PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for June 25, 2023

Today, June 25, is the twenty-sixth 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.

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. ~ Psalm 103:1-5

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

• Rev. D. Kleyn (missionary to the Philippines) is considering calls to Hudsonville PRC (received June 4) and Doon (IA) PRC (received June 18). He plans to answer by July 16.
  
  
• Last Sunday Lynden PRC (WA) voted to call Rev. J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Walker, MI) to be her next pastor.
  
  
• Today Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA) declined the calls he had received from Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB) and Loveland-CO PRC. 
  

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs:  Rev. S. Key (2nd week) in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. C. Haak in Georgetown PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. G. Eriks in Hudsonville PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper in Loveland PRC; Rev. K. Koole (2nd week) in Lynden PRC; Rev. J. Engelsma in Randolph PRC; Rev. R. Smit and Rev. J. Mahtani 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!

Congregational Evangelism Activities/Events

• Georgetown PRC (Hudsonville, MI): "Vacation Bible School Registration is now open! Please visit https://www.georgetownprc.org/events to sign up. Join us July 25-28 as we dive deep into the account of Noah and the flood! Please take a few flyers from the bulletin table to pass out to friends and neighbors and encourage them to have their kids join us! We appreciate your help in spreading the Gospel to all those around us!"
• Southeast PRC (Wyoming, MI): "The Evangelism committee invites the congregation to join them in singing at Aurora Pond TODAY at 4 pm. As a reminder the residents love to hear the children sing if any families are able to make it."

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

PRC Synod 2023: The PRCA Synod of 2023 convened on Tuesday, June 13, and completed her work this past Monday, June 19. 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, June 15, 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. May the Lord show him soon where He will have him labor.

Another significant decision was the adoption of the overture from Providence PRC to hire a third party to investigate sexual abuse in the PRC and to appoint an ad hoc committee to contract with an organization and to receive and review the reports of this body. For more on that decision, visit this page.

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!

Newly admitted seminary student Isaac Van Baren is finishing his pre-seminary Greek reading this summer with Profs. D. Kuiper and B. Gritters. 

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 all served as advisors at the PRC Synod that met from June 13-16, 19 in Southwest PRC. Sem. M. Koerner was examined by the professors and synod 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 continues to prepare to take up the work as a pastor. Synod also approved the entrance of Isaac Van Baren into the seminary beginning this Fall. Isaac and his wife (Elizabeth) and two children moved from Southern California (Hope PRC-Redlands) to west Michigan this past week. He is completing some pre-sem classes yet this summer (see photo above) and will begin regular seminary classes in August.
• 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 moved there this past Friday, June 24, and is leading her services today. 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!
  
  

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 returned home this past Wednesday from his time at the PRC Synod, representing the CERC as sister church. And Rev. A. Stewart and his wife left Singapore this past week after participating in her annual church camp. From her bulletin today we find this note from them: "Beloved saints in CERC, Mary and I have greatly enjoyed our time in Singapore and with all of you at last week’s worship services, as well as with those of you who were able to participate in the Church Camp at Pulai Springs in Malaysia from Monday through Thursday. May the Lord stir us all up to labour together in the great work of building the walls of Zion!"
    
  • The latest 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. Rev.  Jim & Margaret Laning are serving here while Rev. Stewart and Mary were in Singapore for her church camp. Rev. Laning is preaching yet today before returning to the States early this week.
  • The latest issue of Covenant Reformed News is May 2023.  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."
    
  • 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 "To Provide and Protect" 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.). 

In the early- to mid-1950s, Herman Hoeksema delivered a series of radio sermons on each of the articles of the Apostles’ Creed, thereby presenting and explaining all of the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith. This collection of those sermons is therefore an excellent introduction to a Reformed understanding of the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith.

But the sermons in this book are more than theological expositions of the doctrines of the Apostles’ Creed. Hoeksema offers insightful, practical applications that flow from the truths of the Creed. Both the Creed’s doctrines and practical implications are crucially important—not only to the individual Christian—but also to the church as a whole. By expounding the Apostles’ Creed, Hoeksema demonstrates that its truths are not empty propositions but living declarations pointing to the Christian’s only hope and comfort in life and death—the triune God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 To order this new RFPA title, visit this page.

• 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

"As the pillar and ground of the truth, the church is called to maintain marriage. But so is each believer. The man, or woman, for whom the truth of marriage means sacrifice, suffering, and loss, perhaps all his life, is called to uphold marriage. There are such saints. There are men wickedly deserted, who must live alone all their lives. There are women whose husbands cannot function as husbands in the home, on account of accident or disease. There are men and women with miserable mates. These are called to bear their burdens and suffer for Christ's sake. God's Word and God's institutions are not changed to fit our circumstances. Every believer must be ready to deny himself and to suffer the loss of wife and children for Christ's sake. If one is not ready to do this, he is no disciple of Jesus. Churches today are making every effort to make Christianity an easy religion. It is not. Christ expressly said that His doctrine of marriage means that some make themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake (Matt. 19:12). The people of God in such circumstances will have grace to do what God requires of them. In just this way, they uphold marriage; they witness to the faithfulness of the real marriage. Faithfulness is not easy in the covenant relationship between Christ and the church. For Christ, it meant death; for us, it means tribulation.

"Every married person is called to maintain marriage, especially in these days of the undermining of marriage. He does this by actively, energetically living with his mate from day one of the marriage in the manner prescribed by the Word of God, Holy Scripture, i.e., according to the pattern of Christ and the church. It is a mistake to suppose that all that matters is that we not divorce. The husband must love his wife, day in and day out, after the starry-eyed romance has worn off, with a love that nourishes and cherishes (Eph. 5:25ff.). Live with her, the Word says (I Peter 3:7); live all your life through your wife (I Cor. 11:12); be understanding (I Peter 3:7). There may be no independency, no tyranny, and no bitterness (Col. 3:19). As Christ behaves towards the church ...

"The wife must submit and obey, reverencing her husband (Eph. 5:22ff.). She lives her life as a 'help' to her husband—this is her life (Gen. 2:18). Her one question is: 'How can I please my husband?' (I Cor. 7:34). There is no rebellion, insubordination, disobedience, or nagging; neither is there any independency, i.e., that the woman lives a certain part of her life 'on her own,' 'doing her own thing,' finding 'fulfilment' apart from her husband. Does the church live any part of her life independently of Christ? The moment that we do, we find 'fulfilment' with some other god, and this is what happens to many wives today—they end up 'fulfilled' in the arms of another man. The woman's 'liberation' movement is antichristian deviltry, from beginning to end. No Christian can make peace with it.

"Living so with each other, the husband loving and the wife submitting, the married couple simply rule out the very possibility of divorce. For the husband to love his wife means certainly that he does not divorce her; for her to submit means certainly that she does not run off and leave him. Besides, when he loves and she submits, they grow closer; the intimacy becomes deeper; and the unique bliss of marriage becomes richer. The thought of divorce never even comes into their heads.

"We must work at our marriages. It is exceedingly strange that we often devote our energy to other things, far less important than our marriage, and allow our marriage to drag along as best it can."

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