Today, December 31, the fifty-second Lord's Day of 2023, we stand at the end of this year of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are reminded of the changing and fleeting nature of our lives here in this world, but also of the unchanging and enduring nature of our sovereign God. In faithfulness once more He has led us, cared for us, and guided us closer to our eternal home. May we trust Him and walk with Him as we embark on a new year tomorrow.
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.
New Year's Day Services will be held in the PRC congregations Monday morning, January 1. You are cordially invited to join us in worship of our faithful God and Father, bringing Him our gifts of thanks and praise for His true and fulfilling covenant promises.
Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. ...The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. ~ Psalm 90:1-2; 10-12
CONGREGATIONAL NEWS
- On December 18 Lynden PRC (WA) voted to call Rev. H. Bleyenberg (Immanuel PRC, Lacombe, AB). He plans to answer next Sunday, January 7.
- Hope PRC-Redlands, CA will call from her new trio today: Revs. M. De Boer (Edgerton PRC), N. Decker (Grandville PRC) and J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Walker, MI). UPDATE: Rev. Mahtani has received this call.
- Georgetown PRC's Council announces a new trio from which to call a pastor: Revs. Allen Brummel (Calvary PRC, Hull, IA), Joshua D. Engelsma (Crete PRC), and David Noorman (Southwest PRC). The congregational meeting to vote for one of these men will be January 21, 2024.
- Effective on Jan.1, 2024, is the emeritation of Rev. W. Bruinsma, pastor of Pittsburgh PRC, after 45 years of ministry (ordained in October 1978), both as a pastor (Faith PRC, First-Holland PRC, Kalamazoo PRC, and Pittsburgh) and missionary (Jamaica and Pittsburgh). We thank the Lord for using him and his wife Mary for great good in the churches and on the mission field, and pray that He will continue to use them as they serve Him and the PRC in other ways in the years to come.
New Officebearer Resources: As many new officebearers are installed in this time of the year, we make you aware of a special resource page for elders and deacons (and pastors) on the PRC website. Here you will find sermons, elder and deacon seminar speeches, and recommended books and seminary syllabi on subjects related to your work.
Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. C. Griess and Rev. G. Eriks in Georgetown PRC; Prof. B. Huizinga (2nd week plus New Year's) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Sem. A. Van Dyke and Rev. D. Noorman in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. S. Key (and New Year's) in Loveland PRC; Elder led in Lynden 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:
- Byron Center PRC (MI): The Community Bible Study meets this Thursday [Jan.4] at 7:30 PM at church to continue our study of the book of Philippians. Discussion will begin on the content of chapter 1. We hope you can bring a friend and join us!
- Upcoming, January 27, 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. There is no charge for attending! Nursery will be provided. Join us for an instructive and edifying morning! Visit Faith PRC's website for registration ( 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 a place yet to be determined 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 under the last full moon of 2023 this past week
PRC Seminary Notices:
- The PR Theological Seminary ended regular classes on Friday (Dec.15) and completed final exams on Dec.22. The seminary is now recessing from Dec.23-Jan.7. Pray for a time of rest and refreshment for faculty and students during the break. During this time the seminary will remain open and staff will be available to help with any needs, except on Christmas day and New Year's. Keep in mind that the bookstore has many items for gift-giving in this time of the year!
- The Theological School Committee is thankful to report that Prof. Cory Griess has completed his ThM degree in Historical Theology from Puritan Reformed Seminary. As part of this degree Prof. Griess successfully defended his thesis on the method of homiletics taught in the Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary, "The Art Homily: A Neglected Homiletical Method?”
- Even though faculty and students are on break from normal teaching and studies, they are still busy with 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 for pulpit supply; Prof. Gritters to Ballymena, N. Ireland for church visitation (Jan.4-15), preaching, and lecturing; and Prof. Kuiper and Sem. A. Van Dyke to the Philippines (Jan.2-15). May the Lord bless their travels and the labors they perform on behalf of the churches.
- Senior Arend Haveman will finish his internship (July-December) tomorrow in Pittsburgh PRC under Rev. W. Bruinsma. He will be leading the New Year's service and then return home to west Michigan this week. He will be taking his final semester beginning on January 23.
- Seminary Interim Class on 1953: Prof. R. Dykstra is teaching the seminary interim class on the schism of 1953, which will be open to interested individuals. The class will cover the history of the schism as well as the church political issues, and particularly the doctrinal issue of God’s covenant of grace. The Lord willing, the class will meet in the mornings of January 8, 9, 12, and 15-19, from 9AM until 11:30AM. If you are interested in attending, please call and register with Valerie Kleyn (531-1490) at the seminary..
