PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for February 12, 2023 *(Updated)

Today, February 12, is the seventh 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 continue our pilgrim journey in this new year, we do so in glad and grateful worship of our sovereign, saving God and King. Through Jesus Christ His Son and by His Holy Spirit our heavenly Father has redeemed and renewed us to be His worshiping and serving people. To Him we owe our all, and to Him we strive to give our all! Soli Deo gloria!

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.

His foundation is in the holy mountains. The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah. And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her. And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her. ~ Psalm 87:1-3

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

• The Council of Hudsonville PRC has made a new trio of Revs. J. Holstege, B. Langerak and J. Maatman. The congregational meeting to vote will be held on February 19 after the evening service. 
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. J. Laning was installed in Zion PRC as PRC home missionary.  May the Lord richly bless him as he takes up this important labor on behalf of the churches.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC) declined the call to Doon PRC. The Council has formed a new trio of Rev. Heath Bleyenberg, Rev. Matt Kortus, and Rev. David Noorman. The congregational meeting is scheduled for February 19 after the evening service.
  
  
• Rev. N. Decker is considering the calls to Loveland (CO) PRC (received Jan.15) and Georgetown PRC (received Jan.22).
  
  
• Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton, MN) is considering the call to Randolph PRC (received Jan.22). *Rev. DeBoer declined this call this past Sunday.
  
  
• Rev. S. Regnerus (Lynden, WA PRC) is considering the call from Hull PRC (received Jan.30).
  
  
• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. J. Engelsma (2nd week) in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Sem. A. Haveman in First PRC-Grand Rapids; Prof. C. Griess and Prof. B. Huizinga in Georgetown PRC; Rev. S. Regnerus (1st week) in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. N. Decker in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. C. Spronk in Hull PRC; Rev. J. Marcus (1st week) in Loveland PRC; Elder-led services  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!
  
  
• Congregational Activities/ Evangelism:
  • Byron Center PRC: "The Community Bible study meets this week Thursday, February 16, at church at 7:30 PM. We plan to continue discussion at John 18:19. Please join us!"
  • The consistory of Crete PRC is hosting a lecture on February 16, at 7:00 p.m. Rev. Nathan Decker will speak on “Sexual Abuse in the Church: The Reality and Response.” Our lecture will be live streamed on Crete's YouTube channel at https://m.youtube.com/@CretePRC.
  • On Saturday, February 25 at 7pm at Zion Christian School the Unity Young Peoples are sponsoring a speech by Dan Naulty titled “Jesus saves a soul seeking destruction”. Dan Naulty is a former MLB pitcher for the Minnesota Twins and the 1998 World Series winning NY Yankees. He will share his testimony of following after the fame of this world and being left empty. Then the Lord took hold of his life. He is now a reformed believer and pastor of Faith PCA. For more information, check out DanNaulty.com.

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

Home Mission News: Last Sunday Rev. James Laning was installed as PRC home missionary in Zion PRC (calling church). 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. “I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” John 4:35."

PRC 100th Anniversary Committee: "With gratitude to our faithful God, the PRCA look forward to our 100th anniversary. The celebration is planned for June 23-27, 2025, at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI. Please assist the planning committee by completing a brief survey by March 10, 2023, to let them know how you would likely attend (in person or virtually) and your preferences for onsite accommodations. Access the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PRCA100

PRC Minister/Teacher Scholarship Fund: Information for the 2023 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 12th. 

The fifth-graders from Adams Christian School paid a visit to seminary this past Friday

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The second semester continues with its fourth week for PRTS this week. The 2nd semester schedule and calendar have been posted on the seminary's website. Continue to hold the faculty, students, and staff in prayer as they have resumed their normal labors and studies.
• Sem. A. Havemen will lead in daily devotions this week. Rev. M. McGeown (Providence PRC, Hudsonville, MI)  will speak for chapel this week.
• The first round of practice preaching is set for the Mondays of Feb.27 and March 6.
• This past Friday the two fifth-grade classes from Adams Christian School (Wyoming, MI) visited the seminary. They were introduced to the place and work of the seminary in the PRC by Prof. R. Cammenga, given a tour of the building, participated in devotions (see photo above), and then enjoyed snacks with faculty and students.
• The Fall 2022 issue of the PRT Journal  is available in print and digital formats. The print copies were mailed out in late December to those on the mailing list. The digital editions have been posted on the seminary's website (use the link provided here). This latest 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:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  • Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. In her bulletin today, we find this note under the "Pastoral Note": "Speaking of receiving God’s Word, I hope we are applying what we learned from last week’s Adult CI Class, on the discipline of receiving the preached Word. We saw the importance of the preached Word, as God’s power to save us. 1 Corinthians 1:18: “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” We saw the importance of active listening during the preaching itself, diligent preparation before it, and constant meditation upon it during the rest of the week. Among other things, we prepare diligently to hear God’s Word (and to worship God Himself!) by setting aside time before the worship service to quieten our hearts, spending a few moments in prayer, seeking His blessing on our worship. Let’s seek to practice this together as a church, and grow together in the spiritual discipline of receiving the preached Word."
    
