PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for December 10, 2023

Today, December 10, is the forty-ninth 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.

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side.  ~ Isaiah 60:1-4

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

• Today Rev D. Noorman (SW PRC) declined the call from Hudsonville PRC.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. J. Smidstra (First PRC – Holland MI) declined the call from Hope PRC-Redlands, CA. 
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. J. Engelsma (Crete PRC) declined the call from Lynden (WA) PRC.
  
  
• Hope PRC-Redlands, CA: The Consistory announces a new trio from which to call a pastor (on Dec.31): Revs. M. De Boer (Edgerton PRC), N. Decker (Grandville PRC) and J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Walker, MI).
  
  
• Lynden (WA) PRC: The Consistory presents the following trio from which to call a minister: Revs. H. Bleyenberg, N. Decker, and G. Eriks. Voting on this trio will take place at the upcoming annual congregational meeting.
  
  
• Loveland PRC: Rev. S. Key is preaching for the saints at Covenant of Grace Fellowship in Spokane, WA this Sunday.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs:  Prof. C. Griess and Rev. C. Haak in Georgetown PRC; Rev. M. Koerner (1st week) led in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Prof. B. Gritters in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. H. Bleyenberg (2nd 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:

• Zion PRC (Jenison, MI) - Community Christmas Carol sing at the church, Dec.20, 7:30 p.m.
  
  
• Upcoming - Faith PRC Evangelism Committee (Jenison, MI): Financial Stewardship Seminar: How does the Lord want His servants to manage their money and other earthly goods? What does biblical stewardship require of us when it comes to making money, managing resources, and giving to the causes of God's kingdom? Learn sound principles from God's Word to help guide you in these matters at Faith PRC’s special evangelism seminar, Saturday morning, January 27, from 9-11:30 am at the church. Planned are keynote presentations and breakout sessions for all ages, from teenagers to couples to seniors. Nusery will be provided. Join us for an instructive and edifying morning! Visit Faith PRC's website for registration starting December 11 ( https://faithprc.org ).

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• The Ad Hoc Committee (PRC Synod 2023) reports that Guidepost is presently evaluating the survey results and estimates that it will take two weeks to compile data and report to the committee. The committee’s mandate is to discuss with Guidepost the priority of investigations going forward. The committee expresses its sincere gratitude for all who have submitted surveys and responded via the hotline. Although the survey has ended, the hotline (mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) will be open throughout the duration of the investigation.
  
  
• Classis East will next meet on Wednesday, Jan.10, 2024 at Hope PRC in Walker, MI. The agenda is available to registered users on the bulletin page under Classis East.

• 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. W. Langerak leads chapel this past Wednesday, and will again this week.

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PR Theological Seminary will enter its fiftteenth and final week of classes in this first semester 2023-24 tomorrow, followed by exams the week of December 18-22. Pray for faculty, students, and staff that we may have diligence in our labors as we finish this semester.
• Joe Ophoff is in charge of devotions this week. Rev. W. Langerak (Trinity PRC) will again 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. 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 completed and mailed out last month. 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: The delegation of Rev. C. Haak and Mary and Joel and Ellen Bruinooge returned home this past week after a busy time of labor and fellowship among the saints in Vellore PRC and the Grace Foster Home.
  
  
• 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 Wee about the Council encouraging more prayer time together as a congregation: "The Council hopes that we can all come together and pray with and for each other, regardless of our particular demographic (young or old, male or female, etc). All of us have the Spirit of Christ in us, anointed to by prophets, priests, and kings, and are able to pray together, by the Holy Spirit.The Council hopes that we can all come together and pray with and for each other, regardless of our particular demographic (young or old, male or female, etc). All of us have the Spirit of Christ in us, anointed to by prophets, priests, and kings, and are able to pray together, by the Holy Spirit.The first prayer meeting will be held on 31 December, in between services. More details will be given, then, on the format of the prayer meeting, which will typically involve a short devotions by a brother, sharing of church prayer items, and then breaking up into small groups to share our items and to pray for one another. We are also open to feedback on how we can improve the format of the prayer meeting, moving forward."
    
  • 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 last week (look for the December issue next -and a new newsletter!). 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:  Rev. V. Ibe led her services today. And, "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services today via live streamed through our official Facebook account."  
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: The elders led her services 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 (December 2023) the RWH is broadcasting five gospel messages by Rev. W. Bruinsma, including special Christmas and Old Year's ones. Today's message is titled "God's Promise to His Church Confirmed" (2) 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.).

On Sale for December! Born for Our Salvation by Rev. M. McGeown

• 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 

 Luke 2 is the Bible’s most detailed account of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.  It is very familiar to us.  It is the chapter that is read perhaps more than any other chapter in the Bible.  It illustrates that God’s Word never grows stale.  It shows that God’s Word has a depth that cannot be plumbed.  It is a straightforward, simple story of what simply cannot be comprehended in the human mind or heart.  For it is the message of the wonder of the incarnation.  Eternal God, second person of the Trinity, made flesh for us sinners.

Mary and Joseph were brought by the providence of God to the city of Bethlehem, where, in a stable, the eternal Son of God was born in our flesh in order that He might open for us the door of heaven.  Really the whole Bible is written to explain what happened as it is recorded in Luke 2.  The whole Bible tells us what happened there, why it happened, and the result of it happening.  Apart from the explanation of the Bible, you could never understand what happened in the birth of Jesus Christ.  You would have to be like those in Luke 2:18 who, when they heard these things, wondered at what was told them by the shepherds and passed on, never understanding in their heart.

The Bible tells us that what happened was the wonder of God’s grace.  What better verse of Scripture to tell us what the birth of Jesus Christ really was than John 3:16.  That is probably the most familiar verse in the whole Bible.  If Luke 2 is the most familiar chapter, John 3:16 is the most familiar verse.  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

What I would like to do today is to place John 3:16 over the top of Luke 2 and hear God’s explanation for the birth of our Lord — hear the only explanation for Christmas.

I know that much controversy has swirled around John 3:16.  This verse is one that has been terribly distorted in the false assumption that the word “world” means “all men head for head,” and it is used to teach that there is a universal love of God for all men.  But that is not the Bible.  Nor is it the verse itself.  For the world that is referred to in John 3:16 is the world that believeth in Him.  And the Bible tells us that those who believe in Him do so because God has elected them and given them that faith.

But my purpose is not only to tell you what John 3:16 does not mean, and to defend it over against those who would distort it.  My purpose is to demonstrate that John 3:16 shows God’s great love for the world; for the church of all ages; for His church out of every race, nation, and time; for you and for me and for every one who by His grace is come to believe in Jesus Christ.  Never did the love of God shine so brightly as when the baby Jesus lay in the manger.

Let us listen to the only explanation for Christmas.

~ Taken from the radio sermon "The Only Explanation for Christmas" by Rev. C. Haak