Today, November 19, is the forty-seventh 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.
This Thursday, November 23, the PRC congregations in the U.S. will gather for worship in the morning for the annual Thanksgiving Day service. Those without a church home or visiting near one of these congregations are cordially invited to join them in praising and thanking the Lord for His goodness, and in expressing complete dependence on Him for all our material and spiritual gifts. "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." ~ Psalm 100:4
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.
CONGREGATIONAL NEWS
- This evening Hudsonville PRC voted for a new pastor from the Council's new trio of Revs. J. Engelsma (Crete PRC), W. Langerak (Trinity PRC), and D. Noorman (SW PRC). UPDATE: Rev. Noorman has received this call.
- Last Sunday Rev. G. Eriks declined the call from Loveland PRC.
- Last Sunday Hope PRC-Redlands, CA voted to call Rev. J. Smidstra (First PRC – Holland MI). He plans to answer by December 3.
- Last Sunday Lynden (WA) PRC extended a call to Rev. J. Engelsma (Crete PRC). He plans to answer by December 3.
Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. C. Griess (and Thanksgiving Day) and Rev. C. Haak in Georgetown PRC; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. M. McGeown in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. K. Koole (1st week) and Thanksgiving Day in Loveland PRC; Elders lead; Rev. R. Smit Thanksgiving Day and next Sunday (26th) in Lynden PRC; Rev. S. Regnerus (Rev. J. Laning Thanksgiving Day and next Sunday) in Randolph PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. D. Lee (and Rev. Koole, Thanksgiving Day) 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:
- Upcoming - 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!
A frosty sunrise greeted the seminary this past Monday morning and all week the "autumn glory" maples along the driveway were at their peak.
PRC Seminary Notices:
- The PR Theological Seminary will enter its twelfth week of the first semester 2023-24 tomorrow. This Thursday and Friday will be our Thanksgiving break, as we pause to praise and thank our God for His manifold goodness and grace. We also thank you for the ongoing prayer support and words of encouragement. Seminary will be open on Friday. "I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD." Psalm 116:17
- The second round of practice preaching was held last Monday with Sems. B. Feenstra and A. Van Dyke delivering their new sermons.
- 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.
- The Fall 2023 issue of the PR Theological Journal was 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. Plus, there is a good number of book reviews again, on a variety of subjects. 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:
- Hope PRC-Walker, MI re her work in Myanmar through Rev. Titus: "The Myanmar Committee reported that it held a video conference with Rev. Titus, Elder Naw Taung, and Deacon Joseph. The saints in Myanmar have been able to worship again because the military is presently distracted by fighting in other parts of the country. However, it appears that the war will be closing in on Yangon. ...Let us remember these beloved saints in prayer and ask the Lord to keep them strong in faith and safe under the shelter of his wings (Ps. 91:4)." (abbreviated report from her bulletin today; for more information, read the full report that was sent to the churches this week)
- Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
- Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. Today Pastor Tan preached. In today's "pastoral voice" there is a timely report and response on the Israel-Hamas war in the Middle East by Rev. M. Wee.
- 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.
- The September 2023 issue of Covenant Reformed News is the most recently published. Look for the October and November issues soon.
- 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 services today. 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: An elder led her services today.
- 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 Livestreamed at our Facebook account."
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 is broadcasting four gospel messages by Rev. W. Bruinsma, including a special Thanksgiving message on Nov.26. Today's message is titled "Prayer for Restored Joy" and is based on Psalm 51:10-12. 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.).
Why do we want and take our children with us in worship? Read this resource to find out sound biblical reasons for this practice in the PRC.
- 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 hosting their annual Holiday Open House again on Thursday, November 30, from 5-8pm. Most books, Bibles, Bible covers, and more will be 25% off, and we will have kids activities, snacks, cookie decorating, and a gift card giveaway! The Special Grounds coffee cart will also be open, with specialized coffee and hot chocolate available to purchase by donation. Make plans to join us anytime during the night!
This Week's Thought for Contemplation
And here is the wonder of it all, that God, the all glorious, has purposed through the church; the body of Christ with its many members, in whom He has poured out of His abundant grace, that that church should be the mouthpiece through whom praise shall ascend to Him that enumerates His perfections and thus glorifies Him. O, indeed, also the wicked shall bend the knee and acknowledge that He is God, but they cannot thank Him. But unto us has this grace been given.
Abundant grace makes the thanksgiving to abound!
The one grace of God is multiplied in myriads of reflections in the church chosen in Christ!
This grace overflows and comes out of many mouths through thanksgiving!
To the praise of God's glory!
Thus God glorifies Himself!
What an unspeakably precious gift that He will glorify Himself through us, and that He through the wonder of grace will draw from us His own praise in such a way that we consciously extol His praises with thanksgiving to Him!
This is true thanksgiving!
May we remember this when on Thanksgiving Day we enter His courts!
Now, of course, we realize this only with a small beginning of new obedience.
Presently, however, we shall stand in that vast multitude of redeemed that shall see Him face to face. Then unto all eternity shall ascend as a sweet incense to the Most High the praise and thanksgiving which is His due in heavenly perfection.
~ Taken from the Standard Bearer article "Grace Abounding Through Thanksgiving" by Marinus Schipper