PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for October 20, 2024

Today, October 20, is the forty-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.

And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernles. And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. ...In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the LORD'S house shall be like the bowls before the altar. Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the LORD of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts. ~ Zechariah 14:16,17,20,21

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 

• Rev. A. Haveman, who was ordained and installed by Rev. G. Eriks in Loveland PRC last week, preached his inaugural sermon in the congregation this morning.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC-Hull, IA) declined the calls from Lynden PRC (WA) and Hope PRC-Redlands, CA. 
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. N. Decker (Grandville PRC) accepted the call from Hope PRC-Grand Rapids, MI and declined the call from Southwest PRC (Wyoming, MI). (From Hope's bulletin today): "Rev. Decker and family plan to move to the Hope Church parsonage in mid-November. Rev. Decker’s installation is scheduled for the morning service on November 24." According to Grandville's bulletin, Rev. Decker's farewell sermon is planned for Nov.3.

• Last Sunday Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC) declined the call from Zion PRC (Jenison, MI). 
  
  
• The Council of Hudsonville PRC has formed a new trio from which to call her next pastor: Revs. A. Brummel, G. Eriks, and D. Holstege. The congregation will vote after the evening service on October 27.
  
  
• Southwest PRC's Council announced a new trio this evening: Revs. M. DeBoer, J. Engelsma, and W. Langerak. The congregation will call for a new pastor from this trio on Nov.3.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. J. Smidstra in Hope PRC-Walker; Rev. H. Bleyenberg (1st week) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. M. McGeown in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. J. Engelsma (1st week) in Lynden PRC; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. D. Noorman in Southwest PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. J. Maatman 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:

• Calvary PRC (Hull, IA): "All are invited to Calvary PRC on Sunday, October 27, for a presentation on the Psalter revision by Prof. D. Kuiper and Mr. Josh Hoekstra. Calvary’s evening service will be held at 5 p.m. with the presentation following around 6:45 p.m. Children and Young People are encouraged to attend as the presentation will be geared toward them as well as adults."
• Hudsonville (MI) PRC: "The deacons at Hudsonville PRC are planning a conference for Saturday morning, November 23 at 8:30 AM. Former deacons Caleb Kamps and Bryant VanOverloop will each give a short speech followed by breakout sessions. Potential, current, and former deacons are encouraged to attend! We would like a good turnout with various levels of experience. Please register for this event at https://bit.ly/deacon24 

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• "The Foreign Mission Committee (FMC) will be sending Rev. Brummel and Rev. Marcus to Axtla de Terrazas (in San Luis Potosi, Mexico) from October 21-28. The first trip the FMC made to this area was in January of this year. This delegation will deliver speeches and preach, as well as become better acquainted with contacts in the area, the Lord willing. The FMC asks that you pray for this delegation."
  
  
• Sister-church visits: From the Contact Committee (last week): "This past Wednesday [Oct.9], Prof. and Mrs. Dykstra and Mr. and Mrs. Mike Elzinga (Byron Center PRC) left for a four-week trip to our sister churches in the Philippines and Singapore [for church visitation, preaching, and lectures]. May God grant His blessing on the work, safety in travel, and return the delegation in His good time according to His will."
  
  
• Home mission news: "Zion’s Council and the DMC have decided to send our domestic missionary, Rev. Laning, to the Dallas/ Fort Worth area for six months, and to have his wife, Margaret, accompany him. They are scheduled to arrive there on October 19. For some time, Rev. Laning has been conducting weekly Zoom Bible studies with people in Texas, and has made a number of trips there. The plan is to have Rev. Laning continue to labor among those whom they have already come to know, while also witnessing to others in that area. Seeing as the preaching of the gospel is the chief means the Spirit uses to gather His people, it will be good to spend some time there meeting for worship and having Bible studies, in order, Lord willing, to gather a group together. We thank the Lord for opening this door, and pray that He may guide us in this work to the glory of His name. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). If you happen to know of anyone in that area who may be interested, please contact our domestic missionary at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.."
  