  • The last issue of Salt Shakers is still 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. Be sure to read her bulletin this week about all the responses to her faithful witness!
  • 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 late last month!  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 in various places:
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her services today. "Our pastor will be leading the Men and Women Society for its once-a-month bible study starting February 15, 2023, after the 2nd worship service. Rev. Ibe will lead us in the study of the Church Order of Dordt [1618- 19] and the Declaration of Principles of the PRCA. Everyone [especially all the men] is greatly encouraged to join/attend the bible study. There will be refreshments afterward for extended fellowship, all, the Lord willing."
  • "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, NE., will join us in our worship services today via Livestream at our official Facebook account." (Berean PRC)
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. R. Smit led her worship services today. "Rev. D. Kleyn and Sis. Sharon are scheduled to visit the Bearers of Light Community Church in Guiguinto, Bulacan today, the Lord willing, in order to preach and teach there."

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 the RWH begins to re-broadcast a series of Prof. C. Griess on the doctrines of grace (five points of Calvinism). Today's message is titled "Religion Defended" (2) based on Isaiah 48:11.
  
• 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.). 

Brand new book from the RFPA! Add this title to your personal and family library for growing in how to live in the friendship and fellowship of God!

• 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

"Thirdly, there is at the basis of our subject the truth that it is the sacred duty of everyone to join himself to the true church. This is stated very succinctly in our Confession of Faith, Article 28, which we quote:

We believe, since this holy congregation is an assembly of those who are saved, and that out of it there is no salvation, that no person of whatsoever state or condition he may be, ought to withdraw himself, to live in a separate state from it; but that all men are in duty bound to join and unite themselves with it; maintaining the unity of the church; submitting themselves to the doctrine and discipline thereof; bowing their necks under the yoke of Jesus Christ; and as mutual members of the same body, serving to the edification of the brethren, according to the talents God has given them. And that this may be the more effectually observed, it is the duty of all believers, according to the word of God, to separate themselves from all those who do not belong to the church, and to join themselves to this congregation, wheresoever God hath established it, even though the magistrates and edicts of princes were against it, yea, though they should suffer death or any other corporal punishment. Therefore all those who separate themselves from the same, or do not join themselves to it, act contrary to the ordinance of God.

"Here the calling of the child of God is very clearly stated. It is the will of Christ that the believer willingly submit himself to the instruction and oversight and government of that church of Jesus Christ as instituted in the midst of the world, wheresoever it may be. That is for his spiritual welfare and well-being and salvation. The child of God, therefore, certainly will not take his church membership lightly. He certainly will not be numbered among those who can change their church membership almost as easily as they can change their clothes. If he is a serious-minded child of God, he will not separate himself from that church for any earthly or carnal considerations, no matter what they may be. This lies in the very nature of his spiritual life. He is a member of the spiritual body of Christ. He is not saved as a mere individual, but as a member of Christ's body. He lives his new life not as an individual in isolation from all other regenerated children of God, but only as a member of the body. He possesses and enjoys and lives his life only in the body and thus in connection with the head, Christ. Even as the church of Christ is not a mere mass of members, but a body, so that church lives, and all the members live, only as a body and members, and, as members in the body in connection with the head. With all believers, therefore, the child of God confesses one Lord; with all believers he partakes of one Spirit; with all believers he shares a common faith in that one Lord. And for that reason it is the urge of his regenerated heart, the impulse of his new life, to seek and to join himself to the true church and to realize concretely, in as far as that is possible in this present world, the fellowship of believers. He belongs there. He cannot live alone. His life is a communal life."

~ Taken from the resource "The Marks of the True Church" by Homer C. Hoeksema