PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for June 23, 2024 *(Updated)

Today, June 23, is the twenty-fifth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2024, and another rest stop on our pilgrim journey through this world. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

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.

LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee. Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties. ...But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute. ~ Psalm 141:1-4, 8

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 

• Today Hope PRC-Redlands extended a call to Rev. J. Engelsma (Crete PRC).
  
  
• Today Lynden (WA) PRC voted to call from their trio of Revs. R. Barnhill (Heritage PRC), A. Brummel (Calvary PRC), and D. Lee (Kalamazoo PRC). UPDATE: Rev. Barnhill has received this call.
  
  
• Special note: Rev. H. Bleyenberg and Deb are in Singapore yet today. He participated in CERC's annual church camp this week and is preaching both services today. The Bleyenbergs plan to return home, the Lord willing, on June 25.
  
  
• Wingham PRC bulletin today concerning the arrival of Sem. A. Van Dyke, Sarah, and their two children for his internship this week: "PLAN ON COMING OUT for a special evening to welcome the Van Dykes to our congregation! The Van Dykes will be moving to Canada this week, the Lord willing. We will be having a singspiration on Sunday, June 30, at 7p.m. Refreshments and fellowship will follow afterwards."
  
  
• UPDATE: Zion PRC (Jenison, MI): "The Council has scheduled a congregational meeting for Tuesday, July 9th at 7:00 p.m. to vote to call a minister from a trio of Reverends N. Decker, J. Smidstra, and C. Spronk."
  
  
• Rev. J. Mahtani's installation in Pittsburgh PRC is scheduled for July 7. He and his family plan to move the end of this month after his farewell at Hope PRC on June 30.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs:  Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. C. Haak in Georgetown PRC; Prof. B. Gritters led in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. M. McGeown in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. S. Key in Loveland PRC;  Elder led in Lynden PRC; Rev. W. Bruinsma in Pittsburgh PRC; Sem. A. Van Dyke and Rev. G. Eriks in Zion 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, MI: "Mexico City Youth Conference: this past week a group of Spanish students (freshly graduated from CCHS) traveled to Mexico City for a youth conference at Juan Calvino Seminary. In addition to the conference on the topic of the book of Jonah, the trip aims to provide these young people with opportunities for fellowship, activities, and service among the young people in the Independent Presbyterian Churches in Mexico. Accompanying them from First PRC are Prof. Griess, Zach Kleyn, Madelyn Monsma and Karen de la Rosa; there are also chaperones from other churches, with a total group of about 20 people. They plan to return tomorrow, D.V. Please remember this matter before the throne of grace, that our Father would grant traveling mercies, and use the conference and other activities to bless those involved."
• Edgerton (MN) PRC: "What does it mean to be Reformed? Is it important today? Why are there so many Reformed denominations and how did they start? Come to Edgerton Protestant Reformed Church on Friday, June 28 at 7 PM to hear Pastor Matt De Boer answer these questions and encourage us to keep going back to the Bible."

Trinity PRC (Hudsonville, MI), host of this month's PRC Synod (see note below)

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• The Synod of the PRC concluded its work this past week at Trinity PRC at Hudsonville, MI. Daily reports may be found on these pages. May the Lord be pleased to add His blessing to the decisions reached.
  
  
• After approving the examination of Arend Haveman, the 2024 PRC Synod has declared the brother a candidate for the ministry of the Word and sacraments in the PRC, eligible for a call on or after July 13. We give thanks to the Lord for providing another laborer in His vineyard.

• 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.

• 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.
  
  

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PR Theological Seminary has now completed its second semester and entered its summer break. Faculty, students, and staff will be busy with normal and special duties during these months, all in preparation for a new semester, which will begin, D.V., on August 26. Continue to pray for faculty, students, and staff as we labor during these next months.
• Prof. C. Griess along with Sem. B. Feenstra and Cand. A. Haveman participated in a Mexico City Youth Conference this weekend that also involved members of First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI and students from Covenant CHS. They all gave speeches related to the book of Jonah as part of the theme of the conference. They plan to return home tomorrow.
• Senior seminarian Arend Havemen successfully sustained his examination before the PRC Synod earlier this month and is now a candidate for the ministry of the Word and sacraments in the PRC and her sister churches. His graduation took place on June 13 in Trinity PRC. We congratulate the brother and thank the Lord for his gifts and this gift to the churches of a new candidate.
• 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.).
• Sem. Aaron Van Dyke (entering his senior year) will intern in our Wingham, Ontario congregation, under the supervision of Wingham’s Consistory and the mentoring of Rev. Daniel Holstege. He and his wife Sarah and two children plan to move the end of this month. The internship begins July 1 and extends through December 31.  Continue to pray for Mr. Van Dyke and his family during his internship.
• 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 or visit the seminary bookstore.
• The Spring 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal is now available. 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 the 1924 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.). 
• 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.
• 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. This special note from the Bleyenbergs is found in the "pastoral note" for today: "The 2024 annual church camp has now come to a close. The venue in Desaru offered many activities of all sorts; a wide variety of good food, spacious lodging, and most importantly — a conference room for the speeches. May the Lord use the good fellowship we enjoyed, and the good words we heard, so that we as members of CERC may “increase and abound in love one toward another, toward all men, even as we do toward you” (I Thess. 3:12). A hearty thank-you once again to the church camp committee for all their planning and organization. Deb and I would like to express our thanks to all of you for the many expressions of love and hospitality shown to us. It has been a joy once again for us to travel here to Singapore and to fellowship with you, our brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ. Though our homes be many thousands of miles away, yet we are united in our Saviour, and therefore we enjoy a bond that cannot be broken."
    
