Today, September 17, is the thirty-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.
Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake. Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. ...O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great. ...The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence. But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD. ~ Psalm 115:1-3,9, 12-13, 17-18
CONGREGATIONAL NEWS
- Last Sunday Loveland PRC voted to call Rev. D. Noorman (SW PRC-Wyoming, MI)l.
- Hudsonville PRC postponed their congregational meeting for the calling of her next pastor until next Sunday, Sept.24. The Council's new trio is: Revs. N. Decker (Grandville PRC), Rev. W. Langerak (Trinity PRC), and Rev. D. Noorman (SW PRC).
- On Sept.3 Cand. M. Koerner accepted the call from Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB). Plans have been made for him to be examined at the upcoming meeting of Classis West in Crete PRC (IL) on Sept.27. Pending approval of that examination, the brother will be ordained and installed in Hosanna.
- Randolph PRC's Council announces a new trio: Revs. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands), J. Maatman (SE PRC), and R. Smit (foreign missionary). The congregational meeting will be held on September 24, after the morning service.
- Zion PRC's Council has formed a new trio from which to call a pastor: Revs M. Kortus, J. Maatman, and J.Smidstra (First PRC-Holland, MI). The congregational meeting is set for Sunday, September 24 after the evening service.
- The Consistory of Lynden PRC (WA) presents a new trio: Rev. J. Engelsma, Rev. D. Noorman, and Rev. R. Smit. A congregational meeting is scheduled for Sunday, October 1, after the morning service.
- Georgetown PRC's Council has formed a new trio from which to call a pastor: Revs. A. Brummel, G. Eriks, and D. Noorman. The congregational meeting is set for Oct.8 after the morning service.
Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. M. DeBoer in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. C. Haak in Georgetown PRC; Rev. A. Brummel (2nd week) in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. N. Decker in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. S. Key in Loveland PRC; Rev. M. DeVries (1st week) in Lynden PRC; Rev. J. Laning in Randolph PRC; Rev. J. Holstege and Prof. D. Kuiper 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!
PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS
Trinity PRC (Hudsonville, MI), host of last week's meeting of Classis East
Classis East: Classis East met this past Wednesday, September 13, at Trinity PRC. For a summary of the actions and decisions, visit this page.
Covenant of Grace-Spokane, WA: Loveland PRC's Council is sending a delegation of Rev. Key, Elder Robert Brands, and Deacon Matthew Miersma to visit the saints in Spokane, WA this week. The purpose of this visit is to assist with the financial and spiritual needs of the remaining members and to evaluate the situation there as our council is providing spiritual oversight to Covenant of Grace at this time.
Reformed Doctrines Class: A new season of instruction in Prof. D. Engelsma’s Reformed Doctrines Class will begin on Wednesday, September 27 at Faith PRC (Jenison, MI), God willing. The class meets from 7:30 to 8:30 PM. The first class will treat of the creation and rebellious fall of Lucifer and a host of angels with him. It will consider the question, whether we take the devil and his demons seriously enough in the struggle of our Christian life. The class meets every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. All are welcome to attend.
Classis West: Classis West will hold its next regular meeting in Crete PRC (IL) on Wednesday, September 27.
Crete PRC will be hosting an officebearers' conference on Tuesday afternoon, September 26. The theme of the conference is “Abuse in Our Churches and the Proper Response.” The first speech will be given at 1:00 by Prof. C. Griess on the topic of “The Consistory’s Response to Sexual Abuse.” The second speech will be given at 2:30 by Prof. R. Dykstra on the topic “Repentance and Reconciliation of the Abuser.” There will also be a round table discussion after the second speech. The round table discussion will center around the theme of the conference “Abuse in our Churches and the Proper Response” and will be for officebearers only. Visitors are welcome to attend the speeches.
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!
Lunch on the patio behind seminary this past Friday included some guests once again
PRC Seminary Notices:
- The PR Theological Seminary will enter its fourth week of the first semester of the 2023-24 term tomorrow. Things are going well so far, for which we thank our gracious Father. The schedule and calendar have been posted here. The faculty, students and staff covet your prayers as we have begun this new school year.
- Rev. G. Eriks will lead the chapel on Wednesday this week, while Joe Ophoff will lead the daily devotions.
