rejoice that the Lord has given us this name and we pray that He will bless our congregation as we go forward. Mark 11:9 - “And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.”]
  
  
• Rev. E. Guichelaar (Randolph PRC) is considering the call to Grace PRC (received May 22). He intends to answer by June 19.
  
  
• The Council of Doon PRC has formed a new trio of Rev. J. Holstege (Zion PRC), Rev. N. Decker (Grandville PRC), and Rev. M. De Boer (Edgerton PRC). The congregation voted today. *UPDATE: Rev. J. Holstege received this call.

• Rev. J. Marcus plans to be installed as Peace PRC's new pastor next Sunday morning, June 12, with Rev. J. Engelsma leading the service.
  
  
• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. D. Kuiper & Sem. A. Haveman in Doon (IA) PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in First PRC, Edmonton, AB; Rev. J. Marcus & Rev. C. Spronk in Grace PRC;  Prof. R. Cammenga & Rev. N. Decker in Hudsonville PRC; Video sermon in am; Rev. J. Engelsma (afternoon service) in Peace PRC.  May we count it 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.
• Special PRC Evangelism/missions notices: 
• • First PRC-Holland's community Bible study: The first Bible Study is this Wednesday, June 8 at 7 p.m. at the Howard Miller Public Library. The topic will be "Hope in Times of Trouble" and Rev. Smidstra will be leading it. The Bible Study will meet every 2nd and 4th Wednesday. Georgetown PRC's Evangelism Committee is assisting this new effort.
  • First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI: "Join us for a Mexico Outreach Update/Singspiration on Sunday, June 12 at 7:30 PM here at First PRC GR. Plans are being finalized for trips to two different areas in Mexico this summer. Come and learn more about this work. Also, hear an update on the book translation work that we are involved with. A collection will be taken to help cover the costs of this outreach. A light lunch will be served following that evening service."
  • The PRC denominational website is in the process of being redesigned with a goal to improve our evangelism efforts and to make it a more useful tool for PRC members. The [DMC] website committee has many ideas for revisions, improvements and new material, but would like to hear from church members what tools they would find useful or what information the website might contain for personal or church evangelism. If you have a moment and would like to provide feedback, please fill out a very short survey. [NOTE: the website committee has received sufficient feedback and has therefore closed the survey at this time.]

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

Synod 2022: The Pre-synodical service will be held in Zion PRC on Monday, June 13 at 7:00 P.M. Rev. Rodney Kleyn will give the message. Synod will begin on Tuesday, June 14, at 8:00 A.M. in Zion PRC. Only the examination sessions will be live-streamed. Seminary graduation for Mr. Isaac Peters (EPC of Australia) and Marcus Wee (CERC in Singapore) will be held, D.V., on Thursday, June 16, at 7:30 P.M. in Zion PRC, with Prof. R. Dykstra giving the message.

Missions News:

• Home missions: Last Sunday Zion PRC (Jenison, MI) voted to call Rev. J. Smidstra to serve as PRC home missionary. May the Lord give him wisdom to discern His will with regard to this special call. He plans to answer by June 19.
• Philippines mission: Rev. R. Smit and his family left this past Tuesday for their furlough. They will be returning on July 28, D.V. May the Lord bless and be near them during their time in North America. (Provident PRC bulletin today)

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The seminary has now completed its second semester and entered its summer break. Continue to pray for the faculty, students, and staff as we enter the summer months with other labors and activities planned - from fall class preparation to weekly preaching assignments, from synod work to mission trips to Mexico, and from library inventory to building maintenance projects.
• Sem. Marcus Wee has completed his four-year program and will be examined at the PRC Synod in June before returning to the CERC in Singapore. Sem. Isaac Peters has completed a special three-year program and will be returning to the EPC in Australia on June 21. A graduation program for these men is planned for June 16 at Zion PRC. Sem. M. Koerner will begin his internship in Randolph PRC under Rev. E. Guichelaar, the Lord, willing in July, after a mission trip to Mexico the end of June. Sem. A. Haveman has plenty of preaching assignments this summer, in addition to mission trips to the Philippines and to Mexico.
• With joy the faculty announces that it has licensed student Arend Haveman 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. Haveman must be done through the seminary, either by sending a request to the seminary secretary, Miss Sharon Kleyn, or the rector, Prof. R. Cammenga. Today Sem. Haveman is in NW iowa to lead services in Doon PRC and Hull PRC.
• The History of the Protestant Reformed Churches: 1924-1949. The 100th anniversary of our denomination approaches. How well do you know the early history of our churches? Prof. Kuiper will teach an evening class, open to any and all members of the PRC, who are interested in learning about the first 25 years of our existence. The class will be held at the seminary on July 6, 13, and 20, and August 10, 17, and 24 (all Wednesdays) at 7:30pm. Preregistration is NOT necessary, but is helpful for us to know how best to accommodate you. Please call the seminary, (616) 531-1490, or email Sharon at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., to preregister.
• The spring 2022 issue of the PRT Journal is at the printers, but the digital editions are on the seminary's website. This issue features the speeches from the seminary's fall 2021 conference on preaching, plus numerous book reviews. 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.
• The seminary is open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., including the library and bookstore. PRC members and friends are welcome to visit and make use of these resources.
• 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 faithfully serving the CERC each week as her pastor.  Their bulletin this week included these thoughts on their upcoming church camp this weekend: "Please note that this week, on the 10 and 11th of June the Lord willing, we will be having our church retreat. The committee has been working diligently so that we can have a time of sweet fellowship and communion together. It is my earnest desire that as much as possible, we can come together as a church and spend some time to renew our bonds of love and friendship in this season when the COVID restrictions are lifted. Please also, spend some time to pray toward this retreat and encourage each other to come."

