PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for May 19, 2024

Today, May 19, is the twentieth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2024 - Pentecost Sunday - the day we commemorate and give thanks for the ascended Christ's gift of the Holy Spirit to His church and every member. "But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy."

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 you may listen online through one of the PRC's livestreams.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

• Last Sunday Loveland PRC extended a call to Rev. Nate Decker (Grandville, PRC, MI).
  
  
• Rev. M. DeBoer is considering the calls from Georgetown PRC (received May 5) and from Hope PRC-Redlands, CA (received April 28). He plans to answer these calls May 26.
  
  
• Rev. J. Maatman (Southeast PRC) is considering the call from Hudsonville PRC (received April 28). He plans to answer next Sunday, May 26.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs:  Prof. C. Griess and Prof. D. Kuiper in Georgetown PRC; Elder led in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. J. Maatman in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. J. Engelsma (2nd week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. M. Koerner (1st week) led in Lynden PRC; Rev. D. Holstege 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:

First PRC-Grand Rapids Mexico Trip: this week a group of four men – Bryan Pastoor, Rev. Holstege, Prof. Gritters, and seminary student Bruce Feenstra – will travel to Tuxtla Gutierrez in Chiapas, Mexico to visit with the brothers and sisters of Amazing Grace Presbyterian Reformed Church, to give a conference on the topic “What Does It Mean to Be Reformed?” and to preach the gospel on Sunday. The plan is to leave on Thursday and to come home the following Monday. ...Please remember this matter in prayer, that God would give traveling mercies and that he would bless the Christian fellowship and the bringing of his word for his glory and the building up of His church."

Byron Center PRC, host of Classis East meeting this week (see notice below)

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• Domestic Missions update: Rev. Jim Laning (PRC home missionary) and his wife Margaret are currently in Texas, visiting contacts in the Dallas area for a second time. Please remember them in your prayers this week! “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations” Matthew 24:14.
  
  
• Classis East met this past Wednesday, May 15, at Byron Center PRC. The public (limited) report may be found here. The minutes of the meeting have been posted on the church bulletin page (for registered users only). Most of the matters treated at Classis were done in closed session. May the King and Shepherd of the church bless the decisions made for the good of the church and the glory of His name.
  
  
• Synod 2023 mandated the Psalter Revision Review Committee "to familiarize the denomination with the final product that is to be presented to Synod 2024…” To that end, we have produced a pamphlet and given apresentation that details the history of this project and the principles that guided the revision, as well asshowing the results with both data and sample songs. You are encouraged to listen to the presentationat https://www.youtube.com/@2024Psalter. If you do not have a hard copy of the pamphlet, you should begetting one soon. You can also find a link to a pdf of the pamphlet beneath the video. (cf. image above for booklet cover)
   
• Denominational Website Logo Design Contest: The denominational website is currently being redesigned to improve our evangelism efforts and to make it more user friendly for all who visit the website. As part of this effort, we would like to create a new PRCA.org logo and we would like to have a contest so that anyone within the denomination can try their hand at designing our new logo. You may send your designs to the website committee (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) before June 30, 2024. The winner will receive a gift.

• AD-HOC COMMITTEE of Synod 2023 reports it will deactivate the Guidepost hotline (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) effective April 5. The reasoning is that after this date Guidepost will be unable to investigate and report on information collected through the hotline in time to meet the deadline for the synodical report. Instead of using funds for the hotline, the committee has directed Guidepost to focus on compiling and distributing reports to consistories. The hotline may be reactivated in the future depending on the decisions of Synod 2024.

• 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.
  
