PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for February 4, 2024 *(Updated)

Today, February 4, is the fifth 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.

If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say; If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us: Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: Then the proud waters had gone over our soul. Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. ~ Psalm 124:1-6

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

• Last Sunday Rev. J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Walker, MI) declined the call from Hope PRC-Redlands, CA.
  
  
• Rev. J. Engelsma (Crete PRC) is considering the call from Georgetown PRC (received Jan.21). He plans to answer next Sunday, Feb.11.
  
  
• Rev. J. Engelsma is also considering the call from Hudsonville PRC (received Jan.21). He plans to answer next Sunday, Feb.11.
  
  
• Rev. J. Maatman (Southeast PRC-MI) is considering the call from Loveland-CO PRC (received Jan.21). He plans to answer by next Sunday, Feb.11.
  
  
• The Consistory of Pittsburgh PRC has a trio consisting of Revs. M. DeBoer (Edgerton-MN PRC), G. Eriks (Unity PRC), and C. Spronk (Faith PRC). The congregation will call this evening. UPDATE: Rev. Spronk has received this call.
  
  
• 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. J. Slopsema in Georgetown PRC; Rev. H. Bleyenberg (1st week) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. M. DeVries in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. A. Brummel (1st week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. R. Barnhill (1st week) in Lynden PRC; Rev. J. Maatman 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:

•  Unity PRC (Byron Center, MI): "There is another opportunity to attend our Community Bible Study this week Tuesday, February 6 at 7pm at the Byron Rec Center at 2020 76th St. in Byron Center. The topic will be Wealth and Prosperity and will be led by Kyle TenBroeke. Invite a friend, co-worker, or neighbor and join us next week. It lasts one hour, from 7-8pm. Hope you can make it."

Hope PRC in Walker, MI, host of the Clasiss East meeting this week

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• According to her bulletin today, Loveland PRC's Council is recommending and seeking Classis West's approval (March 6 meeting) of the disbanding of the Covenant of Grace Fellowship (former PRC congregation) due to the decline of members. And she adds, "Please remember the remaining saints at CoG who have endured the assault of the devil upon their congregation and will face difficult decisions for their future. 'Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.' Isaiah 41:10"
  
  
• Classis East met on Wednesday, Jan.10 at Hope PRC in Walker, MI. Classis gave one of its committees extra time to bring advice on various protests. Classis will reconvene this Thursday, Feb.8, D.V.  The agenda and 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.
  
  
• Guidepost Solutions has reported to the Ad Hoc Committee that there was an excellent response rate to the survey and hotline. There were almost 1,300 survey participants, of which 26% have agreed to follow-up interviews. Through the hotline, Guidepost has received reports from 29 individuals, of which 72% have agreed to follow-up interviews. Anyone who still desires to report on sexual abuse may use the hotline (mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). This will be open throughout the duration of the investigation. Guidepost is presently busy with the interviewing process and prioritization of the cases.

• PRC 100th Anniversary Celebration: All the members of the PRCA, our sister churches, and close contacts are encouraged to come together at Calvin University from June 2-6, 2025 (note the new dates) to participate in this commemorative week. Visit prca100.org for basic event information and to sign up for email updates.

