PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for October 27, 2024 *(Updated)

Today, October 27, is the forty-third 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.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. ~ John 4:21-24

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 

• 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 today. * Rev. Brummel has received this call.
  
  
• Today Rev. A. Spriensma completed his ministry in Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN) and he and his wife planned to move to Hudsonville, MI this week. His emeritation takes effect Friday Nov.1. It is fitting to reference part of Classis East's decision at its Sept. 2024 meeting where his emeritation was approved: "That Classis express its deep appreciation and thanks to God for the 43 years of Rev. Spriensma’s dedicated service in the ministry and chaplaincy, and especially for his faithful work as both foreign and domestic missionary." The chair of Classis also expressed gratitude for his wife Alva, praying the Lord's blessing on them both as they continue to serve the Lord.
  
  
• On October 13 Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN) called Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC-MN) from a trio that included Rev. N. Decker and Prof. B. Gritters. He plans to answer November 3.
  
  
• On October 13 Rev. N. Decker accepted the call to Hope PRC-Grand Rapids, MI. Rev. Decker's farewell sermon at Grandville PRC is planned for Nov.3. and his installation at Hope PRC is scheduled for the morning service on November 24.
  
  
• Southwest PRC's Council announced a new trio: Revs. M. DeBoer (Edgerton-MN PRC), J. Engelsma (Crete-IL PRC), and W. Langerak (Trinity PRC-Hudsonville, MI). 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: Sem. B. Feenstra and Elder led in Hope PRC-Walker; Rev. H. Bleyenberg (2nd week) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Prof. R. Cammenga in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. J. Engelsma (2nd week) in Lynden PRC; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. J. Slopsema in Southwest PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Prof. B. Huizinga 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."
• Wingham PRC (ON): "A SPECIAL EVENING to commemorate the Reformation has been planned for this Thursday, October 31, at 7:30 p.m.. Rev. Holstege plans to lead a discussion on the 95 theses which Martin Luther nailed to the church door in Wittenberg on October 31, 1517. Mr. Aaron VanDyke plans to lead a second discussion on John Calvin’s doctrine of union with Christ. In preparation, please read an article that Rev. Holstege wrote on the 95 theses in the October 15, 2016 issue of the Standard Bearer (you can access it here: https://sb.rfpa.org/the-ninety-five-theses/) and chapter nine of the book Union with Christ for Calvin’s doctrine.
• Zion PRC (Jenison, MI): "Jail Ministry: Howard and Dan Pastoor are representing our Evangelism Committee this afternoon at the Kent County Jail. Pray for Howard and Dan as they do this and that the Lord will use them to bring them comfort and hope to the inmates that they visit."
• 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

• Seminary Conference, THIS WEEKEND, 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! All speeches will be livestreamed on Grace PRC’s site.
  
  
• The Foreign Mission Committee (FMC) sent Rev. A. Brummel and Rev. J. 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 FMC asks that you pray for this delegation.
  
  
• Sister-church visits: From the Contact Committee (last week): "[On 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.."
  
  
• 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. 

• 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.
  
  

Rev. S. Key led the chapel this past Wednesday at PRTS.

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PR Theological Seminary has now completed eight and a half weeks of this first semester of its 2024-25 school year, and is halfway through the semester. The seminary will had its annual Reading Recess this past Thursday and Friday. We thank 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 THIS 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! All speeches will be livestreamed on Grace PRC’s site.
• This week Isaac Van Baren (2nd year) will lead the daily devotions and Rev. J. Holstege (pastor of First PRC in Grand Rapids) will do the chapel on Wednesday.
• 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.
• 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 and should go to the printer this week. 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. Prof. R. Dykstra led both services today after speaking at CERC's special Reformation Day Conference this past weekend. In the "pastoral voice" Pastor Tan had these special words: "We are thankful to God for the church visitors that the contact committee of the PRCA has sent, Prof Dykstra and Elder Mike Elzinga. The mutual accountability and oversight is what we covet and cherish. Prof Dykstra and Elder Elzinga have been admonishing and encouraging us to be faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ. But it is not just the Council that has been encouraged and edified, but I am very sure all of us have been, from the preaching of the glorious gospel from the pulpit. Prof Dykstra will be preaching for us this and next week. ...Prof Dykstra has been given by God a deep love for us here in Singapore. We thank him and his dear wife for their much sacrifice for us, that we may abound spiritually. Keep the church visitors and the Council in prayers, that in all our discussions of church members with them that we will grow together in the truth and in deeper spiritual unity. We very warmly welcome our own missionary-pastor Singh and his with Sonali. They are no strangers but family. Welcome back home Pastor Singh and Sonali! Please keep in your prayers Pastor Singh, his dear wife, and the saints there."
    
  • 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! After Rev. W. Bruinsma preached for Rev. Stewart for three Sundays while he was away, this special note was in this week's bulletin: "Everyone is welcome to stay for tea after the service this evening as we say farewell to Rev. and Mary Bruinsma who are returning to the US tomorrow."
  • 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. V. Ibe led her worship services today. 
    
  • Mission 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.'
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Elder Mitch Suarez led both worship services today.
  • Classis meeting: "...a special Classis meeting will be held today at 1:30 PM at the Berean PRC. The Lord willing, pertinent matters affecting our churches will be discussed and decided upon."

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 "Straying Sheep" based on Isaiah 53:6.
  
  
• 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

Sola Fide

"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law" (Rom. 3:28).

Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone. Faith is the instrument, the “alone instrument,” to use the language of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF, 11.2). The righteousness on account of which we are righteous before God is not an innate righteousness. The righteousness on account of which we are righteous before God is not an acquired righteousness. But the righteousness on account of which we are righteous before God is the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ. That righteousness is ours by faith and by faith alone.

Rome taught that we are righteous before God partly by faith. Righteousness is ours by faith and by the works of faith. Faith and the good works that faith produces together constitute our righteousness before God. The Reformers rejected Rome’s teaching about faith and insisted that we are righteous by faith alone. Well known is the controversy that Luther raised when his German translation of the Bible appeared in print. Luther translated Romans 3:28 by adding an “alone” that is not in the original text. His translation was: “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith alone, without the deeds of the law.” Luther knew very well that “alone” was not found in the original and that his insertion could not be justified by an appeal to the text. At the same time, although he had transgressed the boundaries of a faithful Bible translator, there is good reason for Luther’s insertion because of the sense of the passage. As Luther pointed out, by contrasting as he does faith and the deeds of the law, and by insisting that we are righteous by faith and not by the deeds of the law, Paul is teaching justification by faith alone.

What underscores the truth that we are righteous by faith alone and not by our own works is the truth that even the faith by means of which we are justified is the gift of God. He gives and He works faith in the elect. That is grace!

You farther see how faith and the merits of works are contrasted, as things altogether contrary to each other. As then trust in works is the chief hindrance, by which our way to obtain righteousness is closed up, it is necessary that we should wholly renounce it, in order that we may depend on God’s goodness alone. (John Calvin, Commentary on the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans. Comments on Romans 9:32.)

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