PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for June 18, 2023

Today, June 18, is the twenty-fifth 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.

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.

But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations. Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come. For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof. So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory. When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory. He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer. This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD. ~ Psalm 102:12-18

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

• Rev. D. Kleyn (missionary to the Philippines) is considering the call to Hudsonville PRC (received June 4).
  
  
• Today Lynden PRC (WA) voted to call Rev. J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Walker, MI) to be her next pastor.
  
  
• Today Doon PRC voted to call Rev. D. Kleyn (missionary to the Philippines) to be her next pastor.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC-Jenison, MI) declined the call to Zion PRC.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. D. Noorman (SW PRC-Wyoming, MI) declined the call to Randolph-WI PRC.
  
  
• Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA) is considering the calls to Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB) and to Loveland-CO PRC. He plans to answer these calls on or before June 25.
  

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs:  Rev. S. Key (1st week) in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. M. McGeown in Georgetown PRC; Rev. M. DeBoer (2nd week) in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Sem. A. Haveman in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. J. Holstege in Loveland PRC; Rev. K. Koole (1st week) in Lynden PRC; Sem. A, Van Dyke in Randolph PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Prof. D. Kuiper in Zion 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!

PRC Evangelism Activities/Events:

• Edgerton (MN) PRC: "May a woman be a preacher, an elder, or a deacon? Why or why not? If not, what is her role in the church and is it really that meaningful? Come to Edgerton Protestant Reformed Church on Friday, June 23 at 7 PM to hear Pastor Matt De Boer speak about the place a woman has in the church according to God’s Word."

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

Southwest PRC in Wyoming, MI, host this of year's PRC Synod

PRC Synod 2023: The PRCA Synod of 2023 convened last week Tuesday and labored through Friday but did not complete her work. It will reconvene Monday morning at 8 am. The pre-synodical service was held in Southwest Protestant Reformed Church Monday night, June 12. If you missed Rev. Steven Key's message, "In the Potter's Hand," visit the link here. The daily updates may be found on this section of the PRC website.

A highlight of synod was the approval of the examination and candidacy of Sem. Matt Koerner. His graduation program was held Thursday night in Southwest PRC. He is eligible for a call on or after July 15. We praise and thank the Lord for another candidate for the ministry of the Word and sacraments in the PRC. 

PRC 100th Anniversary: 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. The various committees of the 100th anniversary steering commitee are busy preparing for this historic event, including a special commemorative book. Watch for further notices and updates!

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PR Theological Seminary has now completed its second semester. As we enter the spring/summer break, continue to pray for faculty, students, and staff as we shift to other labors and responsibilities, including preparing for the 2023-24 school year.
• The professors are serving as advisors at the PRC Synod that began last week, June 13-16, in Southwest PRC and is continuing tomorrow. Sem. M. Koerner was examined by the professors and synod last week Tuesday-Thursday and was unanimously approved as a candidate for the ministry of the Word and sacraments in the PRC, eligible for a call on or after July 15. His graduation was held Thursday evening at the church, with Prof. R. Cammenga delivering the address. We praise and thank the Lord for this gift to the churches and pray for Matt as he contniues to prepare to take up the work as a pastor.
• Special Summer Class on Church Discipline: The Seminary is sponsoring another summer course for the public!  All members, men and women, young and old, are welcome to attend or watch online (see the livestream link below - Hudsonville PRC).  Prof Gritters will teach regarding the important topic of Christian Discipline.  Because all members participate in discipline, the course will be of interest to officebearers as well as non-officebearers.  Classes will be held in Hudsonville PRC, Wednesday evenings, from July 12 through August 16.  Time will be saved for questions.  For a detailed outline of the subjects to be taught, click on this link or email the seminary secretary:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Prof. Gritters:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  More details will be provided as we come closer to July 12.
• The faculty of the PRTS has licensed student Aaron Van Dyke to speak a word of edification in the churches. We are grateful for the brother’s progress to this point in his training. All scheduling of Mr. Van Dyke must be done through the seminary, either by sending a request to the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or the rector, Prof. R. Cammenga (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). 
• Sem. Arend Haveman will be doing his senior-year internship this summer and fall (July-December) in Pittsburgh PRC under Rev. W. Bruinsma. He plans to move there this week Friday, June 24. Sem. A. Van Dyke will keep busy with work and preaching assignments. Sem. B. Feenstra has returned home to Redlands, CA for the summer.
• The Spring 2023 issue of the PR Theological Journal was mailed out in late April. Digital copies have been posted on the journal webpage (see link here). The Spring issue features articles on a distinctive feature of PRC teaching on the covenant of grace, on the image of God in man from a conference in Mexico, on R.L. Dabney's "proposals of mercy," and the first part of a history of Classis West of the PRC - and, of course, several significant book reviews.  If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Valerie Kleyn, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
• During the summer months the seminary is open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (holidays excepted), 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!
  
  

Pastor M. Wee from the PRC's sister church in Singapore (Covenant ERC) is present at synod and led in devotion and gave an address to the body last week.

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  • Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. Rev. Wee is curently in the States, representing the CERC at the PRC Synod. And Rev. A. Stewart and his wife are in Singapore for her annual church camp. From her bulletin today we find this note from them: "Beloved saints in CERC, Mary and I are delighted to be back with you again after our previous visit in 2014. We bring to you the hearty greetings of your sister church, the Covenant Protestant Reformed Church in Northern Ireland (one of the 4 parts of the United Kingdom, along with England, Scotland and Wales). At the CERC Council’s request, between the two services today I will give a short presentation on (1) the CPRC itself, (2) our on-line translations and (3) our witness through our websites. At several points, I intend to give opportunities for questions from you. So if you would like to know more about your sister church in Western Europe, you will soon have a rare face-to-face opportunity."
    