  

About 110 high-school students from Covenant CHS and Faith CS (Randolph) visited seminary as part of a PRC history tour Friday afternoon (see note below)

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PR Theological Seminary wrapped up its semester this past week with exams. After exams and papers are marked, finals grades will be prepared and faculty, students, and staff will turn to other duties for the summer, all in preparation for a new semester. Continue to pray for faculty, students, and staff as we enter these next months. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." ~ 2 Tim.2:15
• Mexico Trip: This week Thursday through next Monday (May 23-27) a group of four men (two from First PRC-Grand Rapids) including Prof. B. Gritters and seminary student Bruce Feenstra will travel to Tuxtla Gutierrez in Chiapas, Mexico to visit with the brothers and sisters of Amazing Grace Presbyterian Reformed Church, to give a conference on the topic “What Does It Mean to Be Reformed?” and to preach the gospel on Sunday. We pray for safety in travels and for a profitable visit.
• With joy the faculty of the Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary announces that it has licensed second-student Bruce Feenstra to speak a word of edification in the churches. We are grateful for the brother’s progress to this point in his training. All scheduling of Mr. Feenstra must be done through the seminary, either by sending a request to the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or the rector, Prof. R. Cammenga (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
• Senior seminarian Arend Havemen has begiun preparing for his written and oral examination (including a sermon) before the PRC Synod meeting at Trinity PRC June 11-14.
• Prof. B. Huizinga's first book has been published - Crowning His Gifts: Gracious Rewards in the Reformed Tradition (RFPA, 2024) - the fruit of his studies for the ThM degree through Calvin Theological Seminary. We thank the Lord for this work and pray that it will have wide readership. To order your copy, visit the publisher's website linked here.
• Last week was the final week of the seminary secretary for the last year, Val Kleyn, who will be moving to Loveland, CO the end of the month. The TSC has hired Bethany Engelsma as the new fulltime secretary, and after a week of training she is ready to take up the work this week.
• On Friday May 17 high-school students from Covenant CHS in Grand Rapids and Faith CS in Randolph visited seminary as part of a PRC history tour. A pizza lunch together was enjoyed, then breakout groups heard presentations on the seminary's history and role, the library and archives, and seminary student's perspective.
• The Spring 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal is now out and has been mailed. The digital editions (pdf and epub) have been posted on the journal page (visit the link here). This latest issue features three main articles, one dealing with the history of common grace at the1924 Synod in the Christian Reformed Church (which led to the formation of the Protestant Reformed Churches), one involving another translation of H. Bouwman's work on the Reformed Church Order, and another chapter from Prof. D. Kuiper on the history of Classis West in the PRC. 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.). 
• On May 6, Dr. N. Willborn, pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Oak Ridge, TN and faculty member of Greenville Presbyterian Seminary, gave two lectures at PRTS on Northern Presbyterianism, especially the old Princetonians - Archibald Alexander, Samuel Miller, Charles Hodge, James Alexander, and B. B. Warfield. The lectures are now available on the seminary's YouTube channel.
• Advance Notice - Fall Seminary Conference: In 1924 the CRC Synod developed the Three Points of Common Grace. What are they? What led to their development? Why are they wrong? Is the early opposition to them by leaders of the PRCA relevant for us today, or is it merely a matter of past history? The seminary faculty would like to announce a fall conference observing the centennial of the development of the Three Points. This conference will be held the evenings of Thursday, October 31, and Friday, November 1, and the morning of Saturday, November 2, at Grace PRC. More details are coming.
• Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2024 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available.Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essaysmust be submitted by May 17.
• 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's "pastoral note" by pastor Tan relates to the church's commemoration of Pentecost: Now our Lord Jesus Christ after his resurrection from the dead, after his Ascension into heaven, at His Session, that is according to his human nature, at the giving to him all power in heaven and earth, with the highest majesty and glory, for his perfect and finished work of Salvation at the cross, King Jesus also received the gift of the Holy Spirit from the Father. But this glorious Session of King Jesus, did not just affect Him, but also his bride the Church. For the Holy Spirit that King Jesus received of the Father, He gave it to His bride the church, as His personal Spirit. That outpouring of the Spirit of Christ unto all the NT Church. This priceless gift of the Holy Spirit to us is our Comforter, who teaches and guides us in to all truth (John 16:13), our Intercessor (Rom 8:26), Our giver of the Life of Christ (Rom 8:2), Our Witness who works in our hearts causing us to know and be assured that we are God’s children (Rom 8:16)."
  • A latest issue of Salt Shakers is available - #71, the first of 2024!  Once again you will 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!

