PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for July 9, 2023

Today, July 9, is the twenty-eighth 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.

O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore. Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen. ~ Psalm 105:1-6

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

• Rev. D. Kleyn (missionary to the Philippines) is considering calls to Hudsonville PRC (received June 4), Doon (IA) PRC (received June 18), and Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB - received July 2). He plans to answer the first two by July 16.
  
  
• Today Rev. J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Walker, MI) declined the call to Lynden (WA) PRC. 
  
  
• The Council of Zion PRC has formed a new trio to call a pastor: Revs. N. Decker (Grandville PRC), Candidate M. Koerner, and Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA). The congregational meeting is scheduled for July 16 after the evening service.
  
  
• The Consistory of Loveland PRC (CO) has formed a new trio from which to call a pastor: Rev. Matthew DeBoer (Edgerton PRC), Candidate Matt Koerner, and Rev. David Noorman (Southwest PRC). The congregational meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 17.
  
  
• Randolph PRC's Council announces a new trio: Candidate Matthew Koerner, Rev. Jacob Maatman, and Rev Richard Smit. The congregational meeting is planned for July 23, after the morning service.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs:  Cand. M. Koerner in Doon (IA) PRC; Rev. R. Smit and Rev. C. Haak in Georgetown PRC; Rev. M. Kortus (1st week) in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. W. Langerak in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. J. Marcus (2nd week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. J. Smidstra (2nd week) in Lynden PRC; Sem. A. Van Dyke in Randolph PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. M. McGeown 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

• Hope PRC (Walker, MI): "Hope PR Ministry Podcast - On Fridays in July we will be posting a series of interviews with Prof. Engelsma in which he discusses the biblical teaching of marriage, divorce, and remarriage. In a culture where marriage is minimized and divorce occurs for almost any reason, these interviews are timely and helpful for the child of God as he witnesses to the truth of God’s word regarding marriage. We encourage everyone to tune in to our podcast for these interviews. Please share them with your friends and acquaintances as well. In addition we will continue to post our regular content - daily devotionals and Rev. Mahtani’s Philippians sermons on Wednesdays. Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts, thanks for listening!"

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

PRC Synod 2023: The PRCA Synod of 2023 convened on Tuesday, June 13, and completed her work on 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. 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.

Special PRC delegation from Doon PRC and the FMC: "A delegation of Elder Jim Regnerus, representing Doon PRC and Elder Brian Gritters, representing the FMC along with their wives and few daughters plan 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. They plan to be here from July 21 to 31, the Lord willing." (Provident PRC's bulletin today)

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 is currently enjoying its summer break. The first semester of the 2023-24 term will begin, the Lord willing, on Tuesday, August 29. The schedule and calendar have been approved and are posted here. ​Continue to pray for faculty, students, and staff as we shift to other labors and responsibilities, including preparing for the 2023-24 school year.
• Senior seminarian M. Koerner was examined by the professors and the PRC Synod June 13-15 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. We praise and thank the Lord for this gift to the churches and pray for Matt and his wife Sharon as they wait on the Lord to know where He will have him begin his labors 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 have now moved from Southern California (Hope PRC-Redlands) to west Michigan. He is completing some pre-sem classes yet this summer 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. B. 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. This week's class will explain seven ways in which all God's people are privileged and called to participate in discipline, and how discipline may not and cannot be exercised only by elders.  We hope to see you there!  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.. Update: Here is the link for this week's class (July 12) on The Church Order on Discipline (and the reasons why discipline is the work of the whole church).
• Sem. Arend Haveman is doing his senior-year internship this summer and fall (July-December) in Pittsburgh PRC under Rev. W. Bruinsma. Sem. A. Van Dyke (licensed to speak a word of edification in the churches this Spring) 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. Today's bulletin contains this special note: "We thank God for the installation of officebearers that we have this morning. Let us be fervently praying for wisdom our office-bearers as Solomon prayed: “Give therefore Thy servant[s] an understanding heart to judge Thy people” (1 Kgs 3:9a)."
    
  • The latest issue of Salt Shakers is 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.
  • The latest issue of Covenant Reformed News is May 2023. (Look for June's soon!) 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.
  • Special delegation from Doon PRC and the FMC: "A delegation of Elder Jim Regnerus, representing Doon PRC and Elder Brian Gritters, representing the FMC along with their wives and few daughters plan 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. They plan to be here from July 21 to 31, the Lord willing."
  • Berean PRC bulletin: "Elders Penaverde and Umali will lead us in our worship services today." And, as for Rev. Ibe, "The BPRC Council supported and approved our pastor’s furlough/vacation from July 1 to August 11, 2023."
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: "Bro. Mitch Suarez will lead for us in our worship services and will use Video recordings of sermons of Rev. Michael De Vries and Prof. Barry Gritters from the PRCA for the preaching of God’s Word in our worship services today." And, Rev. D. Kleyn and Sis. Sharon are scheduled to visit the Bearers of Light Community Church in Guiguinto, Bulacan today, the Lord willing, in order to preach and teach there.
    

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 concludes the marriage series by Rev. C. Haak and begins a new series on the signs of Christ's coming by Rev. W. Bruinsma. Today's message is titled "A Beautiful Example of Fearless Submission" based on 1 Peter 5:5,6. For the July 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.). 

From the RFPA

"Intellectually challenging and stimulating, but most of all it is spiritually enriching."  --British Reformed Journal

• 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

"Jesus has commanded all those who are His to be baptized with pure water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, thereby signifying to us that, as water washeth away the filth of the body when poured upon it, and is seen on the body of the baptized when sprinkled upon him, so doth the blood of Christ, by the power of the Holy Ghost, internally sprinkle the soul, cleanse it from its sins, and regenerate us from children of wrath unto children of God. Not that this is effected by the external water, but by the sprinkling of the precious blood of the Son of God,5 who is our Red Sea, through which we must pass to escape the tyranny of Pharaoh, that is, the devil, and to enter into the spiritual land of Canaan. Therefore, the ministers, on their part, administer the sacrament, and that which is visible, but our Lord giveth that which is signified by the sacrament, namely, the gifts and invisible grace; washing, cleansing, and purging our souls of all filth and unrighteousness; renewing our hearts and filling them with all comfort; giving unto us a true assurance of His fatherly goodness; putting on us the new man, and putting off the old man with all his deeds. Therefore, we believe that every man who is earnestly studious of obtaining life eternal ought to be but once baptized with this only baptism, without ever repeating the same, since we cannot be born twice. Neither doth this baptism avail us only at the time when the water is poured upon us and received by us, but also through the whole course of our life.” (Belgic Confession, Art. 34) - found in Trinity PRC's bulletin today