PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for August 13, 2023 *(Updated)

Today, August 13, is the thirty-third 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.

The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. ~ Psalm 110:1-4

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

• Today Rev. J. Smidstra (1st PRC-Holland, MI) declined the call to Lynden (WA) PRC.
  
  
• Last Sunday Georgetown PRC voted to call Rev. A. Spriensma (Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN).
  
  
• Rev. R. Smit is considering the call to Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB) [received July 23). UPDATE: Today he declined this call.
  
  
• Hudsonville PRC votes today (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). UPDATE: Rev. Mahtani has received this call.
  
  
• Cand. M. Koerner is considering the calls to Randolph (WI) PRC (received July 23) and Zion PRC (Jenison, MI - received July 16). 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). UPDATE: Rev. DeBoer has declined this call.
  

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs:  Prof. R. Dykstra in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. M. McGeown in Georgetown PRC; Rev. R. Barnhill (2nd week) in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Prof. C. Griess in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. S. Regnerus (2nd week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. C. Haak (1st of 3 weeks) in Lynden PRC; Elders led in Randolph PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. A. Stewart 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. Mahtani 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.

Congregational Evangelism Activities:

• Heritage PRC (Sioux Falls, SD): "The Heritage PRC Evangelism Committee warmly invites you to attend a presentation at Heritage PRC this Friday, August 18, at 7:00 PM. The presentation will deal with the topic of family devotions and will aim to give principles and also practical advice for this vital worship in the home. The event will be livestreamed on the Heritage PRC YouTube channel. Those able to come in person will receive a handout that will help them easily implement in their homes the instruction given at the presentation. Hope to see you there!
• Hope PRC (Walker, MI): "Hope PRC Ministry Podcast: In the past month, our podcast has featured a series of recently conducted interviews with Prof. Engelsma on marriage, divorce, and remarriage. The series also touches on the topic of spousal abuse. We have received some comments and questions from listeners and would be happy to have more. Don't miss an opportunity to comment on or submit questions for a follow-up interview with Prof. Engelsma in the very near future. Listen to the 4 interviews we recently conducted with Prof. Engelsma, share them with others, and submit feedback to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive responses in a future episode."

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

2023 Young Peoples Convention: We rejoice in and are thankful for the wonderful week for the 2023 Young Peoples Convention at Lake Williamson Christian Center in Carlinville, IL hosted by Grandville PRC. May the Lord be pleased to use all the experiences for the continued spiritual growth of the young people and for the good of the churches.

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 9) in Hudsonville PRC (see notes below for more information on the videos and outlines from this class)

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PR Theological Seminary is in the final weeks of 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.
• Seminary classes begin for the first semester on Tuesday, August 29. The seminary faculty invite interested persons to audit three classes this semester: Prof. R. Cammenga’s class of N.T. History (covering the intertestamental period up to the Passion Week), Prof. D. Kuiper’s class of Modern Church History (covering the history of the Protestant churches from the beginning of the Reformation to 1648), and Prof. B. Huizinga’s class of Dogmatics (covering the study of the doctrine of God). If you are interested in attending, please contact the seminary secretary at 616-531-1490 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out the day and time the class you are interested in will meet.
• 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.
• *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.
• Recent seminary graduate M. Koerner (now a candidate for the ministry of the Word and sacraments in the PRC) is considering two calls (Zion PRC-Jenison, MI and Randolph-WI PRC).
• 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.
• The PRC 2023 Synod 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 has completed some pre-sem classes this summer and will begin regular seminary classes in August.
• Synod 2023 also 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 on August 1. Mr. Joe Ophoff, currently a member of Loveland PRC, plans to move to west Michigan this 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 week (17th).
• 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
  • Prof Gritters' fifth and final class was held on August 9. Answers to untreated questions may be found here and on the seminary's website. Recordings of all the classes can be found there, as well as outlines and some of the handouts. Please take advantage of these summer courses online.
• 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 recent and upcoming events in their church fellowship: "We are thankful to God for the church activities we could have this past week. The FSM Family Day did not just have many members attend but also many of our new comers and regular worshippers. I also heard that God also gave some the opportunity to witness to passers-bys at Bishan Active Park during the Church event. May God bless the seeds sown. After every opportunity God gives us at “street-evangelism”, when after we have told others about Jesus Christ, and it seems that now we will never see them again and may even have the thought: was there a point in me giving my all in witnessing to the stranger, we ought to remember God’s promise to us in Acts 2:39 “For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”
    God promises us to gather his people not just from those “near us” but strangers that are afar of, even there, God promises us that His elect are found there, and every single one of them will be gathered into the church. But let us discuss this more at the upcoming Evangelism Seminar 2023 this coming Saturday on the 19th of August"
    
  • 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 newsletter was published last month (July) and is available in the churches (*see the attachment to this news post).
  • Special note: Pastor and Mary Stewart  are currently on holiday for three 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 for three Lord’s days, tofday being his third. 
  • The latest 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: Rev. V. Ibe led her worship services today. And, "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, NE. will join us in our worship services today via Livestream at our official Facebook account."
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. D. Kleyn led her worship services today. And, "Rev. D. Kleyn [missionary to the Philippines) accepted the call to Doon PRC as her new pastor. The Kleyns are scheduled to leave the Philippines on Monday [Sept. 18, 2023], D.V."

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 "Economic Imbalance" based on Revelation 6:5,6. 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?

2. A Christian sees himself or herself as a sinner.

Sin is the result of man's disobedience against God.

"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" (Romans 5:12).

God's law for us is that we love Him.

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind" (Matthew 22:37).

God judges us in the light of His holy law.

"Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one" (Psalm 53:3).

3. A Christian is one who stands before God in Christ.

Self justification is not the way of salvation.

"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away" (Isaiah 64:6).

Christ died on the cross to pay for the sins of His people.

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).

Christ alone guarantees the Christian's acceptance with God.

"And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith" (Philippians 3:9).

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