  • A new issue of Salt Shakers is available - May 2024, #72, the second of this year!  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 - and beyond!
    
  • 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 the latest 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: Rev. V. Ibe led us her worship services today. "Pastor Ibe and Sis. Melody arrived in Manila from Grand Rapids on Saturday [June 22] at 5:30 AM. We thank the Lord for His gracious provision of traveling mercies and profitable and enjoyable visits at Synod and with the saints in the PRCA." And, "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services today, via livestreamed on our official Facebook page."
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Officebearers led her worship services today. Let's remember this vacant congregation and her needs in our prayers.

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 - June 2024 -  the RWH is broadcasting five gospel messages by Rev. W. Bruinsma, continuing his series on women in the Bible. Today's message is titled "Abigail Pleads with David" based on 1 Samuel 25:28-31.
  
• 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.).

Looking for an edifying devotional on the Psalms? Read this new RFPA title to be instructed and inspired!

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding moments for peace and reflection can be a challenge. Yet, within the psalms, we discover a treasure trove of heartfelt prayers, honest expressions of emotion, and profound insights into the experience of every believer—that is, of a pilgrim and stranger in this world.

Through daily readings, thoughtful meditations, and heartfelt singing, you'll find in this book the comfort and guidance you need as you weave your pilgrim way through the sacred songbook.

Whether you're seeking solace in times of trouble, longing for a deeper connection with God, or simply craving a moment of stillness in your day, this devotional will nourish and strengthen you with the riches of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. May you, in the reading of this devotional, come to see yourself as a child of God on your pilgrimage to God’s house, singing praises all the way.

• 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 notice: "Celebrate with us! On Friday, June 21 at 7PM, the Reformed Book Outlet will be hosting an official launch party for the RFPA summer releases, Journey Through the Psalms by Mike Velthouse and Erinn Kuiper, and Songs of Our Pilgrimage by John Heys. All, especially readers age 9-13, are welcome to attend for ice cream, a scavenger hunt with prizes, and an author reading from Journey. All RFPA books (except the 2 new releases) will be 25% off for attendees. Hope to see 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

 "“To suffer for those whom we love, and who are in some sense worthy of our affections, is suffering that we can understand. To submit to ill-treatment quietly, when we have no power to resist, is submission that is both graceful and wise. But to suffer voluntarily, when we have the power to prevent it, and to suffer for unbelieving and ungodly sinners, unasked and unthanked — this is a line of conduct which passes man's understanding. Never let us forget that this is the peculiar beauty of Christ's sufferings, when we read the wondrous story of His cross and passion.” ~ J. C. Ryle

“Sin, being a destructive force, must not be pampered. It must be put to death. Temptation should be flung aside immediately and decisively. Dillydallying is deadly. Halfway measures work havoc. The surgery must be radical. Right at this moment and without any vacillation the obscene book should be burned, the scandalous picture destroyed, the soul-destroying sin condemned, the sinister yet very intimate social tie broken, and the baneful habit discarded. In the struggle against sin the believer must fight hard. Shadow boxing will never do.” ~ William Hendrikson, Commentary on Matthew, p. 303

“Now Christians make a far different use of the law than those without faith can make of it. For where the Lord has engraved on our hearts the love of his righteousness, the outward teaching of the law, which previously was accusing us of nothing but weakness and transgression, is now a lantern for our feet to keep us from wandering away from the straight path. It is our wisdom by which we are formed and instructed to complete uprightness. It is our discipline which does not permit us to abandon ourselves in more wicked license.” ~ John Calvin

All found on Loveland PRC's bulletin today