PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for December 17, 2023 (Updated)

Today, December 17, is the fiftieth 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.

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land. In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.  ~ Jeremiah 33:14-16

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

• Last Sunday Rev D. Noorman (SW PRC) declined the call from Hudsonville 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. The congregation votes tomorrow evening, Dec.18. UPDATE: Rev. Bleyenberg received this call.
  
  
• Randolph PRC (WI): "We welcome Rev. Richard Smit into our midst today. Rev. Smit will be leading us in worship today. We anticipate the installation of Rev. Smit as our next minister this coming Sunday, December 24. Professor Kuiper is scheduled to perform installation and lead worship services next week. The Smit family plans to move into the parsonage at the end of this week."

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs:  Prof. A. Spriensma and Rev. C. Haak in Georgetown PRC; Rev. M. Koerner (2nd week) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. A. Spriensma in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. S. Key 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/Evangelism Notices:

• Zion PRC (Jenison, MI) - Community Christmas Carol sing at the church this Wednesday night, December 20, 7:30 p.m. All are welcome to join in singing praises to the Savior born in Bethlehem.
  
  
• Upcoming, January 2024! 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!

This past Friday was the seminary's final Friday lunch together of the semester, with wives and children invited.

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PR Theological Seminary ended regular classes on Friday (Dec.15) and will have final exams this week. Pray for faculty as they administer these exams and for the students as they take them. The seminary will recess from Dec.23-Jan.7. The seminary will remain open and staff will be available to help with any needs, except on Christmas day and New Year's. 
• With the end of the semester this week, faculty and students will break from normal teaching and studies but also be busy in other labors. Several faculty members will be traveling for special preaching assignments during the break and during the 2024 Interim (Prof. Huizinga to Redlands, CA, Prof. Gritters to Ballymena, N. Ireland for church visitation, Prof. Kuiper and Sem. A. Van Dyke to the Philippines). May the Lord bless their travels and the labors they perform on behalf of the churches.
• 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 2024 Interim class will be on the PRC controversy over the covenant in 1953 and will be taught for the final time by Prof. R. Dykstra. It will run at this time from Jan.8-9, 12 and 15-19. Look for a notice about auditors soon. The second semester will begin on Tuesday, Jan.23.
• 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!
  
  

Map of the Philippines (see note below on Rev. Ibe's labors this week)

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 both pastors preached. In today's "pastoral voice" there is a note about Adult CI (Christian Instruction) classes beginning, and here's the subject: "The first 3 classes (3&17 Dec, 7 Jan) will be on church discipline, a most important topic. Among other things, we learn of the purpose and necessity of discipline, the 3 steps of formal church discipline, and our duty and calling in the work of discipline, both as a church and as individuals."
    
  • 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 DECEMBER issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is now available! For the NOVEMBER issue, visit this link: "Covenant Reformed News".  Read the newest articles by Rev. Stewart on Nehemiah's palace prayer and Rev. R. Hanko's answer to a question about Jesus' weeping.
    
  • The CPRC YouTube channel may be found here.

• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Elders Penaverde and Umali led her worship 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."  
    
  • Special notice: Rev. Ibe (with his wife) plans to visit the pastors and saints in Bacolod and Sipalay, SNO this week, Dec. 19 – 21, 2023. "Rev. Ibe will give a lecture in both places on “The Sovereign-Unconditional-Particular Everlasting Covenant of Grace.” May God’s blessings rest upon them as they hear the Word of God. Pastor Ariel Labrador [of the Reformed Church in Canturay] also invited our pastor to give a Word of edification for their thanksgiving celebration on Dec. 21, at 9 A.M. God be praised for His gracious and marvelous works with and through the saints in these places in Bacolod and Sipalay, SNO."
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe 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 "You Cannot Serve Jehovah" and is based on Joshua 24:19-22. 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 from the RFPA for December! Born for Our Salvation by Rev. M. McGeown - 50% off this month! Great gift idea!

• 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 (3472 Harvey St.). 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 

 "But this we know.  The days were accomplished that she should be delivered — the days that God had determined, the moment that He had determined for this miracle, for this wonder.  Each day, each hour, each minute had counted down when this wonder of wonders was to be performed.  God’s only begotten Son, God of God, second person, the One before whom angels tremble with joy — He now is clothed in human flesh.  And He is held in the arms of a virgin.

"Stop and think.  Ever since Adam had sided with the devil and corrupted himself, every child born and every child born since the birth of Jesus Christ was born and is born as an enemy of God by nature.  But not this child.  In a world of men in whom there is absolutely no good thing of themselves, this child is now (Heb. 7:26) holy and undefiled and separate from sinners.

"But He is so much more.  He is God (Heb. 1), who had created all things and who by His own hand upholds all things.  He is Himself, as God, uncreated.  He is God everlasting.  He God infinite.  He is God almighty.  Is He cradled in the arms of His mother, Mary?  Yes.  But at the same time He holds her and all creatures in His hands.  John 1:  The Word, the eternal Word, who was with God and who was God, is now made flesh.  God gave His only begotten Son.  That is what happened.

 "Never was there a giving like this giving.  In that word “gave” is poured all the wonders of grace.  We should read it this way:  “God so loved the world that he gave over his only begotten Son.”  He did not loan His Son.  He did not dismiss His Son for a little while with no definite purpose.  But He gave Him over, He gave Him up.  He consigned Him to a specific place.  He sent Him for a clearly chosen purpose.  He gave Him over for us.  He sent Him into our place, to assume the place of judgment for our sins.

"Let the Bible tell you.  In Isaiah 53 we read, “God laid on him the iniquity of us all; surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.”  God gave His Son as the substitute for the sins of His people.  God gave His Son over to the place that was ours, the place of judgment.  Do you see the sentence of God hanging over you?  You are a guilty sinner.  You deserve eternal execution.  God gave His Son over to the place.  That is what happened.  That night in the stable in Bethlehem God gave His Son over to the place in which we would otherwise stand before His justice, so that now this baby must answer to God for my sins."

"You say to me, “Pastor, it’s Christmas!  Must we burden this Christmas joy, this story, with the baggage of theology—sin and guilt and punishment and God’s holiness and God’s justice?”  I am not burdening the story.  I am explaining to you the wonder of it.  And if you want to know what happened in Bethlehem, yes, you need to know these things.  If you are to truly be a happy person and to know the wonder of grace, you need to know these things personally.  It is there.  I am not bringing it in.  God writes all over the birth of Jesus Christ.  He wrote it all over the walls of the stable.  He wrote it all over the manger, those wooden slats where hay was placed and licked smooth by camels’ tongues.  He wrote it all over.  He wrote the gospel of sin (my sin) and grace (His grace)."

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