PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for August 6, 2023

Today, August 6, is the thirty-second 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.

Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise; For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue. They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause. ...But do thou for me, O GOD the Lord, for thy name's sake: because thy mercy is good, deliver thou me. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me. ...I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth; yea, I will praise him among the multitude. For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul. ~ Psalm 109:1-3 21-22, 30-31

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

• Today Georgetown PRC voted to call Rev. Audred Spriensma (Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN).
  
  
• Cand. M. Koerner is considering the call to Randolph (WI) PRC (received July 23). He is also considering a call from Zion PRC (Jenison, MI - received July 16), which he plans to answer on or before Sept.3.
  
  
• Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton-MN PRC) is considering the call to Loveland (CO) PRC (received July 17).
  
  
• Rev. J. Smidstra (1st PRC-Holland, MI) is considering the call to Lynden (WA) PRC (received July 23).
  
  
• Rev. R. Smit is considering the call to Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB) [received July 23). He plans to answer by next week, August 13.
  
  
• Hudsonville PRC votes next week (August 13, after evening service) from her Council's new trio: Candidate Matt Koerner, Rev. W. Langerak (Trinity PRC) and Rev. J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Walker, MI).

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs:  Rev. J. Laning in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. D. Noorman in Georgetown PRC; Rev. R. Barnhill (1st week) in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. M. McGeown in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. S. Regnerus (1st week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. A. Stewart (2nd week) in Lynden PRC; Rev. R. Smit in Randolph PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. J. Smidstra 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!

Special Upcoming Congregational Activities: The Deacons at Hudsonville PRC are planning a conference for Saturday morning, September 16 at 8:30 AM. Rev. Matahni will begin with a short speech followed by breakout sessions. The topic of the conference is “Ministry of Mercy in Christ’s Church”. Potential, current, and former deacons are welcome! Please register for this event at bit.ly/Deacon2023.

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

2023 Young Peoples Convention: This week, Grandville PRC is excited to welcome the young people and chaperones to the 2023 Young Peoples Convention at Lake Williamson Christian Center in Carlinville, IL! Busses will begin loading at CCHS at 5:30AM tomorrow morning. We are looking forward to a week of fun and fellowship! TONIGHT is the pre-convention Singspiration at 7:45PM at Fairhaven Church in Jenison, MI. Let's be in prayer for the conventioneers and chaperones this week, that they may have a blessed time of fellowship and growth in the gospel.

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!

Prof. B. Gritters teaching his church discipline class Wednesday nights (July 12 - August 16) 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.
• Prof. C. Griess has completed his ThM thesis through Puritan Reformed Seminary in Grand Rapids and is preparing to teach courses for the first time this fall. We give thanks to God for this progress in the transition between Prof. Gritters and him.
• Senior seminarian M. Koerner was examined at the PRC Synod June 13-15, unanimously approved as a candidate for the ministry of the Word and sacraments in the PRC, and is currently eligible for a call. As of this date he has received two calls (Zion PRC and Randolph PRC). We 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.
• Synod 2023 approved a proposal from the Theological School Committee (TSC) for a special entrance program (SSEP) for older men who aspire to the ministry in the PRC. It may now be reported that the first student enrolled in this program has been approved after an interview with the TSC this past week (August 1). Mr. Joe Ophoff, currently a member of Loveland PRC, plans to move to west Michigan next week with his wife and five children, so as to begin his special program (August 29), which initially involves finishing some pre-seminary requirements and beginning some seminary-level courses. Details are still being worked out and await approval at the TSC meeting this month.
• *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 9. 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..
  • First class on Church Discipline (July 12):  Here is the link for the July 12 class 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.
  • Second class on Church Discipline (July 19): Wednesday, July 19 at Hudsonville PRC. The subject this week is the objects of church discipline. The class addressed 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? Here is the link for the outline for this class. And here is the link for the July 19 class: The Proper Objects of Discipline, and the outline.
  • Third Class on Church Discipline (July 26): Wednesday, July 26 was the third class on Discipline at Hudsonville PRC, sponsored by the Protestant Reformed Seminary. Prof. B. Gritters gave instruction on the method and steps of discipline, beginning with the fundamental teaching of Jesus in Matthew 18. What is "the way of Matthew 18" and is it required for all sins? Welcome to all, in person, or through Hudsonville PRC's livestream. Here are the links for this class: The Act of Discipline According to Matthew 18 and the Outline.
  • Fourth Class on Church Discipline (August 2): Prof. Gritters' fourth class on church discipline was held on August 2 at 7PM at Hudsonville PRC. Included will be instruction how elders are to receive, investigate, and make charges of sin. How is a motion formulated to put someone under discipline? What do visits to impenitent sinners look like? What is required before classis may approve announcing a name? Knowledge of the first three classes is not necessary to profit from this fourth class. Welcome to all, in person, or through Hudsonville PRC's livestream. Here are the links for this class: Outline for this class; Video of this class
  • Fifth (and final) Class on Church Discipline (August 9): Prof. B. Gritters' fifth class on church discipline was held Wednesday August 9 at Hudsonville PRC. When a sinner is to be forgiven and restored, how does the Christian or the consistory judge true repentance? What is "sufficient evidence of repentance"? How can we avoid the error of being naive, or the other error of being too rigorous and uncharitable? Knowledge of the first four classes is not necessary to profit from this fifth class. Welcome to all, in person, or through Hudsonville PRC's livestream. Here are the links for this class: Outline for class #5; Video of this class
• Sem. Arend Haveman is doing his senior-year internship this summer and fall (July-December) in Pittsburgh PRC under Rev. W. Bruinsma. He is next scheduled to lead a service in this evening. Sem. A. Van Dyke (licensed to speak a word of edification in the churches this Spring) is keeping busy with work and preaching assignments. Sem. B. Feenstra has returned home to Redlands, CA for the summer.
• *Advance notice: The annual convocation of the PRTS will be hosted by Hope PRC (GR) on Wednesday, September 6, at 7 PM. All are invited and encouraged to join with faculty, students, and the Theological School Committee as we call on the Lord and seek His blessing on the upcoming school year. Prof. Huizinga will be the speaker, and the PRSO will perform a special number.
• 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 some comments on Matt.5:16 (in connection with their country's National Day): "Now the child of God, is called to shine. To truly shine. To shine according to the Word of God. The child of God is called to reveal an otherworldly glory. To display before all a heavenly glory here in this dark world. You and I are called to shine an eternal glory that will be never lost. Ultimately, the children of God shine so gloriously, so blindingly, so powerfully, that the children of darkness seek to corrupt that light or murder the child of light. The child of God shines with a borrowed light. The child of God radiates with a reflected splendour. You and I shine with the light of Jesus Christ. Like the moon that gives off no light of its own whatsoever. God’s people have no light inherent of their own. All their light comes from the Sun of Righteousness. So the child of God knows there is no place for pride in his heart. He is filled with deep humility."
    
