PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for January 14, 2024

Today, January 14, is the second 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 was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together: Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD. ..Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. ...Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good. ~ Psalm 122:1-4,6,9

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

• Many morning and evening services were cancelled in the west Michigan area today as a major winter storm hit Friday and Saturday, and then cold air and lake-effect snow followed last night and today. A reminder that "fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind" fulfill God's word (Ps. 148:8).
   
• Last Sunday Rev. H. Bleyenberg (Immanuel PRC, Lacombe, AB) declined the call from Lynden PRC (WA).
  
  
• Rev. J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Walker, MI) is considering the call from Hope PRC-Redlands, CA (received Dec.31).
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• The Council of Hudsonville PRC has chosen a new trio: Revs. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC), J. Engelsma (Crete PRC), and D. Lee (Kalamazoo PRC). The congregation will vote from the trio next week after the Sunday evening service, January 21.
  
  
• 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. C. Haak in Georgetown PRC; Rev. J. Engelsma (2nd week) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. E. Guichelaar in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. M. DeBoer (2nd week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. S. Regnerus (2nd week) led in Lynden PRC; Rev. W. Bruinsma (emeritus) in Pittsburgh 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, January 18, at 7:30 PM at church to continue our study of the book of Philippians. Discussion will begin at
  chapter 1 verse 9. We hope you can bring a friend and join us!
• Two weeks away! Saturday morning, 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 ).

See FMC note below about a delegation to San Luis Potosi, Mexico this week

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• Classis East met this past Wednesday, Jan.10 at Hope PRC in Walker, MI. Classis did as much work as it could, but is giving one of its committees extra time to bring advice on various protests. Classis will reconvene on Feb.8, D.V.  The agenda and now minutes are available to registered users on the bulletin page under Classis East. And there is a public report on this page of the website.
  
• Lord willing, the Foreign Mission Committee will be sending a delegation of Revs. Barnhill and Marcus to Axtla de Terrazas (in San Luis Potosi, Mexico) from January 15-22. The purpose of this delegation is to investigate a contact (pastor and congregation) which was brought to the attention of the FMC in recent months. Plans have been made to give four speeches during the week and preach twice on Sunday. The FMC asks for the prayers of the denomination in this work.
  
  
• 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 2-6, 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!

Prof. R. Dykstra teaching his 2024 Interim course this past week at PRTS.

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PR Theological Seminary is currently back in session - for the January 2024 Interim, which will continue this week Monday-Thursday, D.V. Regular classes will begin, D.V. on January 23 (see notes below).
  
• Due back early this week are Prof. B. Gritters who has been in Covenant PRC, Ballymena, N. Ireland for church visitation, preaching, and lecturing and Prof. D. Kuiper and Sem. A. Van Dyke who have been in the Philippines to preach and lecture for Berean and Provident PRCs. May the Lord grant them a safe journey back and bless the labors they performed on behalf of the churches (PRC Contact Committee).
• This week the 2024 Interim class continues. From Monday to Thursday (Jan.15-18) Prof. R. Dykstra will continue teaching 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 to join.
• 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 Wee begins a series on the millennium: "We desire to study these last things, because Scripture itself teaches us about them. We desire to know the whole counsel of God. In addition, we live in the last days, each year bringing us closer to the return of Christ. And we see the signs of His coming all around us. We see the signs in creation: earthquakes, famines, and pestilences (think covid!). We see signs in the nations: wars and rumours of war (think the wars in Ukraine and Gaza). We see signs in the church: increasing persecution of God’s people, apostasy from the truth, the worldwide preaching of the gospel, and the rising of antichrist. All these signs of the times are like footsteps of the coming of Christ, telling us that He is coming, quickly."
    
  • 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!

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully in the CPRC. This is the second Sunday that Prof. and Lori Gritters and Elder Sid Miedema are in CPRC for preaching and church visitation. They plan to leave tomorrow, January 15.
  • The January issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is now available! Read the newest articles by Rev. Stewart on Nehemiah's prayer and a CPRC edler on why the churches' use of God's sword is so important in our day.
    
  • The CPRC YouTube channel may be found here.

• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Prof. D. Kuiper 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."
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Sem. Aaron Van Dyke led her services today. The congregation was invited to join Berean PRC for a special lunch before Prof. Kuiper's seminar on elders and deacons in the afternoon.
    
    

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 message is titled "Ehud: Deliverer of the Covenant" based on Judges 3:12-30.
  
• 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

 "The text [Rev.21:3-5] has something about that blessed new estate: God will dwell with them. You are very particular whom you invite into the intimate circle of your family. Not just anyone occupies a chair in the parlor, the sitting room, the front room. 

"So is God particular. He does not invite just anyone. He invites only His own whom He saw in the palms of His hands from all eternity. And their image in that palm was beautiful. 

"And God works with and in His people, until they are as beautiful as His Christ whose image is in the very center of that palm of God. We call that process, that operation: sanctification. 

"And that process begins on earth. 

"The beauty of the Godhead is given when you are born anew. It is brought to your consciousness in conversion. 

"He even gives us a place where we may practice how to behave in the House of God in heaven. 

"And that place is the church on the Sabbath. 

"It is a bad sign when they must drag you to church. Then you have not tasted that the Lord is gracious. Church is the most beautiful thing on earth. It is the anticipation of God's tabernacle in the New World."

~ Taken from the Standard Bearer meditation "A Year of Eternal Beauty" by Gerrit Vos