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

Today, August 11, is the thirty-second 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.

Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps: Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word: Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars: Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl: Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth: Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children: Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven. He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD. ~ Psalm 148:7-14

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. N. Decker (Grandville PRC) declined the call from Zion PRC (Jenison, MI).
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC-MN) declined the call from Hope PRC (Walker, MI).
  
  
• Rev. D. Noorman (Southwest PRC-Wyoming, MI) is considering the call from Georgetown (MI) PRC.  He plans to answer by August 18.
  
  
• Rev. G. Eriks (Unity PRC) is considering the call from Hope PRC-Redlands, CA. He plans to answer this call by August 25.
  
  
• Rev. M. DeBoer is considering the call from Hudsonville (MI) PRC. He plans to answer by August 25.
  
  
• Cand. A. Haveman is considering the call to Loveland PRC (received July 21). He plans to answer this call by Sept.1.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. C. Griess and Rev. D. Lee in Georgetown PRC;  Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. M. DeVries in Hope PRC-Walker; Rev. K. Koole (2nd week) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Rev. J. Slopsema and Rev. D. Holstege in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. D. Kleyn in Loveland PRC; Rev. R. Smit (2nd week) in Lynden PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Prof. R. Dykstra 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:

• Byron Center (MI) PRC: "The Community Bible Study meets this Thursday, August 15, at 7:30 PM at church to continue our study of the book of Philippians. Discussion will begin at chapter 3 verse 14. You would be welcome to bring friends and neighbors to join us!"
• Loveland PRC (CO): "Malawi Delegation: Our church’s Evangelism Committee with the PRC Foreign Mission Committee are sending a delegation to Malawi in August. Rev. Daniel Kleyn with Stephan Boonstra and Matthew Miersma will be leaving August 20th and returning August 28th. There are many meetings and gatherings planned during their stay in Malawi. We pray that the Lord may bless this visit with these saints. And also, that we may grow in our knowledge of one another as we grow in our knowledge of Him."
• Southeast PRC-Wyoming, MI: "The evangelism committee would like to remind the congregation of the community Bible study at the Wyoming library. Our next meeting will take place on August 14 at 6:30pm. We encourage you to come and to invite others to join us."

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• The Domestic Mission Committee plans to hire a fulltime website manager for the new PRCA website. The new website is being designed to improve our worldwide evangelism and to improve usability for all PRCA members and churches. Initially the work will be to maintain the current site and assist with the development of the new website. Besides day to day maintenance, the web manager’s future role will be to promote and feature a wide range of PRCA materials. Interested candidates should contact Mike Gritters (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to learn more about this new position.

• After approving the examination of Arend Haveman, the 2024 PRC Synod 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 is in the final two weeks of 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., in two weeks, on August 26. Continue to pray for faculty, students, and staff as we labor during these months. The first semester's schedule and calendar (2024-25) have been posted on this webpage.
• Seminary classes will begin for the first semester on Tuesday, August 27, D.V. The seminary faculty invite interested persons to audit five classes this semester. Prof. Huizinga’s class of Dogmatics – Christology, a study of the person and work of Christ. Prof. Cammenga’s class of NT History – From the intertestamental period through the life of Christ, up to the passion week. Prof. Kuiper’s class of Hermeneutics – a study of the principles and method of biblical interpretation. Prof. Kuiper’s class of Ancient Church History – a study of the church’s history and doctrinal development from AD 100-590. Prof. Griess’s class of Catechetics is open to past and current elders. Please contact the secretary, Bethany Engelsma, at 616-531-1490 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested in attending one of these classes and she can provide you with more information. The class schedule is posted on the PRC Seminary website.
• In the last week (Aug.3-10) Prof. B. Huizinga participated in the British Reformed Fellowship Conference again this year (with Rev. R. Hanko). Today he is preaching in Covenant PRC in Ballymena, N. Ireland before returning home early this week.
• Sem. Bruce Feenstra (entering junior year) has been licensed to to speak a word of edification in the churches. 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. D. Kuiper (doug.kuiperThis 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. Today he is leading both services while Rev. Holstege is in Michigan yet.
• 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.). 
• ADVANCE NOTICE: The annual Seminary Convocation will be hosted by Byron Center PRC on Wednesday, September 4, at 7:00 p.m. Professor C. Griess will be speaking on Colossians 2:8-10, "The Spoiled Pastor." All are invited and encouraged to attend.
• 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. Pastor Wee led both services today, but Pastor Tan had some good thoughts on the concluding message of his colleague on the book of Revelation: "This series on Revelation has also given me a much more sober view of the future. The world is not getting better, but the falling away of many from true churches will increase yet more and more. The true church will not turn from being a remnant for the past 2000 years to being suddenly popular in this world. Rather, as 2 Timothy 3:12-13 reminds us, we will face persecution, and the evil of apostasy (leaving the true worship of God) will increase. But the series on Revelation has also helped me see the importance of focusing on the glory of Christ and to love His coming (2 Tim 4:8). For it is that singular focus on the revelation of Jesus Christ in the clouds of glory that will anchor us as a church through the storms we are experiencing now till Christ comes."
    