- The Theological School Committee (TSC) will be meeting this week Wednesday afternoon at the seminary.
- Seminary Convocation was held on Wednesday Sept.6. A full auditorium at Hope PRC (GR) participated in good singing, heard a powerful speech by Prof. B. Huizinga on "The Protestant Reformed Minister Today," as well as beautiful music from the PR Student Orchestra. The video of the convocation program is now available on the PRTS' YouTube channel.
- Senior Sem. Arend Haveman is doing his internship this summer and fall (July-December) in Pittsburgh PRC under Rev. W. Bruinsma. He is busy with all aspects of the ministry.The junior student this year is Aaron Van Dyke (Faith PRC); the sophomore is Bruce Feenstra (Hope-Redlands, CA; attending Hope PRC-Walker, MI); and the freshmen are Joseph Ophoff (Loveland PRC) and Isaac Van Baren (Hope PRC-Walker, MI). Sem. Ophoff is enrolled in the new special seminary entrance program (SSEP), which initially involves finishing some pre-seminary requirements and beginning some seminary-level courses.
- 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.). Look for the fall issue in a few months!
- During the school sessions 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 the CERC celebrated her 36th anniversary with a special program. The pastoral voice in the bulletin this week included this fitting note:
We thank God for His preserving hand on us as a church, over the past year, and over the past 36 years as well. He has kept us through many joyous times and hardships; the joy of beginning as a daughter church; the joy of having pastors and teachers, both foreign and local; the joy of having a local classis, the ERCS; the joy of many who have come from without, joining our church; the joy of watching a second, and a third generation growing up in the faith. We have had many sorrows and hardships in our history as a church as well; the sorrow of controversy, a split, and the dissolving of a sister church relationship; the sorrow of schism; the sorrow of those who have left us; the sorrow of many who have passed away (mingled with joy that they are now in heaven).
Many joys and sorrows we have had as a church. Many more await us, the Lord willing. Through it all, we know that God is faithful. 1 Corinthians 10:13: “There hath no
temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
May we bask in the goodness and faithfulness of God, who has preserved us in the past, and who will certainly preserve us in the years to come, as elect members of His church. - The last issue of Salt Shakers was 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.
- Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. Today the CERC celebrated her 36th anniversary with a special program. The pastoral voice in the bulletin this week included this fitting note:
- Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
- Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully in the CPRC.
- The August 2023 issue of Covenant Reformed News was recently published. Visit the link to read the articles on being clothed with Christ (part 3) and on why baptize all infants of believers by Rev. R. Hanko.
- 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 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." And this special note re the departure of the Kleyns: "We bid Rev. and Sis. Sharon Kleyn the Lord’s blessings as they go back to the U.S. tomorrow, D.V. We pray that God will provide them safe travel to the U.S. and that God will bless the ministry of Rev. Kleyn at Doon PRC as her new under-shepherd. We pray that God will uphold Provident PRC now that Rev. Kleyn will be gone in their midst who has long been their missionary/pastor."
- Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. D. Kleyn led her worship services for the last time 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 (September 2023) the RWH continues the series on the return of Jesus Christ by Rev. W. Bruinsma. Today's message is titled "Peace Shall Destoy Many" based on Daniel 8:23-25. For theSeptember 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 need of sound biblical and Reformed catechism materials for children and young people? Check out the PRC's full curriculum of materials here.
- 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.
This Week's Thought for Contemplation
Do You Know the True God? (1)
Do you know the true God? Not the god of man’s imagination, but the God of the Bible? This is an important question, because Jesus teaches us that eternal life is knowing God and His Son, Jesus Christ (John 17:3). If you are to live with God forever in heaven, you must know Him.
If you are interested in knowing the true God, please consider the following.(1) The True God
1. The true God is very great and glorious. He is so high and holy that nothing in all the world is like Him. He is the eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, unchangeable God (Ps. 113:4-6).
2. The true God is the Creator of the world. In six days, He created the heaven and earth and all that they contain. God also created you (Gen. 1).
3. The true God is the Sustainer of the world. He upholds every creature by His almighty power. He gives you life, breath, and all things (Acts 17:25, 28).
4. The true God is the Absolute Ruler of the world. He brings to pass His eternal will by His almighty power. God is your Ruler and King (Dan. 4:34-35).
Taken from one of this month's featured resources