  • 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 month and is available in the churches (*see the attachment to this news post).
  • Special note: Pastor and Mary Stewart  are currently on holiday for 3 weeks in the U.S. (until August 15). Prof. Doug & Teresa and Daniel Kuiper are staying there at present, with Prof. Kuiper preaching for the CPRC on the next three Lord’s days. 
  • The new issues of Covenant Reformed News are out - June 2023 has been published and now July 2023 also. 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:
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Elders Umali and Penaverde led her worship services today. And, "Rev. Ibe will lead the saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, NE. in their worship service at 9:30 AM today. Rev. Ibe will also conclude the YP retreat today as he gives the 3rd speech before the young men and women of both BPRC and AGPRF, D.V."
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. D. Kleyn led her worship services today. He will also be leading her Wednesday night Bible study on the book of Acts.
  • The Berean PRC Young People, together with the young people of All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship held its 1st joint retreat this weekend at Leivy-Lance Resort, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija. The theme was: “Ye Are the Salt and Light of the World” (Mt. 5: 13-14). Three speeches under this theme were given by Rev. Ibe. I. The Life of Our Youth, II. The Songs of Our Youth, and III. The Hope of Our Youth.

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 series on the signs of Christ's coming by Rev. W. Bruinsma. Today's message is titled "Lawlessness in Society" based on Matthew 24:12,13. For the August 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.).

• 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) is now 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

Is the Christian Faith Easy?

We are tempted to say, Yes!

Everyone wants an easy religion, a religion that tells him he is basically good; a religion that tells him God loves everyone and therefore overlooks anything an individual does wrong. Everyone wants a religion that gives ways for man to better himself and his society to make life easier and more pleasurable.

Almost anyone would go along with that kind of religion.

But that is not Christianity.

It is not easy to be a Christian. To make it sound easy, or to change it so that it is easy, is deception. Christianity gives proper recognition to God's greatness and man's sinfulness. There is no easy way to bring harmony between the Holy God and the sinner. However the things that are impossible with men, are possible with God (Luke 18:27).

WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN?

1. A Christian believes in God Who reveals Himself in the Bible.

The Bible is God's own Word and therefore authoritative for all of life.

"No prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (II Peter 1:20, 21).

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (II Timothy 3:16).The Triune God is the Creator.

"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him." (Colossians 1:16).

God is Holy and hates all sin.

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness" (Romans 1:18).

God sees and knows all things.

"Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do" (Hebrews 4:13).

~ Rev. S. Key in one of this month's featured pamphlets, Is the Christian Faith Easy?