PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for November 10, 2024 *(Updated)

Today, November 10, is the forty-fifth 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 the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. ~ Revelation 4:8-11

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 Southwest PRC (Wyoming, MI) called Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton-MN PRC).
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC-MN) declined the call to Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN).
  
  
• 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 congregation voted after the evening service today. *Rev. Guichelaar has received this call.
  
  
• Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC - Hull, IA) is considering the call from Hudsonville PRC. He plans to answer by Nov.24.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. N. Decker completed his ministry at Grandville PRC. Having accepted the call to Hope PRC-Grand Rapids, MI, his installation there is planned 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 Grandville PRC has formed a trio from which to call her next pastor: Revs. M. DeBoer, J. Maatman, and J. Smidstra. A congregational meeting has been scheduled for November 24 after the evening service.
  
  
• The Council of Hope PRC-Redlands, CA presents the following trio from which to call her next pastor: Revs. J. Smidstra (First PRC-Holland PRC), J. Maatman (Southeast PRC), and W. Langerak (Trinity PRC).  The congregational meeting is set for December 2.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Sem. B. Feenstra in Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN; Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. M. McGeown in Hope PRC-Walker; Rev. K. Koole (2nd week) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. G. Eriks in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. M. DeVries (2nd week) in Lynden PRC; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. W. Langerak in Southwest PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. D. Noorman 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): "Plan to attend the Fall Lecture this Friday evening, November 15, at 7:00 PM at Calvary PRC. Rev. W. Bruinsma will speak on the subject: "End-Times Danger: Christians Are Not the Only Fishers of Men". The lecture will be livestreamed from Calvary’s YouTube channel. Join us for coffee and donuts afterward!A
• Zion PRC (Jenison, MI): "Jail Ministry: Tom Pastoor and Tim Key (Hudsonville PRC) are representing our Evangelism Committee this afternoon at the Kent County Jail. Pray for Tom and Tim 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

• 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. For more 100-year PRC history and photos, visit this Facebook page.
  
  

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PR Theological Seminary has now completed ten 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' recent conference 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 now all available both on Grace PRC's Sermonaudio channel as well as the seminary's YouTube channel.
• The second round of practice preaching will take place next Monday, Nov.18, with B. Feenstra (junior) and I. Van Baren (sophomore) delivering sermons.
• This week Joe Ophoff (1st year) will lead the daily devotions and Rev. J. Maatman (PRTS 2019; pastor of Southeast PRC) will lead the Wednesday chapel.
• 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!
  
  

Celebraring her 18th anniversary today (see below) - God be praised for this precious sister in the Lord!

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  • Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. Today both pastors preached. In his "pastoral voice" note Pastor Tan reflected on the sermon on prayer to be preached in CERC: "Today we come to God’s house of prayer. So let us for a moment meditate on that wonder of prayer, and how it wondrously changes us.Today we come to God’s house of prayer. So let us for a moment meditate on that wonder of prayer, and how it wondrously changes us.Prayer is covenant communion with the living God. So that prayer, is God’s people drawing nigh to the great I AM. It is the child of God bringing their entire being heart, soul, mind, into God’s glorious presence.Prayer is not a mindless ritual. Prayer is rooted in His eternal triune nature. Before creation, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit delighted in holy communion. So God commands us to pray, he calls us to covenant communion with him. There the child of God declares to God his utter dependence and confesses his every need to Father."
    
  • 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 serve this sister congregation faithfully, and through the CPRC to minister the gospel far and wide in other ways.
  • 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: Rev. V. Ibe led her worship services today. And, "The saints of All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija will join us in worship services today. We pray for God’s continued care and blessings upon them as they hear the Word of God."
    
  • Special note: "Today, we celebrate God's faithfulness of 18 years of continued care and blessings as a church of the Lord Jesus Christ. No words can express how grateful we are to our faithful covenant-keeping God, Jehovah for His so great love and mercy upon us in Christ. In those 18 years, we experienced nothing less but God’s preservation of us in our salvation and His continued work in the preaching of His Word through us for His glory and honor alone, and for Christ’s sake only. May God so blessed us with more fruitful years according to His good pleasure to carry out His sovereign purpose for us and for all His saints in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Soli Deo Gloria!"
  • Mission news: "Rev. Ibe and Elder Suarez [Provdent PRC] are scheduled to visit with the pastors and saints in Bacolod and Sipalay City on Nov. 14 – 15, 2024. Rev. Ibe will continue his lecture on the Church Order of Dort Articles 6 – 9 and Reformed Dogmatics [Soteriology] on the Ordo Salutis at Bata Community Christian Church [Bacolod City] and Candoni, Negros Occidental, the Lord willing. 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: Deacon Ruel dela Fuente 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 - November  2024 - the RWH continues broadcasting four gospel messages by Rev. W. Bruinsma, including a special Thanksgiving Day message. Today's message is titled "The Final Gathering of the Church" based on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
  
  
• 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

The Reformed tradition recognizes that the state is an institution of God for our good.
The Bible teaches that Christians are responsible for submitting to the authority of
the state, paying taxes, giving all due respect and honor to their leaders, and praying
for them. It is the duty of every man, wherever he may live, to be obedient to the
magistrates, according to Romans 13. Lord’s Day 39 of the Heidelberg Catechism asks
and answers this question: “What does God require in the fifth commandment? That
I show all honor, love, and fidelity to my father and mother, and to all in authority over
me; submit myself with due obedience to their good instruction and correction; and also
bear patiently with their weakness and shortcomings, since it pleases God to govern us
by their hand.” Educating Christians in responsible citizenship is a proper responsibility
of the church institute in her preaching and of our Christian schools in the instruction
of our covenant youth. This means that we preach and teach true patriotism — giving
honor to those who have been placed in authority over us by God and thanking Him
for our leaders, for our government, and for our country. As citizens of that country, we
demonstrate our love for God as well as our Christian faith in the way of our obedience
and submission, praying for those in authority.

As Reformed believers with the biblical injunctions, we must pray for those who are
in authority: “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” (1 Tim. 2:1,
2). We pray for our leaders not only after catastrophes, but continuously as they are
used by God to govern and rule. Are you praying for your leaders, for wisdom for the
president, that through that man and through the sword that is given to the government
that he represents, God’s righteous judgment may be executed against those who take
innocent lives? Are you praying that God will lead rulers to rule in harmony with His
Word? Are you thanking God for the religious freedom and liberties that we enjoy? Are
you praying for our leaders as they ask for soldiers, as they seek to promote peace
and protect those precious freedoms? When my son was called to duty in Iraq, as a
Christian parent I was proud of his duty and his obedience to his calling to serve God by
serving his nation.

Taken from the pamphlet "For God and County" by Rev. A. Spriensma