  • There's a new issue of Salt Shakers out! Issue 69 is on the theme "GST: The Christian's Response." Especially for young people, the magazine contains a variety of articles and is edifying for ALL readers! Visit the link provided here to read and learn. 

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  
  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena. In the CPRC bulletin of June 4 we find this special notice: "Rev. James & Margaret Laning will be here 13-26 June. Rev. Laning will be preaching on 18 and 25 June. Rev. & Mary Stewart will be in Singapore and Malaysia, where Rev. Stewart is to preach and speak at the church camp of our sister church, the Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church."
  • There's a new issue of Covenant Reformed News out! The May 2023 was recenty posted here.  Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart (vessels of wrath fitted for destruction) and R. Hanko (the days of Noah).
  • The CPRC YouTube channel may be found here.
    
    
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
  • A March 2023 Newsletter has been published. Be sure to visit the linked page to learn about the latest news from the Philippines.
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her services today. And, "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, NE., will join us in our worship services today via live stream at our official Facebook account." And this special note: "Rev. D. Kleyn [PRCA Missionary] with Rev. Ibe and Elder Umali [Committee #1, representatives of PRCP], Elder Penaverde [BPRC] are scheduled to visit and meet the pastors, elders, and saints in SNO on June 19 -20, 2023, God willing. We look forward to meeting them and the pleasure of fellowship with each other in the bond of God’s sovereign grace in Christ Jesus, our Lord."
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. D. Kleyn led her services today. And this special note: "A delegation of Elder Jim Regnerus, representing Doon PRC and Elder Brian Gritters, representing the FMC along with their wives and few daughters plans to visit the Kleyns and also to be here for a few Sundays in the PRCP churches as conclusion to their many years of work in the Philippines, the Lord willing."

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 the marriage series by Rev. C. Haak. Today's message is titled "The Husband Is the Head of the Wife" based on Ephesians 5:23. For the June RWH 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 PRC Psalter is back in print. Need one for your family worship? Call the PRC Seminary for orders (616-531-1490)

• 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) ISnow operating in its new store in downtown Hudsonville! The new location is at 3472 Harvey St. in Hudsonville. Visit the store and browse the variety of resources for your Reformed-Christian faith and walk, including many children's titles. They are open Tuesday-Friday, 10-5, and Saturday 10-1.
• Special RBO Notice! The Reformed Book Outlet is bringing back its Summer Reading Challenge! The challenge will be held from June 20-August 19, and there are categories for both adults and children. Stop by the store to sign up anytime after June 20! If you are not in the West Michigan area and would like to participate, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to sign up!
  
  
• 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 church has special reason for proclaiming and defending marriage. In doing so, she witnesses to the gospel itself. Not only is the truth of marriage an important part of the doctrine of Jesus which He has commissioned us to teach all nations to observe (Matt. 28:19-20), but marriage itself is the symbol of the relationship of intimate love between Christ and His church—the symbol of the covenant of grace.

"Ephesians 5 teaches this. From verse 22 on, the Holy Spirit calls the wife to behave towards her husband as the church behaves towards Christ, and the man to behave towards his wife as Christ does towards the church, because marriage is the earthly picture of the spiritual relationship, or bond, between the heavenly Bridegroom and His wife. This is plainly stated in verse 32. Verse 31 has quoted God's words on marriage in Genesis 2:24, words that emphasize that marriage is intimate union: 'and they two shall be one flesh.' Then, Paul says: 'This is a great mystery.' What is a great mystery? Earthly, human marriage, we would answer. No, says Paul, 'but I speak concerning Christ and the church.' The reality of marriage is the intimate, covenant relation of Christ and the church, because marriage, my marriage, your marriage, the institution of marriage, is the God-appointed symbol of Christ and the church.

"In this real marriage, the one Man, Christ, and His bride, the elect church, are so united, by the wonder of the grace of the Holy Spirit, that the two become one: Christ is the Head, and we are the body. There is inseparable, unbreakable union. Christ never divorces us, much less takes another. By the power of His efficacious love, the church never leaves Him, gives herself to Him alone, and desires Him alone. Her love-song is: solo Christo, 'Christ alone.' By the grace of God, the covenant is characterized by faithfulness, faithfulness born of love and serving the interests of love.

"This constrains the church in her doctrine of marriage. As she hears the gospel of faithful love—and experiences it—so does she preach and defend faithfulness in marriage. Where the gospel of the gracious, faithful covenant is lost, there the picture is corrupted also. Always in Israel's history, two sordid things were found together: Israel went a-whoring from Jehovah after the idols, and Israelite husbands and wives committed adultery.

"Do not think for a moment that this implies that the church has no eye for the happiness of the saints, or that she lacks compassion for the sinner. But compassion for the sinner never lets him go on in sin. It calls him back. Perhaps it calls the sinner to a painful action, e.g., the Lord's 'sell all that thou hast ... and follow me,' but love imperiously calls the sinner from sin. Nor is the church unfeeling and hard-nosed in condemning divorce. Rather, in the love of Christ she seeks the genuine bliss of the saints. Divorce means ruin and misery, now and eternally. Marriage, even a difficult one, means joy—above all, and in any case, knowledge of the approval of God."

Taken from the pamphlet "Marriage and Divorce" by Prof. D. Engelsma