Today, March 12, is the eleventh 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.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. ~ Psalm 91:1-4
CONGREGATIONAL NEWS
- On February 26 Rev. S. Regnerus (Lynden WA PRC) accepted the call from Hull (IA) PRC. From Lynden's bulletin today we find this note: "The Regnerus family is planning to leave for Iowa on Monday the 20th. We are planning a farewell dinner for them on Sunday the 19th of March at church after the evening service!"
- Rev. J. Holstege (Zion PRC, Jenison MI) is considering the call to First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI (received Feb.26). He plans to answer on March 26.
- Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA) is considering the call from Doon (IA) PRC (received Feb.26). He plans to answer next Sunday, March 19.
- Rev. J. Maatman (SE PRC-Grand Rapids, MI) is considering calls from Hudsonville PRC and from Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB - received Feb.26). He plans to answer on March 19.
- Loveland PRC's Consistory has announced a trio of Revs. D. Noorman (SW PRC - Wyoming MI), J. Smidstra (First PRC-Holland MI), and C. Spronk (Faith PRC-Jenison MI). The congregational meeting was held today after the evening service. *Rev. Smidstra has received this call.
- Randolph PRC's Consistory has a new trio for the congregation's consideration and vote: Revs. N. Decker (Grandville, MI), J. Maatman (SE-GR), and D. Noorman (SW-Wyoming, MI). The congregational meeting will be March 26 after the morning service.
- Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. M. DeVries in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. N. Decker in First PRC-Grand Rapids; Prof. C. Griess and Sem. A. Haveman in Georgetown PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. D. Lee in Hudsonville PRC; Elder-led in a.m.; Rev. A. Brummel at 2 p.m. in Hull PRC; Rev. S. Key in Loveland PRC; Rev. R. Hanko (2nd week) 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 Evangelism News
- Calvary PRC (Hull, IA): "Calvary PRC is hosting a marriage/parenting conference next weekend - Friday, March 24 from 6:30- 8:30 PM and Saturday, March 25 from 9 AM - 1 PM with biblical counselor, Mr. Scott O’Malley. Secure your babysitters now and confirm plans to attend as we seek God’s glory through the strengthening of our marriages and faithful parenting. The conference is free, and refreshments will be served. Invite family and friends to attend with you."
- Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB): "Our new church website has gone live! You can check it out at www.hosannaprc.com."
- Providence PRC (Hudsonville, MI): She recently redesigned her website.
PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS
Classis East: Classis East will meet in continuing session this Wednesday, March 15, in Grandville PRC at 8 a.m.
Classis West met Wednesday-Thursday, March 1-2, in Lynden PRC, Washington. A report of this meeting may be found on this webpage.
DMC News: Evangelism and Missions Conference: To be held at Trinity PRC the evenings of May 4 and 5, 2023. Speeches and discussion groups about timely topics related to home missions and personal evangelism are planned. 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.
A week of weather contrasts at the PRC Seminary last week. First picture taken Tuesday morning at sunrise; the second Friday morning after heavy snow overnight.
PRC Seminary Notices:
- The second semester continues with its eighth week for the PRTS this week. This marks the midway point of the semester, and midterms will be held in several classes. 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. The annual Spring break is scheduled for April 3-7.
- Sem. Arend Haveman will lead in daily devotions this week.
- The first round of practice preaching is now completed as of this past Monday. The second round is set for the two Mondays after Spring Break (April 10 and 17).
- The next meeting of Student Club will be this 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.
- This past week Prof. R. Cammenga held a second interview with Dr. D. Veitch (Anglican minister) on the PRC's rejection of common grace and the free offer. You may find that video link here.
- The Protestant Reformed Theological School Committee (TSC) is seeking to interview qualified applicants to fill the position of seminary secretary at the close of the coming school year. Members of the PRC who have interest in serving in full or part-time capacity should contact the TSC Academic Affairs Committee by email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for a job description and application form. Resumes are encouraged but not required.
- 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!
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 importance of the communion of the saints: "Have you ever seen or heard of a lone ant, or a bee living all alone, surviving all on its own, thriving all by itself? God made the ants and bees inherently in their nature to need help from their fellow ants or bees in their colony. Their very survival is in receiving help from the colony. Similarly, there is no such thing as a loner Christian. A solo soldier of Christ. There is no such thing as a member of the church not needing the help of other members of the church. That is simply how God created us. That is the nature He gave Adam and Eve before the fall. God made us to need help. To work with the other members of the body of Christ, receiving and giving help. '...And whether one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.' 1 Cor 12:26"
- The newest issue of Salt Shakers is was recently made available - Issue 68, December 2022. Especially for young people, the magazine contains a variety of articles and is edifying for ALL readers!
- Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. In her bulletin today, we find this pastoral note concerning the importance of the communion of the saints: "Have you ever seen or heard of a lone ant, or a bee living all alone, surviving all on its own, thriving all by itself? God made the ants and bees inherently in their nature to need help from their fellow ants or bees in their colony. Their very survival is in receiving help from the colony. Similarly, there is no such thing as a loner Christian. A solo soldier of Christ. There is no such thing as a member of the church not needing the help of other members of the church. That is simply how God created us. That is the nature He gave Adam and Eve before the fall. God made us to need help. To work with the other members of the body of Christ, receiving and giving help. '...And whether one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.' 1 Cor 12:26"
- 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 the end of last month! 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 led her services today.
- "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, NE., will join us in our worship services via Livestream at our official Facebook page, D.V."
- 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 "Limited Atonement (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.).
The Reformed faith is truly "doctrine according to godliness." You are encouraged to read this resource to discover or rediscover how truly biblical the doctrines of God's sovereign grace are.
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
"For the answer to our question, ''What is evangelism?,' we do not look to popular notions, but to Holy Scripture.
"In reality, evangelism is the preaching of the gospel. This is the meaning of the word, evangelism - a Biblical word in the Greek of the New Testament. Evangelism is the activity of publishing, or announcing, the 'evangel,' the gospel, i.e., the glad tidings of Jesus the Christ, crucified and risen.
"This answers the question, whether a Reformed Church believes in evangelism and whether Reformed saints are to be zealous for evangelism. The gospel must be preached! This must be done within the established church, among the saints already called out of the world; for their constant comfort and edification, they are continually to hear the good news. This is why we come to church every Lord's Day.
"But the gospel must also be preached outside of the church already established in the truth; this is necessary for the saving of the as yet unconverted and the straying. This is what we mean when we speak of evangelism: the activity of proclaiming the good news to those outside the congregation. Evangelism, then, is the same as missions."
~ Taken from the resource "Evangelism and the Reformed Faith" by Prof. D. Engelsma