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully in the CPRC, Ballymena, N. Ireland. 
    
  • 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 April 2024 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is now available! Read the articles by Rev. A. Stewart on "The Truth Is According to Godliness" (3) and Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question about David, Amasa, and Joab.
    
  • 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 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 Livestream at our Facebook account, the Lord willing. We pray for God’s blessings and spiritual sustenance upon them as they hear the Word of God."
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her 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 - May 2024 -  the RWH is broadcasting four gospel messages by Rev. W. Bruinsma, continuing his series on women in the Bible. Today's message is the first of Rev. Bruinsma's and titled "Miriam's Lamentable Fall" based on Numbers 12.
  
• 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.).

New release from the RFPA! Prof. B. Huizinga's new book Crowning His Gifts: Gracious Rewards in the Reformed Tradition is now available. 

Rewards.

For many Christians, this word is a cause for fear and suspicion. It suggests doctrines of merit and a salvation based on works, as well as other ideas at odds with the teachings of the Christian faith.

But that need not be so.

In this accessible book, Brian Huizinga offers a rare historical and theological exposition of the biblical and Reformed teaching on the oft-neglected topic of the rewards of grace for the saints—in both the present life and in the life to come. Excluding any merit, and in full harmony with His sovereign and particular grace, the Lord indeed promises to reward the good works of believers.

• 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. 
  Special note: RBO welcomes any Senior Ladies for morning coffee on Wednesday May 22 and 29. Please come to the backroom anytime afterRBO welcomes any Senior Ladies for morning coffee on Wednesday May 22 and 29. Please come to the backroom anytime after10:15 to enjoy coffee and fellowship with each other. Looking forward to seeing you there!

• 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

 "Pentecost was the exalted Christ’s gift of the Holy Spirit to His Church....in rich, full measure—he was poured out. He was given as the One Who brings to the Church the first fruits of the finished work of Jesus Christ, the benefits of His death and resurrection, i.e., Christ’s salvation. In the gift of the Spirit, the gospel promise of the Old Testament was fulfilled to the Church because the Son of God gave to God’s people full salvation, forgiveness of sins and eternal life. He baptized the Church with the Holy Spirit. Being mightier than John the Baptist, He flooded the Church with the reality, whereas John could only give the sign. That grand Sunday marked the passing of the old age and coming of the new; it is the boundary between the Old Dispensation and the New...Just as Christmas was the birthday of the Son of God in the flesh, Pentecost was the birthday of the Spirit, as the Spirit of Christ in the Church” ~ Prof. D. Engelsma"Try the Spirits" (found in Trinity PRC's bulletin today)

"We must understand that as long as Christ remains outside of us, and we are separated from him, all that he has suffered and done for the salvation of the human race remains useless and of no value for us. Therefore, to share with us what he has received from the Father, he had to become ours and to dwell within us. For this reason, he is called “our Head” [Eph. 4:15], and “the first-born among many brethren” [Rom. 8:29]. We also, in turn, are said to be “engrafted into him” [Rom. 11:17], and to “put on Christ” [Gal. 3:27]; for, as I have said, all that he possesses is nothing to us until we grow into one body with him. It is true that we obtain this by faith. Yet since we see that not all indiscriminately embrace that communion with Christ which is offered through the gospel, reason itself teaches us to climb higher and to examine into the secret energy of the Spirit, by which we come to enjoy Christ and all his benefits… the Holy Spirit is the bond by which Christ effectually unites us to himself.” ~ John Calvin (found in Unity pRC's bulletin today)