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

Today, July 14, is the twenty-eighth 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.

Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me. ...I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee. It is he that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword....Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD. ~ Psalm 144:1, 2, 9, 10, 15

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 Rev. J. Engelsma (Crete PRC, IL) declined the call to Hope PRC-Redlands.

• Rev. R. Barnhill (Heritage PRC) is considering the call to Lynden (WA). He plans to answer by July 21.
  
  
• Last Sunday Hope PRC (Walker, MI) extended a call to Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC-MN).
  
  
• This past Tuesday Zion PRC (Jenison, MI) voted to call Rev. N. Decker (Grandville PRC).
  
  
• Loveland PRC's Consistory has formed a new trio from which to call a pastor: Revs. M. De Boer (Edgerton PRC, MN), Rev. J. Smidstra (1st PRC, Holland, MI), and Candidate Arend Haveman. The congregation will call on July 21.
  
  
• Georgetown PRC's Council has formed a trio of Revs. R. Barnhill (Heritage PRC Sioux Falls, SD), A. Brummel (Calvary PRC, Hull, IA), and D. Noorman (SW PRC). A congregational meeting is planned for Sunday July 28 after the evening service.
  
  
• Hudsonville PRC's Council has chosen a new trio from which to call her next pastor: Revs. A. Brummel, Rev. M. DeBoer, and Rev. D. Lee. The congregation will vote on July 28 after the Sunday evening service.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs:  Prof. C. Griess and Rev. C. Haak in Georgetown PRC;  Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. M. DeVries  in Hope PRC-Walker; Rev. J. Laning (3rd week) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Prof. R. Dykstra in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. M. DeBoer in Loveland PRC; Rev. R. Barnhill (2nd week) in Lynden PRC; Rev. K. Koole and Prof. B. Gritters 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:

• Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB): "Singapore Presentation: Following refreshments this afternoon, you are invited to attend a presentation by Rev. Bleyenberg about Singapore. Come to learn about this unique country and our dear sister church there. A small sampling of Singaporean treats will be available afterwards!"
• Byron Center PRC (MI): "The Community Bible Study meets this Thursday, July 18, at 7:30 PM at church to continue our study of the book of Philippians. Discussion will begin at chapter 3. You would be welcome to bring friends or neighbors and join us!"
• Kalamazoo PRC (MI): "Kalamazoo Protestant Reformed Church is hosting a community hymn sing on Friday, July 19, at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join us! More details are shared online at kalamazooprc.org/hymnsing."

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• The Synod of the PRC concluded its work on June 20 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.

• 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 are 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.
• As of last month, Prof. R. Cammenga is officially retired as professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament, though he will be assisting with a class yet in the next school year. He has served the PRTS for nearly twenty years (2005-2024), and we thank the Lord for his faithful and diligent labors on behalf of the churches. A special retirement dinner is being held at Southwest PRC on July 8. May the Lord continue to use him for good in the churches in the years to come.
• 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) is interning this summer and fall in our Wingham, Ontario congregation, under the supervision of Wingham’s Consistory and the mentoring of Rev. Daniel Holstege. The internship runs from July 1 through December 31. Continue to pray for Mr. Van Dyke and his family during his internship.
• The Spring 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal is currently 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 Bethany Engelsma, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). 
•  100th Anniversary Seminary Conference: Did you know that ministers in our mother 100th Anniversary Seminary Conference: Did you know that ministers in our mother church in 1924 viewed common grace as the middle way between being liberal and fleeing the world? And that our denomination’s fathers rejected common grace as compromising the antithesis? Come to the next seminary conference to hear a fresh perspective on the doctrine that gave rise to our denomination. The theme is “By Grace I Am What I Am”: The PRCA’s Rejection of Common Grace. Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 31, through Saturday, November 2, at Grace PRC in Standale, MI. Help us praise God for His grace on the occasion of our centennial!
• 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. Both pastors preached today. This special note is found in this week's "pastoral note": "This morning we have our ordination and installation of office-bearers. We thank God for providing us with qualified men to serve in the office of elder and deacon, and pray that God will equip them mightily by His Holy Spirit to serve in their respective offices. Let us heed the admonition of Scripture in receiving these office-bearers rightly. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13: 'And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; [13] And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.' Even as the office-bearers are mindful that they represent Jesus Christ in the work of their office, teaching (ministers), ruling (elders), and serving (deacons), and tremble at that, we who are members must also be mindful of that same spiritual reality, receiving the office-bearers as the representatives of Jesus Christ, esteeming them highly for their work’s sake, and taking heed to the Word that they bring to us. In that way we enjoy peace together as a church."
    