  • The latest 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 bring the Word of truth faithfully in the CPRC, Ballymena, N. Ireland - and beyond! After the BRF Conference in England last week, the congregation and visitors returned to Ballymena for their worship services today, with Prof. Huizinga preaching. "We welcome Prof. & Michelle Huizinga and all visitors from the US and elsewhere who are here after the BRF Conference. Prof. Huizinga will be preaching for us today."
    
  • 2024 BRF Family Conference was held last week at Cloverley Hall Conference Centre in Shropshire, England, from Saturday, August 3, to Saturday, August 10, with visitors from multiple countries. Prof. Brian Huizinga and Rev. Ron Hanko lectured on “Then Comes the End: The Reformed Doctrine of Eschatology." Look for the speeches on CPRC's YouTube channel (see note below).
  • The July 2024 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is the latest available. Read the articles by Rev. A. Stewart on "Nehemiah's Secret Night Ride" and Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question about "The Civil and Ceremonial Laws" of the Old Testament.
    
  • 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 this morning—what a joy to worship God’s name in unity and the bond of peace. We pray for God’s continued care and blessings upon them as they hear the Word of God."
  • In PRCP mission work, "Rev. Ibe and Deacon John Noel Longalong are scheduled to visit the pastors and saints in Bacolod and Sipalay City on August 19-20, the Lord willing. Rev. Ibe will lead them in a lecture on Reformed Church Government [Church Order of Dordt 1618-19, Art. 78-80] and Reformed Dogmatics [Soteriology]. We pray for God’s continued spiritual strength and growth for the churches in these areas as they learn and receive the Reformed truth of God’s sovereign particular grace in Christ Jesus and for His sake only. Soli Deo Gloria!"
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Elder Jun Armas led both 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 - August 2024 - the RWH is broadcasting four gospel messages by Rev. W. Bruinsma on the subject of Christ's return and its signs. Today's message is titled "The Beginning of Birth Pains" based on Matthew 24:7,8.
  
  
• 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.).

AUGUST SALE at the RFPA! To celebrate our most recent release, this month's book sale is 50% off Reformed Dogmatics Vol. 1 and 2 by Herman Hoeksema. 

• 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? The Light of the World

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

The contrast in John 8:12 is light and darkness. Light is in Scripture a picture of true knowledge, holiness, and joy and happiness. Darkness is a figure of ignorance, sin, guilt, error, evil, uncleanness, and misery. Jesus came into the darkness of the world to bring light. What does this mean?

Jesus is divine. When Jesus says, “I am the light of the world” he is again announcing that he is divine, the Son of God. In Isaiah the Savior that was to come is announced as a light to the Gentiles. In Malachi 4:2 the coming Savior is called the Sun of righteousness that shall arise with healing in his wings. Can you imagine this brilliant bright light blazing with the glory of God?

Jesus is the revelation of the holy God. One of the perfections of God is that he is light (I John1:5), “and in him is no darkness at all.” This means God is pure, clean, and without sin. He is perfect. This is true therefore also of Jesus. He came into the world as a pure and holy light, shining in the midst of the world’s immorality and sin.

Jesus is the Savior. The sinless One came to deliver us from the darkness. To do so, he must himself be without sin. He came into our sin and guilt, descending into the darkness of hell to pay for our sins. He did that on the cross. By this he earned for us life.

Jesus comes to impart true knowledge. Light in Scripture stands for truth and knowledge. What kind of knowledge does Jesus give? He is unlike many teachers today who give merely their opinion. Jesus gives true knowledge of God, of our sin, the only way of salvation, and the life of obedience that follows.

Jesus is the source of spiritual life to sinners. The first thing that God created was light. This was necessary for the plants and animals that God would later create. They needed the light and heat of God’s created light. We, who were in the darkness of sin and death, need Jesus. He came to give life to lightless and lifeless sinners. He is the light of life because he is the divine Savior with power to give the light of eternal life to dead sinners like you and me.

~ Taken from the series Who Is Jesus?" by Rev. A. Spriensma