  
• Seminary Conference, October 31-November 2: “By Grace I Am What I Am”: The PRCA’s Rejection of Common Grace. The issue of common grace is still relevant a century later! Come to Grace PRC on October 31 (7:30pm), November 1 (7:00pm), and November 2 (9:00 am), to hear how. On Thursday, Oct.31, Prof. Kuiper will speak about the decisions of the CRC Synod 1924. On November 1 Prof. Huizinga will address the error of the first point of common grace, and Prof. Cammenga will deal with the “little point of the first point,” the doctrine of the general offer of the gospel. And on Saturday morning, Nov.2, Prof. Gritters will speak on the restraint of sin in the unbeliever, followed by Prof. Griess on the good that the unregenerate do. Plan to attend all or as many as you can!
  
  
• Note the addition of a part-time option! The Domestic Mission Committee plans to hire a full-time or part-time 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. And on Saturday morning, Nov.2, Prof. Gritters will speak on the restraint of sin in the unbeliever, followed by Prof. Griess on the good that the unregenerate do. Plan to attend all the speeches or as many as you can!

• PRC 100th Anniversary Celebration: NEW!! Online Registration is now open. 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 to participate in this commemorative week. To attend visit https://prca100.org/register for registration instructions and the web link.
  
  

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PR Theological Seminary has now completed eight weeks of this first semester of its 2024-25 school year, and is halfway through the semester. The seminary will have its Reading Recess this Thursday and Friday, as classes break and students are given "extra" time to work on their research and writing projects. We praise the Lord for His goodness through the first half of the semester. Remember to pray for faculty, students, and staff as they continue in the semester's labors and activities. The first semester's schedule and calendar (2024-25) have been posted on this webpage.
• Coming up next weekend - Oct.31-Nov.2! 100th Anniversary Seminary Conference: “By Grace I Am What I Am”: The PRCA’s Rejection of Common Grace. The issue of common grace is still relevant a century later! Come to Grace PRC on October 31 (7:30 pm), November 1 (7:00 pm), and November 2 (9:00 am), to hear how. On Thursday, Oct.31, Prof. Kuiper will speak about the decisions of Synod 1924. On Friday night, Nov.1, Prof. Huizinga will address the error of the first point of common grace, and Prof. Cammenga will deal with the “little point of the first point,” the doctrine of the general offer of the gospel. And on Saturday morning, Nov.2, Prof. Gritters will speak on the restraint of sin in the unbeliever, followed by Prof. Griess on the good that the unregenerate do. Plan to attend all or as many as you can!
• This week Bruce Feenstra (3rd year) will lead the daily devotions and Rev. S. Key will do the chapel on Wednesday.
• The annual Seminary Convocation was held in Byron Center PRC on September 4. Prof. C. Griess spoke on Colossians 2:8-10, "The Spoiled Pastor." Look for the video of the evening on the Seminary's YouTube channel soon. The audio of the speech may be heard here.
• Sem. Bruce Feenstra (junior) 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 (senior) 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 the afternoon service and tomorow the Thanksgiving Day service.
• The Spring 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal is currently available. The digital editions (pdf and epub) are 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. The Fall 2024 issue is currently being worked on. 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.). 
• 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. Rev. Tan led both services while Rev. Wee is in Kolkata, India on a visit to the CERC's mission field. In this week's pastoral note he said, "Greetings from Kolkata, India! Elder Lee and myself (Pastor Wee) have the privilege of worshiping amongst our fellow saints there this Lord's Day. Both of us are there for the first time, eager to meet and fellowship with the saints there, of whom we had previously heard reports, but now are able to meet face to face. We thank God for making this delegation visit possible. As we know, Pastor Tan was originally scheduled to go for the visit.... God in His providence opened up a way for me to go in place of him, and so we are able to keep this delegate visit. Such delegate visits are important means for us to maintain regular contact with the saints there, for fellowship and mutual encouragement. We plan to conduct COF interviews for 2 families and one individual, in addition to preaching and fellowship."
    
  • A new issue of Salt Shakers is available - August2024, #73, the third 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 gospel of sovereign grace faithfully in the CPRC, Ballymena, N. Ireland - and beyond! These news items were in her bulletin last week: "Rev. & Mary Stewart will be away from 9-25 October for a tour with 30 saints from the PRC in Greece and Turkey to places on Paul’s missionary journeys and the seven churches of Revelation 2-3." And, "Rev. & Mary Bruinsma from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, arrive on Thursday, 10 October, and return to the US on Monday, 28 October. Pastor Bruinsma will preach for us on 13, 20 and 27 October."
  • The September 2024 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" was recently published. Read the articles by Rev. A. Stewart on the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls (Nehemiah) and part three of Rev. R. Hanko's response to questions about "The Civil and Ceremonial Laws" of the Old Testament.
    
