PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for January 22, 2023 *(Updated)

Today, January 22, is the fourth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2023. Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.

As we enter this new year, we do so in glad and grateful worship of our sovereign, saving God and King. To Him we owe our all and to Him we commit our way in 2023, day by day. 

If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you, or listen online.

How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. ~ Psalm 84:1-4

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

• Last Sunday Rev. N. Decker received the call from Loveland (CO) PRC.
  
  
• Today Rev. W. Langerak (Trinity PRC-Hudsonville, MI) declined the call from Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB).
  
  
• Today Randolph PRC's (WI) voted to extend a call to Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton, MN).
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC) announced his decline of the call to Hudsonville PRC.
  
  
• *UPDATE: Yesterday Georgetown PRC voted to call Rev. N. Decker (Grandville PRC).
  
  
• **UPDATE: Yesterday Doon PRC voted to call C. Spronk (Faith PRC).
  
  
• Hull PRC's Council announced a new trio: Revs. J. Holstege, D. Noorman, and S. Regnerus. The congregational meeting will be held Monday, January 30.
   
• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Elder-led in a.m.; Rev. R. Barnhill at 7 p.m. in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. W. Langerak in First PRC-Grand Rapids; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. E. Guichelaar  in Georgetown PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Prof. R. Dykstra in Hudsonville PRC; Elder in a.m.; Rev. A. Brummel in afternoon in Hull PRC; Rev. K. Koole (2nd week) in Loveland PRC; Elder-led in Randolph 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. And may we continue to pray for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!
  
  
• Officebearer Resources: This is the time of year when new officebearers (elders and deacons) are installed into office. This special notice is to inform you that there is a special webpage on this site devoted to resources for officebearers - sermons, seminars, articles, seminary syllabi, etc. And the PRC Seminary bookstore has many fine books for officebearers.

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

Classis East met for two full days Wednesday and Thursday (Jan.11,12) at Grandville PRC. (The full public report is attached to this news post)

• An appeal was treated in closed session, and therefore, the details of the case cannot be shared publicly. It can be said that classis made some decisions in response to the appeal and approved the appointment of a committee to work with the involved consistory and appellant; we pray these actions will assist in bringing the case to a God-glorifying resolution.
• First PRC of Grand Rapids officially notified classis of the resignation of brother Rodney Kleyn from the ministry in the PRCA.
• Grace PRC asked for and received permission from classis to distribute a clarification of language used in a handout that was previously distributed to the denomination.
• First PRC of Holland’s request for “a special day of prayer in response both to recent and past cases of abuse in our denomination” was approved. Classis designated January 31, 2023 as the special day of prayer.
• Elected as primi synodical delegates: Revs. Decker, Eriks, Langerak, Mahtani, Spronk, and elders Randy Dykstra, Joel Minderhoud, Tim Pipe Jr., John Van Baren, Dan VanUffelen. And as secundi synodical delegates: Revs. Bruinsma, Dykstra, McGeown, Noorman, Smidstra and elders Andy Bylsma, Josh Hoekstra, Steve Kuiper, Peter VanderSchaaf, Dirk Westra. 
• Classis also treated an overture from Providence PRC “to be forwarded to Synod 2023 to commission G.R.A.C.E (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) to perform a full, independent, third-party investigation or assessment of the Protestant Reformed Churches.” Classis decided to appoint a committee to study the overture further and to recess until March 15, 2023. Therefore, on March 15, 2023 classis will reconvene at 8:00 am at Grandville PRC to treat the committee’s recommendations regarding the overture.
• May God use the decisions of classis for the welfare of His church, and may He guide the study committee in its work for the benefit of our churches in responding properly to the grievous sin of sexual abuse.  (summary from Rev. C. Spronk, stated clerk) 
  
  Contact Committee Notices:
• On behalf of our Contact Committee, a delegation of Rev. and Mrs. Mike De Vries and Mr. and Mrs. Pete Vander Schaaf plan to visit Covenant PRC of Northern Ireland from January 26 - February 6, D.V. They will be conducting the annual church visitation with the council. Rev. De Vries will be leading the worship services on Jan. 29 and Feb. 5 and a presentation/discussion on Wednesday, Feb. 1, D.V. May the Lord be with our delegation and make this a fruitful visit with CPRCNI.
• "On behalf of the Contact Committee of the PRCA, Rev. and Mrs. Bill Bruinsma and Mr. and Mrs. Dave Kregel plan to visit the Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church in Singapore from January 11 - 24, 2023, D.V. They will be conducting Church Visitation with the session of CERC. Rev. Bruinsma will be leading the worship services on January 15 and 22, and giving two speeches. May the Lord make this a fruitful visit and grant traveling mercies to this delegation."
• "This week Tuesday [Jan.17], a delegation from the Contact Committee consisting of Rev. and Mrs. Martyn McGeown and Mr. Sid Miedema, will travel to the Philippines for our annual visit with the PRC in the Philippines. We are thankful that this visit is now possible after removal of travel restrictions on account of COVID. Our delegation will have some overlap with a delegation from the FMC. Our delegation plans to meet with the PRCP's Contact Committee, meet with our missionaries and with as many of the PRCP members as possible, and Rev. McGeown will preach in their churches where possible. They plan to return home near the end of the month, D.V. May the Lord bless this visit with our sister in the Philippines and grant safe travels to our delegation."

