Today, April 2, is the fourteenth 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.
And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee. ~ Matthew 21:6-11
CONGREGATIONAL NEWS
- Today is Palm Sunday, the day we bring to mind our Lord Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem as the humble King of His people, to suffer and die for their salvation and to rise again for their glorification into heaven. This Friday, April 7, the PRC congregations will gather in worship to commemorate the crucifixion of her King on Calvary outside Jerusalem. You are cordially invited to join us in worship and to hear the gospel of Christ crucified. For the time of the Good Friday service, check the website of the church near you.
- Today Rev. J. Smidstra declined the call from Loveland PRC.
- Last Sunday Rev. J. Holstege (Zion PRC, Jenison MI) accepted the call to First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI. According to Zion's bulletin today, he plans to preach his farewell sermon on April 23.
- Last Sunday Hosanna PRC voted to call Rev. N. Decker.
- Last Sunday Randolph PRC voted to call Rev. N. Decker (Grandville, MI PRC).
- This past Friday Rev. S. Regnerus was installed as the new pastor of Hull (IA) PRC. This morning he preached his inaugural sermon and a welcome program for the Regnerus family was held after the evening service.
- Rev. M. DeBoer is considering the call from Lynden (WA) PRC (received March 19). He plans to answer by April 9.
- 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.
- Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Sem. A. Haveman in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper (also Good Friday) and Rev. C. Spronk in First PRC-Grand Rapids; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. D. Lee in Georgetown PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Sem. M. Koerner and Rev. J. Maatman (Prof. B. Huizinga for Good Friday) in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. M. DeBoer and Rev. S. Key (Good Friday also) in Loveland PRC; Elders lead in Lynden PRC; Elders lead in Randolph PRC (Rev. M. DeVries will be there for Good Friday and the following Sunday). 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/Mission News
- Byron Center PRC (MI): "The Community Bible Study meets this Thursday to begin discussion of John 19:1 and following. Join us on April 6 at church at 7:30 PM for a discussion of Jesus in the hands of wicked men and God's purpose for it. Hope you can come!"
- Hope PRC-Walker, MI: "Hope PR Ministry Podcast - Our podcast continues to feature archived Beacon Lights devotionals from “Watching Daily at My Gates.” Sermons from Hope PRC are posted on Wednesdays and other edifying content is posted each Friday. We have been excited to have listeners from across the country and throughout the world tune in to access this content. Please continue to follow Hope PR Ministry and share the podcast with your friends and acquaintances. One note - We recently had a technical issue on Spotify. That issue has been resolved, so if you listen there, please tune in once again."
PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS
DMC News: Evangelism and Missions Conference: To be held at Trinity PRC the evenings of May 4 and 5, 2023. The theme is "Not Ashamed of the Gospel: Rekindling Zeal for Evangelism and Missions", with speeches by Rev. Mahtani and Rev. D. Holstege, as well as discussion group sessions on topics related to missions and personal evangelism. 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."
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 4th-grade students of Mrs. Jane Woudenberg from Heritage CS in Hudsonville visited the seminary this past Thursday and were introduced to the place and work of the seminary by Prof. R. Cammenga, before receiving a tour and participating in devotions and enjoying
PRC Seminary Notices:
- The PRT Seminary will enjoy its Spring break this week. Pray for a relaxing and refreshing week for faculty and students. The building, including library and bookstore, will be open daily from 8-5. The 2nd semester schedule and calendar are posted on the seminary's website.
- The second round of practice preaching is set for the two Mondays after Spring Break (April 10 and 17).
- The Spring 2023 issue of the PR Theological Journal was completed and sent to the printers this past week. It should be ready for posting and printing yet this month. 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 are posted on the seminary's website (use the link provided here). 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 invitation they sent out for their Good Friday service: "Yesterday, a little army of about 20 members set out to conquer the surrounding Joo Seng neighbourhood, including Tai Seng MRT. Split up into groups of 4-6, we went door-to-door giving out gospel tracts. ...We did tracting, because of Good Friday. Not merely because we wanted to invite others for the upcoming gospel meeting. But because of the gospel that we commemorate on Good Friday, the gospel that has transformed our life. The gospel of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who came to take away the sins of the whole world, yea, even the sins of the chief of sinners such as I am. The gospel, not only of the removal of sin’s guilt by Christ’s righteousness, but also of the deliverance from sin’s power by Christ’s Spirit. The gospel that we know, experientially, by faith, and rejoice in. That gospel is the reason! The reason why we desire to live all of our lives to the glory of the God of our salvation. The reason why we desire to evangelise, to speak that gospel to others around us, saying, “Come, hear, all ye that fear the Lord, while I with grateful heart record what God has done for me” (Psalter 175, s3). The reason why we desire to do tracting, to bring that gospel to complete strangers. The gospel of Good Friday is the reason."