  • 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 her worship services today.  And, "Our brethren and sisters in the Lord at All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services today. We pray for God’s continued care and blessings upon them as they hear the Word of God."
  • "Rev. Ibe and Deacon Ruel Dela Fuente are scheduled to visit the pastors and saints in Bacolod and Sipalay City on July 22 – 23, to hold a one-day conference on the Reformed theology [Dogmatics-Soteriology] and of the Church Order of Dordt 1618-19, Arts. 78 - 80. We pray for God’s continued spiritual strength and growth for the churches in these areas as we hear and learn the Reformed truth of God’s sovereign particular grace in Christ Jesus and for His sake only. Soli Deo Gloria!"
  • Provident PRC bulletin: The 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 - July 2024 -  the RWH is broadcasting four gospel messages by Rev. W. Bruinsma, as he concludes his series on women in the Bible. Today's message is titled "Mary Foresees Christ's Death" based on John 12:1-8.
  
  
• 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, order copies of our bestselling children's Bible curricula, Suffer Little Children, by Gertrude Hoeksema. Textbooks are on sale for $10 each, and workbooks are $5 each!* If you've been waiting to order your children's Bible curricula for next school year, now is the time!

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

 "The wrath of God against sin as revealed in this world becomes evident in different ways. There is the present death of all men that culminates in the corruption of the body and all the suffering of this present time connected with it. All men lie in the midst of death, also in the midst of physical death. Death reigns over all men (Rom. 5:12–14). Death encompasses us on all sides. It is the grim specter that always stands waiting at the end of our earthly way, no matter in which direction we turn. It is the enemy that relentlessly pursues us, frequently reminding us by sickness and pain, sorrow and grief, and physical and mental agony, of the certainty of its final victory and dooming all our efforts to ultimate failure. All is vanity. Death is no accident. It is not the natural end of all existence. It is the hand of God that is heavy upon us. Death is the expression of the wrath of God against sin. The wrath of God abides on us and never gives us a moment’s respite. Looking at man’s present existence apart from Christ, it is nothing but testimony to the truth of what the Catechism declares: God is ‘terribly displeased with our original as well as actual sins; and will punish them in his just judgment temporally and eternally.’… The only way out of the present wrath of God is the cross of Christ, and the sole ray of light that pierces the darkness of our present death is his resurrection.” (Herman Hoeksema)

Quoted in Trinity PRC's bulletin today in connection with Rev. W. Langerak's Heidelberg Catechism sermon on Lord's Day 4:

• Q. 9. Doth not God then do injustice to man, by requiring from him in His law that which he cannot perform?
  A. Not at all; for God made man capable of performing it;1 but man, by the instigation of the devil,2 and his own wilful disobedience, deprived himself and all his posterity of those divine gifts.3

• Q. 10. Will God suffer such disobedience and rebellion to go unpunished?
  A. By no means; but is terribly displeased4 with our original as well as actual sins; and will punish them5 in His just judgment temporally and eternally, as He hath declared, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.6

• Q. 11. Is not God then also merciful?
  A. God is indeed merciful,7 but also just;8 therefore His justice requires that sin which is committed against the most high majesty of God be also punished9 with extreme, that is, with everlasting punishment10 of body and soul.