PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for December 3, 2023

Today, December 3, is the forty-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.

Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying, Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD. And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings. ~ Isaiah 7:10-16

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

• This moring Rev. M. Kortus was installed as the second pastor in Zion PRC's history. Former pastor Rev. J. Holstege led the service and a welcome coffee for Rev. Kortus and his wife Sarah and children was held afterwards. May the Lord give this servant a faithful and fruitful ministry in this congregation.
  
  
• Today Rev. J. Smidstra (First PRC – Holland MI) declined the call from Hope PRC-Redlands, CA. 
  
  
• Today Rev. J. Engelsma (Crete PRC) declined the call from Lynden (WA) PRC.
  
  
• Rev D. Noorman (SW PRC) is considering the call from Hudsonville PRC (received Nov.19). He plans to answer by next Sunday.
  
  
• From Randolph PRC re Rev. R. Smit (recent bulletin): "Rev. Smit is planning to be in Randolph to preach the month of December. We now plan to install Rev. Smit on Sunday, December 24. Prof. Kuiper is scheduled to perform installation and preach for us that Sunday. The Smit family plans to move to Randolph on December 22."

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs:  Prof. C. Griess and Rev. K. Koole in Georgetown PRC; Elder led in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. J. Laning in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. H. Bleyenberg (1st week) in Loveland PRC; Elder led in Lynden PRC; Rev. R. Smit in Randolph 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 PRC (MI): "The Community Bible study meets this week Thursday [Dec.7], 7:30 PM, at church. We begin our study of the book of Philippians with an overview and introductory material. We hope you can join us and bring a friend!"
  
  
• Hope PRC-Grand Rapids, MI: "Hope PR Ministry Podcast: The content on our podcast is helpful for those who desire to learn more about the Protestant Reformed churches and who desire to grow in their understanding of the Reformed faith. We recently began posting a series of speeches from the 2014 BRF Conference on the topic of sanctification. This series will continue to be posted on Fridays through the end of December. In addition, Lord’s Day sermons are posted on Wednesdays and devotionals from “Watching Daily at My Gates” are posted daily. Thanks for tuning in and making us part of your day! Please continue to promote this podcast with your friends, coworkers, and neighbors."
  
  
• Unity PRC (Byron Center, MI): "We have another Community Bible Study meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 5. It will be held at the Byron Rec Center at 2120 76th St. in Byron Center. The topic this month is Entertainment and will be led by Jed Pipe. All are invited."
  
  
• 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 registration on Faith's website (faithprc.org) by Dec.11.

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!

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PR Theological Seminary will enter its fourteenth week of the first semester 2023-24 tomorrow. There are two weeks of classes left before final exams (Dec.18-22). Pray for faculty, students, and staff that we may have diligence in our labors as we finish this semester.
• Prof. R. Cammenga submitted to successful heart bypass surgery this past Monday and has now returned home. We thank the Lord for healing mercies and ask for Him to continue to grant Prof. Cammenga strength in this time of recovery.
• The Student Club (faculty and students) met this past week at the home of Prof. B. Huizinga with a profitable discussion on abuse.
• Isaac Van Baren is in charge of devotions this week. Rev. W. Langerak will speak for chapel on Wednesday.
• 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, including regular preaching. 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 recently mailed out. 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. Keep in mind that the bookstore has many items for gift-giving in this time of the year!
• For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website - and don't forget the blog!
  
  

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Georgetown PRC re work in Vellore, India: Rev. C. Haak and Mary and Joel and Ellen Bruinooge continue their stay and work in Vellore. This past week a special three-day conference was held in the new church building dedicated last Sunday. About the conference Rev. Haak wrote on Wednesday, "Today we finished the three day seminar on the church offices of Elder, Pastor, and Deacon. There were over 40 in attendance. Most of these were local pastors, students of the Sola Gratia program, and students for the ministry. The interest was evident all three days, the questions were frequent, and the discussion was lively. There is certainly a love and respect for the Word of God among them and an eagerness to learn. Many of the pastors have small congregations facing many difficulties. It was a joy and privilege to be with them and share in their fellowship as servants of God."
  