Foreign Mission News: (from Doon PRC's bulletin, calling church for the Philippines): "Caleb Woiwood and Doug and Lisa Brands leave this week Wednesday [Jan.11] as the annual FMC delegation to the Philippines. We pray God’s blessing on their travels."

Home Mission News: "Zion PRC would like to inform the denomination that the installation of Rev. James Laning as domestic missionary will take place at our evening worship service on February 5. Upon his installation, Rev. Laning will begin a period of training to prepare himself for the unique challenges of his work. Please remember this brother in prayer as he devotes himself to the great commission of our Lord Jesus Christ to make disciples of all nations, including our own. You are warmly invited to attend the installation service. “I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” John 4:35."

Sem students collaborating on an assignment during the January Interim

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The Seminary's 2023 Interim course on Reformed-Christian Ethics taught by Prof. B. Gritters ended this past Wednesday (Jan.18). The second semester begins, D.V., on Tuesday, Jan.24. The 2nd semester schedule and calendar have been posted on the seminary's website. Sem. M. Koerner returns for this final semester following his recent internship. Continue to hold the faculty, students, and staff in prayer.
• Auditor notice! Seminary classes begin for the second semester on Tuesday, January 24. Prof. Cammenga’s Dogmatics class is open to auditors. The locus is eschatology which is the study of the last things. Prof. Kuiper’s classes of Medieval Church History (a study of the history of the church AD 590 to the time of the Protestant Reformation) and Reformed Symbols (a study of the Canons of Dordrecht) are open as well. If you are interested in attending, please contact the seminary at 616-531-1490 to find out the day and time the class you are interested in will meet.
• At the end of 2022 the print copies of the Fall 2022 issue of the PRT Journal  were mailed out to those on the mailing list. The digital editions have been posted on the seminary's website (use the link provided here). This new issue features articles by Prof. Griess (Calvin and the third mark of the true church), Prof. Kuiper (seminary history, chap.2), Prof. Gritters (introduction to an old article on mental illness by Herman Hoeksema and a book review article), 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 (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
• 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 - and don't forget the blog!
  
  

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Georgetown PRC re her work in Vellore, India: (In today's bulletin) "From the India Mission Committee:  With the approval of our council, the India committee had begun planning to send a delegation of four people to India in February. However, in God's perfect counsel, the trip has been postponed due to Pastor Paulraj's health. It has been three years now since we have taken a trip to India due to the pandemic and we hope to plan a trip for later this year (fall or toward the end of the year). We are very excited to reconnect personally with the saints in Vellore once again! Having face-to-face time with Pastor Paulraj and Kasthuri, the elders and deacons and the GFH staff has been a very important part of our work since we first traveled there in 2008. It serves to strengthen our bond and makes the reality of Christ's universal Church very tangible."
  
  
• Hope PRC re work in Myanmar (from today's bulletin): "The Myanmar Committee reported that it held a video conference with Rev. Titus, Elder Naw Taung, and Deacon Joseph. Despite the tyranny of the military and widespread crime and social disorder in that land, Rev. Titus and his congregation are physically and spiritually healthy. Hope PRC of Myanmar worships regularly and attracts visitors. We are thankful that the Lord has given Rev. Titus strength to complete the first draft of his Burmese Old Testament. He now begins the work of revision. Because Thailand is not as open to travelers from Myanmar as it was before, the committee changed its plans and hopes to fly Rev. Titus and his family to Michigan rather than sending a delegation to Thailand. The council approved a two-week visit from Rev. Titus, his wife Certe, and his four children in March or April. The council will keep the congregation informed as plans develop according to the Lord’s will."
  
