PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for November 3, 2024 *(Updated)

Today, November 3, is the forty-fourth 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.

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. ~ Philippians 3:1-3

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 

• Last Sunday Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC - Hull, IA) received the call from Hudsonville PRC. He plans to answer by Nov.24.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. A. Spriensma completed his ministry in Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN) and he and his wife moved to Hudsonville, MI this past week. His emeritation took 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.
  
  
• Today Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC-MN) declined the call to Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN).
  
  
• *Tonight Southwest PRC was to vote for a new pastor from the Council's new trio: Revs. M. DeBoer (Edgerton-MN PRC), J. Engelsma (Crete-IL PRC), and W. Langerak (Trinity PRC-Hudsonville, MI). *Rev. DeBoer has received this call.
  
  
• This evening Rev. N. Decker preached his farewell sermon at Grandville PRC after six years of ministry there. His installation at Hope PRC-Grand Rapids, MI is scheduled for the morning service on November 24. May the Lord be with him and his family as they transition to their new church home and place of labor. 
  
  
• The Council of Zion PRC has announced a new trio: Revs. E. Guichelaar (Grace PRC), J. Maatman (SE PRC) and J. Smidstra (First PRC-Holland). The congregational meeting is planned for November 10 after the evening  service.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. D. Lee in Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN; Prof. D. Kuiper and Prof. C. Griess in Hope PRC-Walker; Rev. K. Koole (1st week) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. J. Maatman in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. M. DeVries (1st week) in Lynden PRC; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. J. Holstege 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:

• Byron Center PRC: "The Community Bible Study plans to meet this Thursday, November 7 at 7:30 PM [at the church]. We continue our study at Philippians 4:10. Bring a friend and join us if you can!"
  
• First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI: "Community Bible Study meets this Wednesday, November 6, at 7:00 PM [at the church]. We'll discuss Abel's More Excellent Sacrifice, from Hebrews 11:4."
• Hope PRC-Walker, MI: "The Myanmar committee reported that it held a video conference with Rev. Titus. Rev. Titus reported that the military visited his home to register the number of people living there. Though the visit was a source of anxiety, it went well. Overall, conditions in Myanmar remain much the same as they have for the past several months with fighting and unrest continuing in many areas of the country. Please continue to remember the needs of these saints in your prayers." [last week's bulletin]
• 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

• Sister-church visits: From the Contact Committee (final day today - see news under Covenant ERC-Singapore): "[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.."

• 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.
  
  

The PR Seminary conference this past weekend was attended by a good number of people, who heard excellent messages on God's sovereign, saving (not common) grace and enjoyed blessed fellowship.

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PR Theological Seminary has now completed nine weeks of this first semester of its 2024-25 school year. We praise the Lord for His goodness and grace thus far in this 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.
• The PRTS' Conference this past weekend at Grace PRC (“By Grace I Am What I Am”: The PRCA’s Rejection of Common Grace) was well attended and well received. The speeches are being made available both on Grace PRC's Sermonaudio channel as well as the seminary's YouTube channel.
• This week Joseph Dick (2nd year) will lead the daily devotions and Rev. J. Holstege (pastor of First PRC in Grand Rapids) will again lead 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 Fall 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal has been sent to the printer and will be available around Thanksgiving time. This issue contains, among other things, the second part of Dr. J. Bolt's treatment of the CRC Synod of 1924 ("Unfinished Business on Common Grace"), Prof Griess' lecture on "Sexual Abuse in Calvin's Geneva," Dr. N. Willborn's lectures on "Old Princeton," a sermon warning of drunkenness (and other addictions) from Prov.23:29-35 by Prof. Kuiper, and ten book reviews. 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 again. The PRC Contact Committee delegation of the Dykstras and Elzingas will return to the States tomorrow.  The CERC's missionary and his wife, Rev. Emmanuel and Sonali Singh, also bid farewell to the saints in Singapore after their visit. 
    
  • 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 returned to the pulpit following a three-week trip to Turkey and Greece with others tracing the missionary journeys of Paul. 
  • 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: Elders Umali and Penaverde led her worship services today. 
    
  • Special note: "God be praised for 18 years of His faithfulness upon us as the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Thanks to God, we are blessed to remember God’s goodness next Sunday [Nov. 10, 2024] in our commemoration of the institutionalization of the Berean PRC in November of 2006. Soli Deo Gloria."
  • Mission news: "Rev. Ibe and family are visiting with the saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija today. Our pastor is set to lead them in their worship service today at 9:00 AM and Bible study at 11 AM. We pray for God’s continued care and blessings upon them as they hear the Word of God."
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Elder Jun Armas led both worship services today.

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 - November  2024 - the RWH continues broadcasting four gospel messages by Rev. W. Bruinsma, including a special Thanksgiving Day message. Today's message is titled "Waiting on Jehovah" based on Psalm 27:14.
  
  
• 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.).

• 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

Article 35 of the Belgic Confession, "Of Magistrates":

We believe that our gracious God, because of the depravity of mankind, hath appointed kings, princes and magistrates, willing that the world should be governed by certain laws and policies; to the end that the dissoluteness of men might be restrained, and all things carried on among them with good order and decency. For this purpose he hath invested the magistracy with the sword, for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the protection of them that do well.

And their office is, not only to have regard unto, and watch for the welfare of the civil state; but also that they protect the sacred ministry; and thus may remove and prevent all idolatry and false worship (see note below); that the kingdom of anti-Christ may be thus destroyed and the kingdom of Christ promoted. They must therefore countenance the preaching of the Word of the gospel everywhere, that God may be honored and worshipped by every one, as He commanded in His Word.

Moreover, it is the bounden duty of everyone, of what state, quality, or condition so ever he may be, to subject himself to the magistrates; to pay tribute, to show due honor and respect to them, and to obey them in all things which are not repugnant to the Word of God; to supplicate for them in their prayers, that God may rule and guide them in all their ways, and that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Wherefore we detest the Anabaptists and other seditious people, and in general all those who reject the higher powers and magistrates, and would subvert justice, introduce community of goods, and confound that decency and good order, which God hath established among men.

Psalm 118:8, 9: It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

1 Timothy 2:1,2: I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.