  
• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  • Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. Today both pastors preached. In today's "pastoral voice" there is a note by pastor Tan about how CERC is to live in prayerful fellowship together - applicable to all of us: "We are Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church. A church that believes in the truth of God’s word concerning the Covenant of Grace. That God does not save us individuals to remain individualistic, spiritual isolated and distant from others. But that God saves us into a spiritual family, never to be alone, but to dwell with brothers and sisters in Christ. That also means that we not only pray to God in our personal prayers by ourselves. But that also means that we wholeheartedly believe we are called by God to come together, young and old, single married, rich, poor, high low, all together as one and pray. We are of the same household of faith, beloved CERC Family."
    
  • 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 NOVEMBER issue of "Covenant Reformed News" was published this past week (the October issue was also recently published). Read the newest articles by Rev. Stewart on Nehemiah's palace prayer and Rev. R. Hanko's further treatment of 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:  Elders Umali and Penaverde led her services today. And, Rev. Ibe and family visited the saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija. Rev. Ibe led her worship service at 9AM and Bible study.
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Elder Mitch Suarez led her worship services today using video sermons of Rev. Steven Key.

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. Today's message is titled "God's Promise to His Church Confirmed" (1) and is based on Acts 2:39. For the December 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.).

Are you a Standard Bearer reader? This fall marks the beginning of volume 100 for the semi-monthly Reformed magazine, and if you are not yet a subscriber or if you used to be but stopped, now is the time to become a subscriber again. Each issue is packed with instructional and edifying articles on a wide variety of biblical and Reformed subjects.

• 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 having a 25% off sale during the entire of December! This sale applies to most ofThe Reformed Book Outlet will be having a 25% off sale during the entire of December! This sale applies to most ofour books, Bibles, Bible covers, gift items, and more. Shop in the store and the discount will be automatically applied,or shop online and use promo code DEC25 for 25% off eligible items. We will also be running a fill-a-bag sale instore only for any books in Neal’s Nook, which houses the book collection previously belonging to Neal Pastoor thatwas donated to the RBO for selling. Fill a provided bag with as many books as you can, and buy them all for $10!

This Week's Thought for Contemplation 

The prayer of Nehemiah 2:4 is clearly ejaculatory. First, it is spontaneous. After Artaxerxes asks, “For what dost thou make request?” Nehemiah tells us, “So I prayed to the God of heaven” (4). Second, it is silent. The Medo-Persian emperor did not hear Nehemiah say anything out loud to God (for that would have been weird). Nor did he see any movement of his cupbearer’s lips, unlike Eli who saw Hannah’s lips move in silent prayer (I Sam. 1:12-13). Third, Nehemiah’s prayer was short. Evidently King Artaxerxes did not even notice any pause before Nehemiah responded to his question.

I take it that you, beloved, are not strangers to ejaculatory prayer, that you too speed off brief darts of prayers to your heavenly Father amidst your many daily activities and that you do it often!

 Let us consider some very basic points regarding this ejaculatory prayer of Nehemiah, including, first, when he made it. Nehemiah was working, engaged in his gainful employment as an imperial cupbearer. 

Second, where was Nehemiah when he offered this ejaculatory prayer? In an imperial palace! If he can dart a prayer to Jehovah from there, so can we, by God’s grace, whether we are at school, in a hospital, at the office, in an aeroplane or at home.

Third, before whom did Nehemiah make this ejaculatory prayer? In the presence of an idolater who was probably the most powerful man on the planet! Yet, even then, who was this earthly monarch compared to the sovereign ruler over all! “Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven” (Neh. 2:4). We too can shoot our prayers to our covenant God in Jesus Christ our Redeemer before our bank manager, teacher, mother-in-law, employer or persecutor.

~ Taken from the newest Covenant Reformed News, "Nehemiah's Ejaculatory Prayer in the Palace" by Rev. A. Stewart (read all of this fine article at the link provided here)