Aaron Van Dyke (junior seminarian) leading devotions last month

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PR Theological Seminary enters its third full week of the second semester this week. In this term we have welcomed back Senior Arend Haveman from his fall internship in Pittsburgh PRC for his final semester of studies. We also welcome back Prof. R. Cammenga, who is able to return for his final semester of teaching following major heart surgery in November of last year, for whcih we are very thankful. This term is his last as a PRTS professor, as Prof. B. Huizinga prepares to take over all of his courses next school year. Prof. C. Griess, having completed the requirements of his ThM degree, continues to add courses to his teaching schedule as he gradually takes over for Prof. B. Gritters.
• 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.
• Bruce Feenstra will lead in devotions this week and Rev. J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Walker, MI) will lead chapel this week and next.
• The Fall 2023 issue of the PR Theological Journal is currently available. The digital editions have been posted on the journal page (click on the link provided here), while print copies are avaliable at the seminary. 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 comments on the role of the congregation as they increase their session by one elder and one deacon this year, requiring more nominations: "For the rest of us, we have an important calling in this process. As mentioned last time, we pray, for our office-bearers, and for God’s provision of more men to serve in the offices. We place this burden of serving in the office on the shoulders of the men in the congregation, carefully and wisely.For the rest of us, we have an important calling in this process. As mentioned last time, we pray, for our office-bearers, and for God’s provision of more men to serve in the offices. We place this burden of serving in the office on the shoulders of the men in the congregation, carefully and wisely.And we also participate in this important work of nominating men to the office, exercising the office of all believer that God has placed us in. Church Order Article 22 states that the church is at liberty “to give the members an opportunity to direct attention to suitable persons”. As the congregation (including the women!) raises up suggestions to the Council, the Council takes these suggestions, deliberates over them, and then nominates men for the office."
  • 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. 
  • Join Reformed believers from around the world at the 2024 British Reformed Fellowship family conference at Cloverley Hall Conference Centre in Shropshire, England, from Saturday, August 3, to Saturday, August 10. Our speakers, Prof. Brian Huizinga and Rev. Ron Hanko, will lecture on “Then Comes the End: The Reformed Doctrine of Eschatology.” For information and booking forms, see the website ( www.brfconference.weebly.com ) or contact Briana Prins (616-214-2779; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  • The January issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is now available! Read the newest articles by Rev. Stewart on Nehemiah's prayer and a CPRC elder 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: Elders Umali and Espiritu led her worship services today. And, "Rev. Ibe and family are scheduled to visit the saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija. The Lord willing, Rev. Ibe will lead them in their worship service at 9 A.M. and in their Bible study at 10:45 A.M. We pray for God’s blessings and spiritual sustenance upon them as they hear the Word of God."
    
  • A conference on “The Reformed Marriage: Marry in the LORD” is scheduled on February 18, 2024, at 1:30 P.M. at Berean PRC worship hall, God willing.
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Deacon Ruel Dela Fuente led her worship services today through PRCA’s recorded video sermons.
    
    

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 (February 2024) the RWH is broadcasting four gospel messages by Prof. D. Kuiper, as he continues a new series on the Ten Comamndments. Today's message is titled "The First Comamndment: Worshiping the Only Good God" based on Matt.19:16-21.
  
• 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.).

• 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

 Who Is Jesus?

JESUS IS THE INCARNATE SON OF GOD 

First, in the Incarnation, the Son was made flesh. Neither the Father nor the Spirit were made flesh. It therefore is not the case that while Jesus was on earth, God was “missing from heaven.” Indeed, the Son of God (as God) is omnipresent. The divine nature is not limited.  In the Incarnation, moreover, the Son did not cease to be God. The Son of God became man (that is, He took to Himself the human nature) while remaining God.

Second, the Person Jesus Christ has two natures after the Incarnation. He has human flesh (subject to suffering & death) and He has a human soul (with a human psychology [soul, mind, emotions, will]). Therefore, it is not correct to say that God became hungry & ate food; or that God became weary; or that God sweated; or that God bled and died. That is not how Christians understand the relationship between the human and divine in Jesus Christ. The Christian position is that one who is both God & man in one Person in two distinct natures hungered, thirsted, sweated, bled, died, etc. 

Third, the Incarnation was a free, voluntary act by the Son, an act determined by the Triune God for the salvation of men and women. The Son became a man and even suffered and died as a man so that He could save His people from their sins. Jesus’ death, exactly because He is the Son of God in human flesh, is of infinite value to redeem sinners from sin and death.

~ Taken from the pamphlet "Who Is Jesus" by Rev. M. McGeown