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  
  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena. 
  • The May 2022 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" was recently published. Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart and R. Hanko.
  • A March newsletter has been released by the CPRC. Visit this page to read it and catch up on all the exciting news out of 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).
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
  • A new Philippines mission newsletter has just been published in April. Read the latest news from the Far East at the link provided.
  • Berean PRC bulletin: "Elders Oriarte and Umali will lead us in our worship services today. The second worship service will be preparatory with the view of our partaking of the Lord’s Table next Sunday, the Lord willing. Let us together in love and humility examine our own hearts before God that we may be prepared to have and enjoy God’s fellowship with each other in Christ at the Lord’s Supper." In addition: "Rev. Ibe and family are scheduled to visit the saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija today, D.V."
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. D. Kleyn preached and lead her worship services today. 
  • Classis of the PRCP is scheduled to convene on Saturday [June 11] at 9:00 A.M. at Berean PRC, God willing.
  • The PRCP Seminary: "Our PRCP seminary instructors announce that the course of NT Greek Grammar has been scheduled to be taught in the next two semesters of the upcoming seminary school year (August 2022- May 2023). While this course is being taught by Rev. Smit to our current seminary student, the instructors would like to make this course also available to any young men who might be aspiring to and preparing for seminary training in the future. Any pre-seminary students, who are interested in more information about taking the course for credit, are encouraged to contact either Rev. D. Kleyn or Rev. R. Smit for more information."

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

• This month Rev. R. Kleyn (First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI) continues speaking for the RWH. The focus will be a series on the life of Joseph. Today's message is based on Genesis 45:16-46:34 and titled "A Memorable Family Reunion."
  
• 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.). 
  

--------------------------------------------------------------------

REFORMED RESOURCES FOR EDIFICATION, EDUCATION, and EVANGELISM

REFORMED FREE PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION

Check out this month's sales at the RFPA!

• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is temporarily closed while it moves into a new building that is being renovated. See the following note for details.
  Special notices re the RBO! Reformed Book Outlet is in process of moving! We have found a new building for our store in downtown Hudsonville on Harvey St. after needing to move out of our current location in Keegstra’s Dollar Store. We need to do some renovations to the building before we can move in, so watch the bulletin or our social media pages for updates on when we will open in our new location. In the mean time, our website will still be open for ordering, for shipping or for local pickup (more details on this to come)!. Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to let us know you’re able to help us move or with any questions!
  
  
• 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

"But also Christ in His teaching and in directing the writing of the apostles, identifies the Spirit as HIS Spirit. His function is, centrally, to reveal God through Christ: to apply His work, to guide in His Word, to protect the whole of the church of Jesus Christ. Though Scripture does speak of the Spirit simply by that name "Holy Spirit" (cf. Romans 8:18), or the "Spirit of God" (cf. Romans 15:19), it appears evident that the Holy Spirit in the church functions always as the Spirit of Christ.

That is evident already at Pentecost. Peter calls the attention of the audience to the prophecy of Joel 2:28, 29 . The outpouring of the Spirit is the fulfillment of prophecy. But to explain this wonder of the outpoured Spirit, Peter sets forth the wonder of Christ's suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven. He insists that, not the Spirit sheds Himself upon the people, but Christ "sheds forth this which ye now see and hear" (Acts 2:36). Pentecost, therefore, reveals the outpoured Spirit as the Spirit of Christ. This too, is suggested in that the Holy Ghost comes as a "gift" upon the child of God -- a gift of Christ (Acts 2:38).

Further, that Holy Spirit bears witness of Christ. His testimony is not about Himself or His work first, of all, but a testimony about the Son in the flesh. Jesus calls the Spirit, the "Spirit of truth" (John 14:17) , The truth which He expresses, is the truth concerning Christ (John 15:26, "but when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceeded from the Father, he shall testify of me.") More explicitly yet, we read in John 16:13,15 , "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you."

It is by the power of that Spirit of Christ that the child of God recognizes and confesses Christ. Here too, the Spirit does not work to gain recognition for Himself, but for the Christ. Paul declares in I Corinthians 12:3 , "Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." And again,I John 4:2,3 . "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every Spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is comes in the flesh is of God; and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is comes in the flesh is not of God..."

~ Rev. G. Van Baren in "The Holy Spirit: His Presence, Power, and Fruits"