PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for July 16, 2023 *(Updated)

Today, July 16, is the twenty-ninth 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.

Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise? Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times. Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation; That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance. ~ Psalm 106:1-5

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

• Today Rev. D. Kleyn (missionary to the Philippines) accepted the call to Doon PRC (IA), thereby declining the call from Hudsonville PRC.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Walker, MI) declined the call to Lynden (WA) PRC. Today the Consistory announced a new trio of Revs. D. Noorman (SW PRC-Wyoming, MI) and J. Smidstra (First PRC-Holland, MI) and Cand. M. Koerner.
  
  
• Zion PRC voted tonight to call from her trio of Revs. N. Decker (Grandville PRC) and M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA), and Cand. M. Koerner. UPDATE: Cand. Koerner has received this call.
  
  
• 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. UPDATE: Rev. DeBoer has received this call.
  
  
• Randolph PRC's Council announces a new trio: Candidate Matthew Koerner, Rev. Jacob Maatman (SE PRC-Wyoming, MI), and Rev. Richard Smit (missionary). The congregational meeting is planned for July 23, after the morning service.

• Georgetown PRC's Council has announced a new trio: Revs. Audred Spriensma (Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN), David Noorman, and Jon Mahtani. The congregational meeting will be held August 6 after the morning service.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs:  Cand. M. Koerner (2nd week) in Doon (IA) PRC; Rev. A. Spriensma and Prof. C. Griess in Georgetown PRC; Rev. M. Kortus (2nd week) in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Sem. A. Van Dyke and Rev. A. Spriensma in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. S. Key in Loveland PRC; Elders lead in Lynden PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper in Randolph PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. J. Laning 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

•  Faith PRC-Jenison, MI: The Evangelism Committee placed a copy of Rev. J. Korterings book, "Evangelism in the Established Church," in everyone's mailbox this week, along with this note to the congregation: "These were provided by the Domestic Mission Committee [which recently reprinted it]. The DMC desires to encourage the active personal witnessing of the members of our churches and is convinced this book is most helpful in teaching us. Often it can be heard, 'But we don’t know how to effectively witness…to speak of the hope that is within us. How do we start that conversation?' Rev. Kortering’s gift in teaching us to witness is evident in this book."
• Pittsburgh PRC: "The Evangelism committee will be hosting a 6-week interactive class based on the book Shepherding a Child’s Heart starting on Wednesday, August 2nd at 7 pm in the church basement. With this class there will be a video recording, discussion and refreshments. Please be sure to mark your calendars!"

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

Special PRC delegation from Doon PRC and the FMC: "A delegation on behalf of the Foreign Mission Committee and the Doon Council will be travelling to the Philippines this week. Brian and Denise Gritters (FMC) and Jim and Brenda Regnerus (Doon) are scheduled to visit Rev. and Sharon Kleyn and extend a farewell to the Filipino saints as the work of the FMC in the Philippines draws to a close. May our almighty Father grant safety in travel and His blessings upon these labors."

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!

Screenshot of Prof. B. Gritters teaching his church discipline class this past Wednesday night in Hudsonville PRC (see more information on that and this week's class below)

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 at 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. He is currently on several church trios and awaits a call. 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. 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..
  • Second class on Church Discipline. Wednesday, July 19, 7PM (EST), the Seminary-sponsored course on Christian discipline continues at Hudsonville PRC. The subject this week is the objects of church discipline. The class will answer such questions as: 1) May the church discipline non-confessing members? 2) May discipline continue when someone 'asks for their papers'? 3) May discipline be imposed on a member mentally ill? Knowledge of the first class (available on the seminary's website) is not required to understand this second class. All are welcome to attend or watch the livestream from Hudsonville PRC's website.  Here is the link for the outline for this class.
  • Here is the link for last week's class (July 12) on The Church Order on Discipline (and the reasons why discipline is the work of the whole church). And here is a link to the outline for this class.
  • And here is the link for this past week's class, The Proper Objects of Discipline (July 19), and the outline.
• 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:

• Georgetown PRC re Pastor Paulraj in Vellore, India (today's bulletin): 