  • The CPRC YouTube channel with all its edifying content may be found here.

• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Prof. R. Dykstra led her worship services today. "We welcome Prof. and Mrs. Dysktra, Elder, and Mrs. Elzinga in our midst this morning and praise God for the fellowship we may share in and around His Word as one in the Lord Jesus Christ. God be praised." And, "Prof. Dykstra is also scheduled to lecture on “The Absolute Sovereignty of God” at 2 PM today at our church hall. D.V. Everyone is greatly encouraged to attend."
    
  • Special news: "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija are set to join us in our worship services today via Livestream at our official Facebook page. We pray for God’s continued care and blessings upon them as they hear the Word of God.' And, "The visit with the pastors and saints in Bacolod and Sipalay City went very well by the grace of God. Prof. Dykstra gave two speeches on “The Absolute Sovereignty of God” and “Total Depravity of Man” at Bata Community Christian Church. The conference was well attended and greatly appreciated. God be praised. 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: Rev. V. Ibe led both worship services today. Special note: "Prof. Russell Dykstra and his wife Sis. Carol together with Elder Michael and Ruth Elzinga (Byron Center PRC, MI) are set to leave tomorrow at 7AM, the Lord willing. They will visit our sister church in Singapore (CERC). They will stay in Singapore for 2 Sundays, DV. We pray for God’s travelling mercies throughout their flights. We thank the Lord for their visit and time of fellowship with us."

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 - October 2024 - the RWH continues broadcasting four gospel messages by Rev. W. Bruinsma on the subject of Christ's return and its signs. Today's message is titled "The Final Sign of Christ's Return" based on Luke 21:25-28.
  
  
• 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 reading materials on the great Reformation? Check out this resource from the RFPA!

• 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! RBO Storytime: Join us Thursdays for Fall Storytime at 10:15 on October 31, November 7 and 14. Let your little ones enjoy a few stories and a craft, while you browse our books or enjoy a cup of coffee!

• 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

Solus Christus

"'For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus' (I Tim. 2:5).

The Reformers insisted that Scripture proclaims Christ as the only Savior of sinners. As one with the Father, the very Son of God, He does everything that is necessary for our salvation. Jesus leaves nothing undone or partially done, so that we need other saviors and additional mediators alongside of Him. Christ’s saving work was complete and effectual. He accomplished everything on account of which He had been sent into the world by the Father.

Because Jesus is the only Savior, who has fully accomplished all of our salvation, the Reformers objected to the Roman Catholic doctrine of the mass as a perpetual re-sacrificing of Jesus, and the doctrine of transubstantiation, which was necessary for the re-sacrificing of the body and blood of Jesus. Such a sacrifice is not only unnecessary, but is a blasphemous denial of the finished work of Christ and an accursed idolatry. Thus the Reformers swept away not only the mass, but the whole Romish priesthood, which priesthood was necessary for the re-sacrificing of the body and blood of Jesus. The finished work of Christ, our great and only High Priest, fulfilled all the sacrifices of the Old Testament and eliminated any further need for a priesthood. Rome’s priesthood, with its sacrifice of the mass, is a perpetual and public denial that Christ alone is our Savior.

Jesus’ merits are the only propitiatory merits that take away both the guilt and the punishment of our sins. Rome taught that the merits of the saints, and especially the merits of the Virgin Mary—merits that had accumulated through their works of supererogation—are merits that are at the disposal of the church. The church distributes these merits through the purchase of indulgences. Or there were indulgences to be earned simply by paying to observe all kinds of relics of the saints, collections of which could be found in every major city throughout Europe in the sixteenth century. The Reformation demolished the whole system of indulgences on the basis of the truth that Jesus is the only Savior. His merits alone, no other merits, are the basis for our salvation.

In short, whoever wraps up two kinds of righteousness [Christ’s and our own] in order that miserable souls may not repose wholly in God’s mere mercy, crowns Christ in mockery with a wreath of thorns. (John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, ed. by John T. McNeill, 3.11.13; 1:743.)"

Taken from "The Solas of the Reformation" by Prof. R. Cammenga