Today, January 7, is the first Lord's Day of this new year of our Lord 2024. 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.
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. ~ Psalm 121:1-5
CONGREGATIONAL NEWS
- Today Rev. H. Bleyenberg (Immanuel PRC, Lacombe, AB) declined the call from Lynden PRC (WA).
- Last Sunday Rev. J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Walker, MI) received the call from Hope PRC-Redlands, CA.
- 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.
- 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 PRC) 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. W. Langerak in Georgetown PRC; Rev. J. Engelsma (1st week) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Prof. C. Griess in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. M. DeBoer (1st week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. S. Regnerus (1st week) 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:
- Faith PRC (Jenison, MI): The Reformed Doctrines Class will meet this Wednesday, January 10, at Faith Church at 7:30. Continuing its study of the doctrine of man, the class will consider the effect of the fall of Adam consisting of the depravity of the human race, particularly the questions whether depravity is “total” and whether the believer remains totally depraved. All are welcome.
- Hope PRC Ministry Podcast: "We are excited to feature daily devotionals from the RFPA book “Believing and Confessing: 365 Meditations on the Belgic Confession” during the month of January. In addition, we recently conducted two interviews with Prof. David Engelsma that are follow-ups to a series of interviews posted this past summer on the topic of divorce and remarriage. We will be reposting the original series along with the follow-up interviews this month. Please make this podcast a part of your day and continue to promote it with your friends, coworkers, and neighbors."
- Upcoming Note: Saturday, 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. Nusery will be provided. Join us for an instructive and edifying morning! Visit Faith PRC's website for registration ( https://faithprc.org ).
PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS
- Classis East will meet this Wednesday, Jan.10, 2024 at Hope PRC in Walker, MI. There is a full agenda, with several protests and and an appeal. Pray for wisdom and a spirit of unity as the delegates meet to treat the Lord's work. The agenda is available to registered users on the bulletin page under Classis East.
- 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.
- 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 ends its holiday break and returns for the January 2024 Interim this week. Regular classes will begin, D.V. on January 23 (see notes below).
- During the holiday break and now during interim, several faculty members and one student are traveling for special preaching/teaching/lecturing assignments. Prof. Huizinga was in Redlands, CA for pulipit supply over the holidays; Prof. Gritters is currently in Covenant PRC, Ballymena, N. Ireland for church visitation, preaching, and lecturing (until Jan.15); and Prof. Kuiper and Sem. A. Van Dyke left for the Philippines this week to preach and lecture for Berean and Provident PRCs there (until Jan.15). May the Lord bless their travels and the labors they perform on behalf of the churches.
- Beginnning tomorrow (Monday) the 2024 Interim class will begin. From January 8-19 (not the 10th or 11th due to the meeting of Classis East) Prof. R. Dykstra will teach his special course on the PRC's 1953 covenant controversy. The class will cover the history of the controversy and schism as well as the church political issues, and particularly the doctrinal issue of God’s covenant of grace. Auditors are welcome to join the class, which meets from 9 to 11:30 am, with a coffee break in the middle. Call the seminary or email the secretary (Val Kleyn) for more information and to sign up!
- The second semester will begin, D.V., on Tuesday, Jan.23. We welcome back from his fall internship in Pittsburgh PRC, senior Arend Haveman, who will be completing his studies this semester. We also hope to welcome back Prof. R. Cammenga, who continues to recover from his November heart surgery. He is coming along well, for which we thank our Father in heaven. This coming semester will be his last as a PRTS professor.
- The seminary faculty invite interested persons to audit four classes this semester: Prof Cammenga’s class of NT History (covering the history from the passion week through the apostle Paul’s missionary journeys), Prof. Kuiper’s class of Modern Church history (covering the history of the Protestant churches from the 1648 to the present), and Prof. Huizinga’s classes of Dogmatics (covering the study of the doctrine of man) and OT History (covering the era of the judges through the exile and return from captivity). If you are interested in attending, please contact the seminary secretary at 616-531-1490 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out the day and time the class you are interested in will meet or check the schedule posted on the PRC Seminary website.
- The Fall 2023 issue of the PR Theological Journal was completed and mailed in November of last year. 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" Pastor Tan has a special note about the changing of years: "As we enter into the new year, 2024, let us first and foremost remember that we are a new creature in Jesus Christ. Literally, a newly created creature or a new creation in our precious Lord and Saviour. That we are a new creation means that we all have undergone the greatest possible change in humanity. There isn’t in all of mankind, a more radical change of heart, soul and mind, than what each of us has already gone through. The change from 2023 to 2024 pales in comparison to what Jesus Christ worked in us. We went from those who were spiritually dead, filled with all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour (yelling and
quarreling), evil speaking, and malice, to becoming spiritually alive. - A last issue of Salt Shakers is #70, "Time Is Running Out," and 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!
- Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. Today both pastors preached. In today's "pastoral voice" Pastor Tan has a special note about the changing of years: "As we enter into the new year, 2024, let us first and foremost remember that we are a new creature in Jesus Christ. Literally, a newly created creature or a new creation in our precious Lord and Saviour. That we are a new creation means that we all have undergone the greatest possible change in humanity. There isn’t in all of mankind, a more radical change of heart, soul and mind, than what each of us has already gone through. The change from 2023 to 2024 pales in comparison to what Jesus Christ worked in us. We went from those who were spiritually dead, filled with all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour (yelling and
- 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: Sem. Aaron Van Dyke 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." And, "Prof. Kuiper is scheduled to speak on “The Duties of Elders and Deacons” on Sunday [January 14, 2024] at Berean PRC worship hall at 1:30 P.M., the Lord willing. All are greatly encouraged to join us."
- Special note from the PRCPs: "Prof. Douglas Kuiper and Seminarian Van Dyke arrived safely from Grand Rapids to Manila on Friday [Jan 5, 2024] at around noon time. Prof. Kuiper is scheduled to preach at Provident today in both of their worship services [in our church as well next Sunday, January 14, 2024], and Seminarian Aaron Van Dyke in our church today both services, God willing. Seminarian Van Dyke is likewise scheduled to preach for Provident next Sunday [both services] the Lord willing. We greatly rejoice to have Seminarian Van Dyke with us today to give a Word of edification/comfort. May God’s blessings rest upon our hearts as Christ ministers to us through him. God be praised."
- Provident PRC bulletin: Prof. D. Kuiper led her services today. Also this special note was placed: "Our Council and congregation express Christian sympathy and condolence to the Ibes for the passing of Rev. Vernon Ibe’s mother last Thursday (Dec 4.) We encourage everyone to lift the Ibes up in prayer at this moment of grief and bereavement." Let us also remember this pastor-brother and his family in prayer as he grieves this loss.
- Berean PRC bulletin: Sem. Aaron Van Dyke 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." And, "Prof. Kuiper is scheduled to speak on “The Duties of Elders and Deacons” on Sunday [January 14, 2024] at Berean PRC worship hall at 1:30 P.M., the Lord willing. All are greatly encouraged to join us."
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 (January 2024) the RWH is broadcasting four gospel messages, three by Rev. W. Bruinsma and one by Prof. D. Kuiper, which will begin a series on the Ten Comamndments. Today's new year's message is titled "The Lord Revealed from Heaven" and is based on 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10.
- 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.).
What do the Protestant Reformed Churches believe and practice? What makes her distinctive in the world of Christian and Reformed denominations? Read and study this resource to learn more about her.
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
"This God, Who is eternal and forever, is our God! He created us in Adam in the beginning and He recreated us in Christ Jesus, redeeming us from our sin and delivering us from our death. God made us living members of the church, chosen in Christ to life and glory, and gathered by the Son of God out of the whole human race by His Word and Spirit.
"This God is our God! He established His covenant of friendship and fellowship with us and our children. God maintains and realizes that covenant! This God causes all to work for our good and salvation. And this God, our God, does all, of this according to His counsel and by the power of His sovereign, particular grace!
"This eternal God will be our guide even unto death. The text, correctly translated, reads, "He will shepherd us." This means God will nourish and feed us. No man does this. Our eternal God does this by His grace and Holy Spirit through those whom He calls. God does this chiefly by means of the preaching of His inspired, infallible Word and by the use of the sacraments. That God shepherds us means as well that He rules us by His grace so that we willingly serve Him in love. God protects us from all our enemies, preserves and sustains us through every trial, every suffering, and through all of our sorrows. God gives us grace sufficient for our every need and guides us every step along our way, the way which He in His wisdom and love has determined for each of us.
"Our eternal God will shepherd us even unto death. This means simply that from the moment of our birth to the moment of our death God will shepherd us. He never leaves or forsakes us, not for a split second. God cares for us to the very end.
"And because this is true, nothing can be against us, nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. All things are for us!"
~ Taken from the Standard Bearer article "The Eternal God: Our Guide" by Robert D. Decker