  Pastor Paul Raj. At his doctors consultation this week Paulraj received the good news that his chemotherapy and radiation therapy is now complete. The doctor reported that he believes the cancer is gone and that he may now return to his regular work as his strength returns. We praise the Lord for this wonderful news and asked for the continued blessing of the Spirit upon all of his labors in the Vellore Protestant Reformed Church. Below is part of a message from Paul sent to us yesterday:

  “Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord, Words fail to thank you appropriately for all your love, care and support throughout the medical crisis that I allowed to endure. God has been so good in all of these.  As of now, I speak moderately, yet I love to preach this Sunday for both congregations. Please continue to keep me in your prayers as I am on the way of recovery. ~ Paulraj”
  
  

• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  • Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. Today's bulletin contains more on the importance of Christian education:  "God tells us exactly what brings glory to Him in His Word. We need not grope in darkness nor imagine our own principles of Christian education. God’s Word is sufficient to instruct us what it means to and how to educate our children. Never man’s wisdom or experience, but God’s word is the final authority over all education. This is a crucial point to establish in our hearts and cement in our minds. For without this truth that Scripture alone is the governing principle of Christian education, we will follow our old man of sin and educate our children according to our own wisdom."
    
  • 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. A new newsletter was published this past week and will soon be posted on a webpage.
  • The new issues of Covenant Reformed News are out - June 2023 has been published this week and July will be soon. (Look for June's soon! Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart (clothed with Christ) and R. Hanko (the days of Noah #2).
  • The CPRC YouTube channel may be found here.
    
    
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
  • Special delegation from Doon PRC and the FMC: "A delegation from Doon PRC, Elder Jim Regnerus, and the FMC, Elder Brian Gritters with their wives and a few daughters plan to visit Rev. and Sis. Sharon Kleyn and to spend a couple of Sundays in the PRCP churches to conclude the many years of work in the Philippines. They plan to stay here from July 21 to 31, God willing. This is also an opportune time for the saints here in both churches, Berean and Provident to thank the Lord for the many years of faithful and fruitful labors and oversight of the Doon PRC and FMC of the mission work of the PRCA through Revs. Spriensma, Smit, Kleyn, and Holstege. God be Praised!"
  • 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 via Livestream at our official Facebook page today."
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. D. Kleyn led her 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 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 by Rev. Bruinsma is titled "Watching for Christ's Return" based on 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6. 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

"What does it mean to love your wife? The world says that love is simply an emotion. It is a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. It is something that you can fall into and also something you can fall out of. But that is not true love. Love is not a feeling, but a decision and a commit­ment. Love is demanded of us whether we feel it or not. Love is a decision and commitment to esteem our wife highly and consider her to be delightful and precious. It means we think this way and treat her this way even when she is undeserving of it and we do not feel like it.

"The husband’s love must be modeled after Christ’s. Consider these five characteristics:

• First, his love must be unconditional. His love is not based on whether his wife first submits to him. His love is not conditioned on her abilities or attractiveness. He is called to love her unconditionally and at all times.
• Second, his love must be tender. He must nourish his wife: nurture her so that she grows. And he must cherish her: hold her dear and precious. He must be gentle and careful with her so that he does not destroy or break her. I Peter 3:7 says, “Likewise ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”
• Third, his love must be sacrificial. His concern is not first about himself. He is not selfish and demand­ing. But his love means that he gives himself for his wife. He is willing to suffer and even to die to provide for and protect her.
• Fourth, his love must be close. He does not live independently of her. He is not gone all the time at work or with his buddies. But in love he lives with her. He is home and spends time with her. He shares his life with her so that the two are the closest of friends and companions. It has been rightly said that for a husband “love” is spelled T-I-M-E.
• Fifth, his love is expressed. He does not leave her to doubt his love by being cold or giving her the silent treatment. His attitude is not, “I told her at our wedding that I love her, and if anything changes she will know.” He may not think, “It’s not manly to express feelings.” Or, “That’s not my thing. I’m not good at that. It doesn’t come naturally.” You must express your love for her. She must never doubt but always be reminded of your love. Show this in words, in actions, in helping around the house, in spending quality time with her.

"For the one who is already a husband, love your wife as Christ loves the church! For the one who is not yet married, prepare yourself to love your future wife with the holy love of Christ!"

Taken from the article "The Christian Man as Husband" by Rev. J. Engelsma, one of this month's featured reources