PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for February 11, 2024

Today, February 11, is the sixth 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.

They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever. For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity. Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts. As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel. ~ Psalm 125:1-5

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

• Today Rev. J. Engelsma (Crete PRC) declined the calls to Georgetown PRC and Hudsonville PRC.

• Today Rev. J. Maatman (Southeast PRC-MI) declined the call from Loveland-CO PRC.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. C. Spronk received the call from Pittsburgh PRC. He plans to answer by March 3.
  
  
• The Council of Hope PRC-Redlands, CA formed a new trio from which to call her next pastor: Rev M. De Boer (Edgerton PRC), Rev. N. Decker (Grandville PRC) and Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC– Hull, Iowa). A congregational meeting is set for Feb.25 after the morning worship service.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs:  Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. C. Haak in Georgetown PRC; Rev. H. Bleyenberg (2nd week) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. D. Lee in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. A. Brummel (2nd week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. R. Barnhill (2nd week) in Lynden PRC; Rev. D. Noorman 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:

• Faith PRC (Jenison, MI): "The Reformed Doctrines Class will meet this Wednesday, February 14, at Faith Church at 7:30, God willing. This meeting will be special in nature. In light of current events in the PRC, involving the doctrines of grace, Prof. Engelsma will explain and defend the orthodox doctrine of the relation between our repenting and God’s forgiveness of our sins. All are welcome." 
• Byron Center (MI) PRC: "The Community Bible Study meets this Thursday, February 15, at 7:30 PM at church to continue our study of the book of Philippians. Discussion will begin at chapter 1 verse 15. We hope you can bring a friend and join us!"
• Hope PRC (Walker, MI): "Hope PRC's podcast, Hope PR Ministry, would like to remind you to tune in and listen to their content. We have recently concluded a follow-up series on the subject of marriage, divorce, and remarriage with Prof. D. Engelsma and we have just posted the final episode of our Back to Basics series. We will be posting a new series this Friday on "Biblical Obscurities" with Mike Velthouse on subjects such as Candace and Chorazin. You canfind this podcast on any of your favourite podcasting apps! Please tune in and support our efforts to spread the gospel."

Hope PRC in Walker, MI, host of the continued meeting of Classis East last week (see more below)

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• Classis East reconvened this past Thursday, Feb.8, at Hope PRC in Walker, MI, to treat the report and advice of its special committee on various protests against decisions of Clasiss last September. The decisions of this continued and concluded meeting are posted on this webpage. 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 of the Jan.10 meeting

• 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.

The fifth graders from Adams Christian School visited the PRC Seminary this past Friday. Here Prof. R. Cammenga is showing them one of the first edition Dutch Bibles in the library.

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PR Theological Seminary enters its fourth full week of the second semester this week. Pray for the faculty, students, and staff as we busy ourselves in the tasks assigned us by our faithful and gracious Master. "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." (2 Tim.2:1,2)
• Isaac Van Baren will lead in devotions this week and Rev. J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Walker, MI) will lead chapel again this week.
• The fifth grade classes of Mr. M. Feenstra and Mrs. R. Baas from Adams Christian School visited seminary this past Friday (see photo above). They were given an introduction to the labors of the seminary, as well as a tour of the building, before joining faculty and students for devotions and fellowship over snacks. 
• 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.). Soon work will begin on the spring 2024 issue.
• 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 upcoming celebarion of the Chinese New Year (the year of the dragon): “Did you know that the Bible speaks of dragons?” Perhaps this could be an opening line we use to share the gospel with our unbelieving relatives and acquaintances, this Chinese New Year (CNY), in the year of the dragon. And then, perhaps we could point them to Revelation 12 and the account of the great red dragon, attempting to devour the man child, born of the woman.Revelation 12:3-6: “And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. [4] And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. [5] And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. [6] And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.” And when giving the interpretation of the vision above (who doesn’t like a dragon story?) we have the opportunity to speak directly about the birth of Christ, His death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven. In other words, the gospel! People of God, let’s view this CNY as an opportunity. Not only to eat bak kwa and pineapple tarts and koropok, but to evangelise! To speak of the gospel, the good news of salvation, from sin, death, and the great red dragon."
  • 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. 
  • 2024 BRF Family Conference: 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 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: Rev. V. Ibe 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 via livestream at our official Facebook page. 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.
  • Pastor V. Ibe and elder Alann Penaverde are scheduled to visit the saints in Bacolod and SNO on February 19 - 21, 2024, D.V.
  • Classis meeting of the PRCP congregations will convene on February 25, 2024, at the Berean PRC worship hall at 1:30 P.M., God willing
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Elder Mitch Suarez led her worship 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 (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 Second Commandment: Worshiping God in Spirit and in Truth" based on John 4:21-24.
  
• 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.).

This month, get your copies of We and Our Children: The Reformed Doctrine of Infant Baptism for only $9.99! Order by clicking the picture below or the "Monthly Sales" button on the RFPA website homepage!

• 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 CRUCIFIED AND RISEN LORD

The Person who suffered and died was the Son of God, who suffered and died in the human nature. His real human body and soul were separated at death and His real human blood was shed when He died. Therefore, it is not true to say that Christians believe that God died, as if when Jesus died God was dead for three days and nobody was ruling the universe. Nor is it true to say that God was praying to Himself in the Garden. The Son of God in the flesh prayed to His Father in heaven.

The Son of God experienced in the real human nature the wrath of God against the sins of His people, those whom He represented before the Father. The death of Christ was unique. He died as a substitute to endure the punishment that His people deserved. And He did it willingly, because He loved His people.

Sin is so serious that only the death of the Son of God in our flesh could deliver us from it. Only Christ could voluntarily give up His life, and then have power to take it up again in the resurrection. Only Christ could live a perfect life of obedience and then give up that life to death, satisfying by His obedience the demands of God’s law. Only Christ, because He is God in the flesh, has the power to send His almighty Spirit into our hearts, and to bring us to faith in this Gospel, to uphold us by His grace, and to preserve us even unto the end. This is the Gospel, or the good news of salvation, which God commands you to believe. 

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