- 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.).
- 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 both pastors preached. In today's "pastoral voice" there is note about her special New Year's Day retreat tomorrow: "The organizing committee would like to invite all members and regular worshippers of CERC to the 2024 New Year Retreat on the First Day of The Year 2024. The event will be held in church and will start at 10.00am. The programme will end with lunch at 12.30pm. The highlight of the event is the sharing by various ministries & committees and prayers by the church leaders. Please register early to facilitate the planning of the event."
- 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 subjects in this issue! Written especially for young people and young adults, SS is edifying for all adults!
- Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. Today both pastors preached. In today's "pastoral voice" there is note about her special New Year's Day retreat tomorrow: "The organizing committee would like to invite all members and regular worshippers of CERC to the 2024 New Year Retreat on the First Day of The Year 2024. The event will be held in church and will start at 10.00am. The programme will end with lunch at 12.30pm. The highlight of the event is the sharing by various ministries & committees and prayers by the church leaders. Please register early to facilitate the planning of the event."
- Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
- Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully in the CPRC. Special notices in her bulletin: "Prof. & Lori Gritters and Elder Sid Miedema are to arrive on Friday, 5 January and be with us until Monday, 15 January." And, "Prof. Gritters will be giving a lecture on “The Ongoing Battle for the Sabbath” on Wednesday, 10 January, at 7:30 PM. Plan now to attend and invite family and friends!"
- The December issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is now available! 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: Rev. V. Ibe led her worship services today. During her second service new officebearers were installed. 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 note concerning Rev. Ibe's recent visit to Bacolod and Sipalay, SNO: "We greatly rejoice in the Lord for the blessings He poured out upon the labors of our pastor with the pastors and saints both in Bacolod and SNO. The lecture on “The Sovereign-Particular-Gracious Everlasting Covenant of Grace was well received; likewise, the meeting with the pastors in SNO went well, and the “Thanksgiving service” at the Reformed Christian Church in Canturay, Sipalay City was so warm and full of joy indeed. God be praised. We continue to solicit your prayers for and upon the saints in Bacolod and SNO that God may sustain and preserve them in and for the truth in Christ Jesus, our Lord. God willing, the next visit is scheduled for January 22 – 23, 2024."
- Provident PRC bulletin:
- Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her worship services today. During her second service new officebearers were installed. 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."
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 Old Year's Day message is titled "God's Faithfulness" and is based on 1 Thessalonians 4:24. 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.).
Facing trials and afflictions at present? Do you have fears facing the new year? Read this resource for peace and comfort and hope in Jesus Christ!
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.
- 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.
This Week's Thought for Contemplation
"And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How old art thou? And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage." ~ Gen.47:8,9
How old are you?
Embarrassing question, you say!
Perhaps it is for some! Maybe you prefer not to answer it!
But such a question can prove to be very salutary! Especially is this so when one considers it wisely. It suggests, among other things, the fleetness of life; and it calls for retrospection, the careful taking of inventory of one's life.
Such was the question wherewith Pharaoh, king of Egypt, confronted Jacob. This third of a triumvirate of saints had lately come to Egypt at the invitation of his son Joseph, whom God had exalted so highly that he sat next to Pharaoh. And at the behest of Joseph, Jacob is brought before the monarch who is greeted by the venerable old saint with the salutation such dignitaries deserve; and where the grey-haired old gentleman is immediately asked the question: How old art thou?
That question evoked not only the answer as to the number of the years the saint had lived; but it caused all the years to pass in retrospect before his consciousness, so that he could properly assess them!
As this year draws to its close, another year of our lives is ended. Not only has the plan of God for the history of the world reached another milepost in its approach to its culmination, a fact in itself serious enough for earnest consideration. For though a thousand years with God are as one day, and vice versa, we know that the world's history is reckoned by years. Each successive year brings that history to its consummation. And from that point of view the end of this year is indicative of the fact that God is realizing His counsel for the ages. But our lives also have made an approach to their end! The foolish, of course, will fail to take this into consideration. He thinks he shall live forever. And with eating and drinking, with merrymaking, the blowing of whistles and the ringing of bells, he will attempt to drown out the thought concerning the fastly approaching end. But the saint, the child of God, will very seriously consider the passing of his years! Not so much to complain of their rapid passing, but to consider his calling as it must be fitted into a space of life which compared with that of others may appear to be very short, but which when considered in the line of duty may recall the trials and the testings, the joys and the evils to be experienced as one treads out the path on which his pilgrimage takes him!
~ Taken from a Standard Bearer Meditation by Rev. M. Schipper, "A Saint Recounting His Life"