PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for November 12, 2023 *(Updated)

Today, November 12, is the forty-sixth 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.

My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes. My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness. Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight. Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments. ~ Psalm 119:171-176

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

• Rev. M. Koerner was ordained and installed as a minister of the Word and sacraments in a special worship service held this past Thursday, Nov.9, and now begins serving as the pastor of Hosanna PRC in Edmonton, AB. For more on this, including photos from that special night, visit this page. May the Lord grant him grace to be a faithful minister of the gospel and to have a fruitful ministry in that congregation. 
  
  
• Rev. M. Kortus, who has accepted the call to Zion PRC (Jenison, MI), preaches his farewell in Hope PRC (Redlands, CA) this evening.  This week he and his family plan to move to West Michigan.
  
  
• Today Rev. G. Eriks declined the call from Loveland PRC.
  
  
• Today Hope PRC-Redlands,CA voted to call a new pastor from the trio the Council adopted: Revs. N. Decker (Grandville PRC), J. Mahtani (Hope PRC – Walker, MI), and J. Smidstra (First PRC – Holland MI).  UPDATE: Rev. Smidstra has received this call.
  
  
• Lynden (WA) PRC's Consistory has formed a new trio from which the congregation will chose today: Revs. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC), J. Engelsma (Crete PRC), and G. Eriks (Unity PRC). UPDATE: Rev. Engelsma has received this call.
  
  
• Hudsonville PRC's Council has chosen a new trio from which the congregation will call on November 19 after the evening service: Revs. J. Engelsma (Crete PRC), W. Langerak (Trinity PRC), and D. Noorman (SW PRC). 

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs:  Prof. C. Griess and Rev. D. Noorman in Georgetown PRC; Rev. D. Holstege and Prof. B. Huizinga in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. R. Barnhill (2nd week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. J. Marcus (2nd week) in Lynden PRC; Prof. M. DeVries in Randolph PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. D. Holstege 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 Congregational Notices:

• Byron Center (MI) PRC: "The community Bible study meets at church this week Thursday, November 16, at 7:30 PM. We plan to begin our discussion at John 21:10. We hope you can join us and bring a friend!"
  
  
• Faith PRC Evangelism Committee (Jenison, MI): Financial Stewardship Seminar: Saturday morning (9-11:30), January 27, 2024 at the church. Married couples, single members, young (teens and up!) and old, plan to attend Faith PRC Evangelism Committee's financial stewardship seminar! There will be keynote presentations as well as breakout sessions for various age groups on biblical money management and stewardship principles. Look for more information, including registration, soon!

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• As previously reported the Ad Hoc Committee of Synod 2023 signed a contract with Guidepost Solutions for a denomination wide investigation of sexual abuse in the PRCA. The committee now reports that the first phase of the engagement has begun. A detailed letter containing links to a “hotline” and survey has been sent to all of the clerks in the denomination for distribution. This letter can also be accessed by the public via a link on the PRCA.org homepage [See the tab on far right above, "Guidepost 3rd Party Investigation" or use the link here]. The Ad Hoc Committee encourages all members of the PRCA to read the letter, to take part in the survey, and to share it with anyone who may be able to provide information for this investigation.
  
  
• 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!

Rev. D. Noorman (PRTS class of 2017, pastor of Southwest PRC) led the chapel on Nov.1 at the PRC Seminary.