  
• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  • Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. In her bulletin today, pastor Tan commented on the PRC delegation that has been visiting there for her annual visitation: "This will be last Lord’s Day our esteemed church visitors and their wives will be with us. They would return back to the States on the 24 Jan 2023, 10:15 am. These two men had their work cut out for them: Preaching, speeches, and the church visitation this past Thursday. We thank God for this meaningful and encouraging church visitation!" And pastor Bruinsma also left them with some words: "There is a certain aspect of this communion [of the saints] I wish to emphasize while Elder Kregel, his wife Mary, my wife Mary and I are yet with you. We share in that communion with you. The body of Christ is universal. So are her members. We belong together with you in the church of Christ in this world. We are so grateful that we have been able to share for a few short days in your fellowship here. We have learned a lot from you. We thank the Lord for your lively faith, and encourage you to persevere in your life and labors in the church. We have truly experienced the communion of saints in your midst. Perhaps we have not been able to sit and visit with each of you individually, but your presence among the saints in church is in itself an encouragement to us. What a glorious church to which we belong! What a glorious Savior we serve! May God continue to prosper you."
    
  • Don't forget the last issue of Salt Shakers is available - Issue 67, September 2022. Especially for young people, the magazine is edifying for ALL readers!

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  
  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena.
  • The January 2023 newsletter has been published for the PRCA. Read about the exciting work going on in the CPRC!
  • The January 2023 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" was published this past week!  Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart (the blessings of the messianic age) and R. Hanko (relics and Elisha's bones-2).
  • The CPRC YouTube channel may be found here.
    
    
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her services today. We also find this special note concerning the delegations curently there for the annual church visitation: "Rev. Martyn McGeown [Providence PRC] and his wife, Larisa, and elder Sid Miedema [Unity PRC-Hudsonville] arrived safely last Wednesday [January 18] evening. Rev. McGeown and elder Sid Miedema are part of the visiting delegates [Contact Committee of PRCA] for the annual visit with the PRC in the Philippines. The delegation from the CC of PRCA will have some overlap with a delegation from the FMC. Elder Doug Brands with his wife, Lisa arrived safely as well last January 12, and the next day, Caleb Woiwood from Doon PRC arrived safely in the morning of January 13. Rev. McGeown and elder Sid Miedema represent the Contact Committee of PRCA, elder Doug Brands represents the FMC-PRCA, and Bro. Caleb Woiwood represents Doon PRC. The delegations from CC, FMC, and Doon PRC are scheduled to meet with the PRCP’s Committee 1 on Saturday, January 21 at 8:30 AM at the Berean PRC building, God willing. We thank the LORD for saying that now this visit is possible since travel restrictions were removed on account of COVID. We pray that God will prosper this visit with us and with the missionaries from PRCA and with as many of the PRCP members as possible. Rev. McGeown is scheduled to preach at Provident PRC in Marikina in both of their worship services on January 22, and at Berean PRC in both of their worship services on the following Sunday, January 29, all the LORD willing."
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. M. McGeown led her worship services today.

Reformed Resources for Education, Edification, and Evangelism

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. W. Bruinsma (Pittsburgh, PA PRC) continues to speak for the RWH program. He is delivering messages on various Bible passages related to David and the kingdom of Israel. Today's message is titled "Halting Between Two Opinions" based on 1 Kings 18:20-39.
  
• 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.). 

Are you a Standard Bearer subscriber and reader? Read the meditation from the second issue of this year and learn how to subscribe!

• 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) has now opened its new store in downtown Hudsonville! The new location is at 3472 Harvey St. in Hudsonville. Regular hours are Tuesday - Friday from 10-5 and Saturday from 10-1.
  
  
• 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.
  
  

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

"As adopted sons and daughters of God, we desire to grow in spiritual discipline. If discipline is commitment, resolve, resolution, or purpose, then spiritual discipline is the commitment and resolve to serve God in his kingdom. The spiritual disciplines of the Christian life are activities that arise out of this commitment and purpose, and thus activities that aim at the glory of God and growth in holiness. These activities are many and varied, including, but certainly not limited to, public worship, family devotions, private devotions, and Bible memorization. All the activities can be summed up with one word: worship. We will explore these spiritual disciplines in future posts.

"These spiritual disciplines are an aspect of our life of sanctification: our life of separation from sin and consecration to God. These disciplines belong to the category of good works. Our Heidelberg Catechism, in Lord’s Day 33, defines good works as “Only those [works] which proceed from a true faith, are performed according to the law of God, and to his glory; and not such as are founded on our imaginations or the institutions of men.”

"This pursuit of godliness has a source: true faith. Faith is the bond that unites us to Christ. Only those who are united to Christ (the elect), and have his life coursing through their spiritual veins, will exercise themselves unto godliness. This purpose to serve God in his kingdom is the fruit of the Holy Spirit’s work in the fertile soil of the regenerated heart. By the work of the Spirit of the crucified and risen Lord Jesus we are strengthened and enabled to live this life.

~ Taken from the resource Spiritual Disciplines of the Christian Life; An Introduction by Rev. R. Barnhill