- The last issue of Salt Shakers was made available earlier this year - 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 invitation they sent out for their Good Friday service: "Yesterday, a little army of about 20 members set out to conquer the surrounding Joo Seng neighbourhood, including Tai Seng MRT. Split up into groups of 4-6, we went door-to-door giving out gospel tracts. ...We did tracting, because of Good Friday. Not merely because we wanted to invite others for the upcoming gospel meeting. But because of the gospel that we commemorate on Good Friday, the gospel that has transformed our life. The gospel of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who came to take away the sins of the whole world, yea, even the sins of the chief of sinners such as I am. The gospel, not only of the removal of sin’s guilt by Christ’s righteousness, but also of the deliverance from sin’s power by Christ’s Spirit. The gospel that we know, experientially, by faith, and rejoice in. That gospel is the reason! The reason why we desire to live all of our lives to the glory of the God of our salvation. The reason why we desire to evangelise, to speak that gospel to others around us, saying, “Come, hear, all ye that fear the Lord, while I with grateful heart record what God has done for me” (Psalter 175, s3). The reason why we desire to do tracting, to bring that gospel to complete strangers. The gospel of Good Friday is the reason."
- 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 March 2023 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" was published late last month! Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart (was Hagar saved?) and R. Hanko (Christ's reign as King over against dispensational teaching).
- The CPRC YouTube channel may be found here.
- PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
- Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. R. Smit led her services today.
- "Rev. Ibe and family are scheduled to visit the saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, NE., today. Our pastor will lead them in their worship service at 9 A.M. The theme of the sermon is: “Ang Pag-Iyak ng Mga Kababaihan ng Jerusalem”[Lukas 23: 27 – 31]. Ptr. Ibe will also lead them in their study of the Essentials of the Reformed Doctrine at 10:45 A.M. All the Lord willing."
- Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. D. Kleyn led her worship services today. "In our second worship service, we will have a sermon to remember the passion and death of Christ (Article 67 of the Church Order, FPRCP)."
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 continues to re-broadcast a series of Prof. C. Griess on the doctrines of grace (five points of Calvinism). Today's message is titled "Irresistible Grace (1)" based on John 6:37. For the April RHW Newsletter, visit this page.
- 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 form itself was adopted by the Synod of Dordt (1618–19) as the authoritative form for the administration and celebration of the sacrament of the Supper by both the Reformed churches in the Netherlands and by Dutch-speaking churches in the tradition of Dordt elsewhere in the world. Over the years the form has been adopted, translated, and used by most—if not all—Reformed churches that stand in the tradition of Dordt.
The Lord’s supper form, therefore, expresses the faith of orthodox, Reformed Christianity concerning the supper and all the rich implications of the supper for doctrine and life."
- 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
"Here is clear and plain prophecy: When Christ shall ride into Jerusalem, He will not come, as worldly kings are wont, on a proud steed, clothed in armor, with implements of war, but He will come, as the Evangelist says, meek, or as the prophet terms it, lowly. It is as if the prophet would thus warn everyone, saying: Mark well the ass, and know that He who comes on it is the true Messiah. Therefore, beware; do not look for a golden crown, sumptuous apparel or costly ornaments, or any great display. For Christ will come poor, with a meek and lowly heart, and will not be seen otherwise than riding upon an ass. This is all the pomp and glory He will show the world at His entry into Jerusalem” ~ Martin Luther, in a sermon on Matthew 21:1-9) - taken from SE-PRC's bulletin today
"Hosanna to the Son of David. This prayer is taken from Psalm 118:25. Matthew relates expressly the Hebrew words, in order to inform us, that these applauses were not rashly bestowed on Christ, and that the disciples did not utter without consideration the prayers which came to their lips, but that they followed with reverence the form of prayer, which the Holy Spirit had prescribed to the whole Church by the mouth of the Prophet. For, though he speaks there of his own kingdom, yet there is no reason to doubt that he principally looks, and intends others to look, to the eternal succession, which the Lord had promised to him. He drew up a perpetual form of prayer, which would be observed, even when the wealth of the kingdom was decayed; and therefore it was a prevailing custom, that prayers for the promised redemption were generally presented in these words. And the design of Matthew was, as we have just hinted, to quote in Hebrew a well-known psalm, for the purpose of showing that Christ was acknowledged by the multitude as a Redeemer. …Nor was it only the ancient people whom God enjoined to pray daily for the kingdom of Christ, but the same rule is now laid down for us. And certainly, as it is the will of God to reign only in the person of his Son, when we say, May thy kingdom come, under this petition is conveyed the same thing which is expressed more clearly in the psalm. Besides, when we pray to God to maintain his Son as our King, we acknowledge that this kingdom was not erected by men, and is not upheld by the power of men, but remains invincible through heavenly protection." ~ J. Calvin's comments on Matt.21:9