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PR Theological Seminary will enter its eleventh week of the first semester 2023-24 tomorrow. We thank the Lord for providing for our needs each week. Continue to pray for the faculty, students, and staff as we begin the final third of the semester.
• The second round of practice preaching will be held tomorrow morning at SW PRC, with Sems. B. Feekstra and A. Van Dyke delivering their new sermons.
• This week Joe Ophoff will lead the daily devotions. There will no chapel on Wednesday due to practice preaching on Monday.
• This past Tuesday, Nov.7, Prof. C. Griess successfully defend his ThM thesis ( "The Art Homily: A Neglected Homiletical Method?") at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary.  We thank the Lord for His goodness in preparing him and enabling him for this last phase of his degree program. He plans to graduate in December. 
• Senior Arend Haveman is in the final weeks of his summer-fall internship (July-December) in Pittsburgh PRC under Rev. W. Bruinsma. He is busy with all aspects of the ministry, and is regularly preaching new sermons. After the internship is completed, he will return for this final semester next year, Lord willing.
• Prof. C. Griess gave a speech at the pre-Classis West Officebearers' Conference on sexual abuse on Sept.26 in Crete PRC (IL). Prof. Griess' speech may be found here and on the seminary's YouTube channel.
• This Fall, in connection with a special conference held online for interested people in Mexico, Prof. R. Cammenga prepared three lectures on the errors of the well-meant offer of the gospel and the truth of the Reformed-biblical call of the gospel. You may find these lectures on the seminary's YouTube channel.
• The Fall 2023 issue of the PR Theological Journal is back from the printer and will be mailed out this week. The digital editions have been posted on the journal page (click on the link provided here). This latest issue features three articles related to the Reformed controversy with the Remonstrants (Arminians) and a reprint of a special Reformation feature from an early issue of the PRTJ. To read the last one (Spring 2023), visit the link provided here. 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 normal 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 Pastor Wee preached. This special note was in her bulletin today with regard to her recent visitors: "Thank God for granting our missionary pastor Rev Singh and church visitors Pastor Key and Elder Dave Kregel safe travels back home. Thank God for answering your prayers concerning the church visitation. Ordinarily, the church visitation takes place over one night. But thanks be to God that we had such in-depth and fruitful discussion that the formal discussions stretched over two nights."
  • A new issue of Salt Shakers is out! #70, "Time Is Running Out," concerns the Christian's use of time; find a variety of articles on timely subjetcs in this issue! Written especially for young people and young adults, SS is edifying for all adults!

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully in the CPRC. This past week Rev. Stewart spoke four times at a conference in Budapest, Hungary, the theme of which was “The Local Congregation: Seeking the Welfare of the Church.”
  • The September 2023 issue of Covenant Reformed News was published last month. Visit the link to read the articles on "Nehemiah's Godly Enquiry Concerning Jerusalem" and Rev. R. Hanko's answers to questions about the covenant of redemption.
    
  • The CPRC YouTube channel may be found here.

• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
  • Berean PRC bulletin: "We welcome in our midst Rev. Audred and Mrs. Alva Spriensma. May God bless them as we are blessed by God through their presence with us." The Spriensma's will be returning to the States on Tuesday. And, "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, NE will join us in our worship services via Livestreamed at our Facebook account."
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe filled her pulpit 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 (November 2023) the RWH will broadcast four gospel messages by Rev. W. Bruinsma, including a special Thanksgiving message on Nov.26. Today's message is titled "Jehovah Does What Pleases Him" and is based on Psalm 135:5,6. For the November 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 the month of November only, get your copies of Peace for the Troubled Heart for only $14—that's more than 50% off! Order by clicking the picture below or the "Monthly Sales" button on the RFPA website homepage! Herman Hoeksema has been called one of the greatest devotional writers of the 20th century. This book, comprised of 37 meditations, addresses the theme of struggle and suffering in the life of every believer who lives as a pilgrim of this world. Hoeksema, in his warm, personal, often poetic style, masterfully exercises the spiritual gift of devotional writing in Peace. Click to Order

• In need of sound biblical and Reformed catechism materials for children and young people? Check out the PRC's full curriculum of materials here. Call the PRC Seminary for help with any of these materials (616-531-1490).
  
  
• 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 out of 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 notice: The Reformed Book Outlet will be open extra hours on Thursday, November 16 in coordination with the Hudsonville Holiday Parade. If you are in the area for the night, please stop in! We will be open until 6:30 PM, and we will have coffee and hot chocolate available!

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

 "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,” Rev 1:10

The wicked world claims this day as their own to do as they please and for their own pleasures. But Rev 1:10 reminds us, this day, Sunday, belongs to the King of Kings, our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:27)

This day, our Lord Jesus Christ gives us to, as it were, repair our spiritual armour. After a week of intense fighting against the Devil, the wicked world and our own sinful flesh, there are cracks forming on our helmets and shields. A miracle that they have held up through the relentless and pounding blows of temptations and Satan’s fiery darts of deception. This day, from sun up to sun down, God gives us to sit under the preaching, so that our faith is again strengthened. Our blunt swords sharpen.

It would be sheer foolishness to forget or forsake this true rest!

So come and frequent the Lord’s house. Drink deeply of the sweetness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Shed tears of true heartfelt repentance. Stand in awe and the power of Jesus’s salvation of us. Then march out with hearts filled with joy and thankfulness. With hearts filled with comfort and confidence in the finished work of Christ at the cross.

Restless souls in a world of unrest, come let us rest in Christ.

~ Taken from today's Covenant ERC-Singapore bulletin, written by Pastor J. Tan in his "pastoral voice" note to the congregation