PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for February 26, 2023 *(Updated)

Today, February 26, is the ninth 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.

Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted. For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted. For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king. ~ Psalm 89:14-18

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

• Today Rev. S. Regnerus (Lynden WA PRC) accepted the call from Hull PRC. 
  
  
• Today First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI called Rev. J. Holstege (Zion PRC, Jenison MI).
  
  

• Today Faith PRC (Jenison, MI) celebrated her 50th anniversary (see photo above). This notice was in her bulletin today concerning the actual date and her celebration of the milestone: "February 22, 2023 marked the official 50th anniversary of the organization of Faith PRC. We are grateful for God’s covenant faithfulness to us as a congregation over these 50 years. During that time, we have been greatly blessed with faithful preaching of the Word and a strong communion of the saints. The Council has planned a time for fellowship and reminiscing, after the service this morning, in the fellowship room. Many pictures will be displayed and you are encouraged to bring your stories to share." We join in thanking God for His goodness to her over these many years!
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA) received the call from Doon (IA) PRC.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. J. Maatman (SE PRC-Grand rapids, MI) received calls from Hudsonville PRC and from Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB). 
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. N. Decker declined the calls he had received from Loveland (CO) PRC and from Georgetown (MI) PRC.
  
  
• *Loveland PRC's Consistory has announced a trio of Revs. D. Noorman, J. Smidstra, and C. Spronk.
  
  
• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. S. Key in Doon (IA) PRC; Rev. A. Spriensma and Prof. R. Cammenga in First PRC-Grand Rapids; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. A. Spriensma in Georgetown PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. J. Holstege in Hudsonville PRC; Prof. R. Dykstra in Hull PRC; Rev. A. Brummel (1st week) in Loveland PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper 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!

Lynden PRC (WA), host of this week's Classis West meeting

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

Classis West plans to meet this Wednesday, March 1, in Lynden PRC, Washington. May the Lord grant traveling safety to the delegates and wisdom and patience for all of their labors.

Home Mission News: On Feb.5 Rev. James Laning was installed as PRC home missionary in Zion PRC (calling church). Rev. Laning has begun 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."

DMC News: Evangelism and Missions Conference: To be held at Trinity PRC the evenings of May 4 and 5, 2023. We plan to have speeches and discussion groups about timely topics related to home missions and personal evangelism. Keep an eye out for more information coming soon in your church bulletins and newsletters. We hope to see you there!

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. 

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The second semester continues with its sixth week for the PRTS this week. The 2nd semester schedule and calendar have been posted on the seminary's website. Continue to keep the faculty, students, and staff in prayer as they carry on their normal labors and studies.
• Sem. Bruce Feenstra will lead in daily devotions this week.
• The first round of practice preaching is set for the Mondays of Feb.27 and March 6. Tomorrow morning Sems. Arend Haveman and Aaron Van Dyke will deliver their first sermons of this semester.
• The next meeting of Student Club will be on Thursday, March 16 at Prof. Griess’ house. The topic for discussion will be the recent article by Prof. John Bolt in the Calvin Theological Journal on the first point of common grace. 
• Preparations are being made for the Spring 2023 issue of the PR Theological Journal. In the meantime, the Fall 2022 issue of the PRT Journal  is still available in print and digital formats. Print copies are available from the seminary. 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!
  
  

The February 2023 issue of Covenant Reformed News was released this week (see note below)

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 pastoral note concerning the calling to examination ourselves in preparation for the Lord's Supper: "But what does it mean to examine ourselves? Essentially it is to ask ourselves three questions. It is to ask ourselves, first, am I sorry for our sins? Second, do I believe that in Christ alone I have forgiveness of all my sins and am made righteous before God? Third, Do I have a heart that is resolved to live a life of thankfulness and love towards my God."
    
  • The newest issue of Salt Shakers is was made available this month - Issue 68, December 2022. Especially for young people, the magazine contains a variety of articles and is edifying for ALL readers!

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  
  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena.
  • The last newsletter of the CPRC was published in January 2023. Read about the exciting work going on in the CPRC!
  • The February 2023 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" was published this past week!  Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart (was Ishmael saved?) and R. Hanko (Felix's trembling).
  • 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, her pastor, led her services today.
  • "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. 

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 "Unconditional Election (2)" based on John 6:37-40
  
• 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 are Beacon Lights subscriber? This PR Young Peoples' Magazine is profitable for ALL ages!

• Would you like to learn 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

"In other words, the basic, either-or issue is: the Word of Christ or the word of man! [With regard to the marks of the true church and the marks of the false church]

"The reason why these are the marks is connected with the very nature of the church. The church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, of which Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone. There simply is no other foundation possible—not for the true church! If the church is to be built, it must be built on that foundation. And whoever proclaims anything else than the pure doctrine of the gospel is not building upon that foundation; he builds on another foundation, and he builds a mere human institution. It pleases Christ to call and to build His church through the preaching of the Word. Men may raise all kinds of objections against preaching and against sermons—as they do nowadays. They may devise various glamorous substitutes for the preaching of the pure doctrine of the gospel. The fact remains that it pleases Christ to gather His church through the preaching of the Word! You can never change that! Where the Word is preached, there is Christ; there is the voice of the good shepherd; there the sheep hear His voice; there they follow Him; there He gives them eternal life! Don't ever forget that! For remember: the church needs Christ! It is only in living connection with that Christ that the church is the church, and that the members possess the life of Christ. And the only contact which we have with Christ as long as we are in this present world is through His Word (not man's word), through His sacraments, and through His government and discipline. Where these are missing, Christ is missing. Where they are corrupted and to the extent that they are corrupted, there I am being separated from contact with Christ my head! This is the life-and-death seriousness of this entire question of the marks of the true church!"

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