PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for March 19, 2023 *(Updated)

Today, March 19, is the twelfth 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.

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound. For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.  ~ Psalm 92:1-4

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

• On February 26 Rev. S. Regnerus (Lynden WA PRC) accepted the call from Hull (IA) PRC. Today he preached his farewell in Lynden PRC (WA) and a farewell dinner was held for him and his family this evening. Tomorrow they plan to leave for Iowa. In Hull's bulletin today was this note: "The Installation Service for Rev. Regnerus is planned for Friday, March 31 at 7:00 p.m. Rev. Brummel is scheduled to lead us worship."
  
  
• Lynden PRC's Consistory presented the following trio to the congregation last week: Revs. A Brummel (Calvary PRC), M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC, MN), and M. Kortus (Hope PRC, CA). At the congregational meeting Sunday, Rev. M. DeBoer received this call.
  
  
• Today Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA) declined the call from Doon (IA) PRC.
  
  
• Today Rev. J. Maatman (SE PRC-Grand Rapids, MI) declined the calls he had received from Hudsonville PRC and from Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB).
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. J. Smidstra received the call from Loveland PRC.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Georgetown PRC's Council has announced a new trio consisting of Revs. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC), A. Spriensma (Cornerstone PRC) , and D. Noorman (SW PRC).  A congregational meeting is scheduled for April 10, 2023.
  
  
• Hosanna PRC's Consistory has formed a new trio (after Rev. Maatman's decline today): Revs. N. Decker (Grandville PRC), Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA), J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Walker, MI).
  
  
• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. M. DeBoer in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Prof. R. Cammenga in First PRC-Grand Rapids; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. N. Decker in Georgetown PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. W. Langerak in Hudsonville PRC; Sem. M. Koerner in Hull PRC; Prof. R. Dykstra (1st week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. M. DeVries 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 this 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."
  • Faith PRC (Jenison, MI): "The Reformed Doctrines Class taught by Prof. Engelsma will meet this Wednesday, March 22, at Faith Church at 7:30. The intriguing subject will be the providence of God, particularly regarding the fall of man in Eden. All are welcome to attend."
  • Zion PRC (Jenison, MI): "Community Bible Study will meet next Wednesday (March 29) at 7 pm to study the second half of John 11. The plan is to continue through the month of April. Please consider inviting a neighbor or acquaintance and attending with them!"
  • 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 met this past Wednesday in continuing session in Grandville PRC from its January meeting. For the report of this meeting, visit this page.

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. 

Prof. B. Huizinga teaching first-year Hebrew to Sem. B. Feenstra.

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PRTS' second semester continues with its ninth week this week. The seminary is now past the midway point of the semester. 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. Aaron Van Dyke will lead in daily devotions this week. Rev. J. Holstege (Zion PRC-Jenison, MI) will speak for chapel on Wednesday.
• The first round of practice preaching was completed earlier this month. The second round is set for the two Mondays after Spring Break (April 10 and 17).
• This Thursday, March 23, Mr. Dan Hanko will be bringing his students from Hope Protestant Reformed Christian School for an introduction and tour of the seminary.  They will be joining faculty and students for devotions and refreshments afterwards.
• 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 significance of worship: "It is the Lord’s Day. We are given the highest duty of worshipping God. Upon us saints has been conferred upon the most honourable privilege of extolling the praise of the One true and living God. This is our goodly heritage bestowed upon us by our gracious God. To worship God of heaven and earth as one saved by His grace and who is forever under the wings of His care, is 'truly the fullness of my cup of bliss'."
    
  • The newest issue of Salt Shakers 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!

• 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 "Total Depravity' (1) based on John 6:44, 65-66.
  
• 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 "the doctrine which is according to godliness" (1 Tim.6:3). 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

"The Reformed Faith preaches an almighty, gracious God and a powerless, totally depraved mankind. Such a faith, men charge, cannot evangelise. Indeed, such a faith must be unevangelistic in its very spirit. It cannot be motivated to be zealous in evangelism. Even if it were so motivated, it would have no message to bring.

"Note well, however, that this charge, or fear, as the case may be, arises from certain preconceived notions about evangelism - notions that are unbiblical. There is the notion that the motivation of evangelism is God's love for all men and desire to save all men. There is the notion that the message of evangelism is a universal love of God, a universal atonement, and a universal grace in the preaching, all dependent upon the free will of sinners, who, it is thought, are able to choose for Christ. There is the notion that the efficacy of evangelism is the persuasiveness of the evangelist and the decision of the sinner's wooed will.

"Raving these notions of evangelism, men proceed to corrupt the Reformed Faith in the interests of evangelism. Double predestination hinders missions; and, therefore, reprobation is denied, and men proclaim a universal saving love of God - the evangelist preaches to all and sundry, 'God loves you.' Limited atonement hampers missions; and, therefore, men preach a universal atonement - the evangelist assures all and sundry, 'Christ died for you.' An efficacious call of the gospel to some only restricts mission work; and, therefore, men teach that God is gracious to all men in the preaching - the evangelist announces to all his hearers, 'God desires your salvation and is now sincerely offering salvation to you.' Total depravity does not square with such evangelism (for what good is all this love, atonement, and grace, if the sinner cannot avail himself of it?); and, therefore, it is suggested to the sinner that he has the ability to open up his heart to let Jesus in, or he is told outright that the new birth depends upon his believing.

"With this kind of evangelism, the Reformed Faith is incompatible; of such an evangelism, it is the sworn foe. A Reformed preacher would not dare to engage in evangelism of this kind. He would not, because he fears to stand in the Judgment, having preached a message that robbed God of His glory in the salvation of sinners and that taught sinners to trust for salvation in their own ability and activity. The worst evolutionist, a veritable Charles Darwin, will not be so culpable of despoiling the wonderful works of God as such an evangelist.

"But this is not Biblical evangelism. With Biblical evangelism, the Reformed Faith is perfectly compatible. It is false, it is absurd to suppose that the Reformed Faith cannot do evangelism, because of the doctrines of grace that it espouses. These truths, assailed as detrimental to evangelism, are truths that set forth salvation as God's gracious gift. They constitute the gospel, the 'evangel', the good news. How foolish of men, whether within Reformed churches or without, to deny the gospel, in order that they may better evangelise, i.e., proclaim the gospel. Men are really saying that God's gospel is unpreachable, or that it is not serviceable for saving sinners and gathering the Church."

~ Taken from the resource "Evangelism and the Reformed Faith" by Prof. D. Engelsma