PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for January 5, 2025

On this first Lord's Day of 2025, we gather in the Lord's presence, by grace and through faith, for worship of and fellowship with our covenant God, our faithful Father and Friend-Sovereign. As we do so, we are equipped and encouraged by His Word and Spirit for our life and callings in this world.

O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. ~ Psalm 95:1-3

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.

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. R. Barnhill (Heritage PRC-Sioux Falls, SD) declined the call from Hudsonville PRC.
  
  
• Today Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN) voted to call Rev. D. Holstege (Wingham PRC) from her new trio that also included Revs. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC) and G. Eriks (Unity PRC).
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. J. Maatman (SE PRC) declined the call from Hope PRC-Redlands, CA.
  
  
• Rev. J. Engelsma (Crete PRC-IL) is considering calls from Grace PRC, Lynden PRC, and Southwest PRC. He plans to answer by January 12.
  
  
• Grandville PRC's Council has formed a new trio of Revs. G. Eriks, D. Holstege, and J. Maatman. They plan to call next Sunday evening, January 12.
  
  
• *As NEW Officebearers are installed, elders and deacons are reminded of a special resource page on the PRC website for you. Visit this section for articles, sermons, and seminars related to your work as servants of Christ and His church. 

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: PRC livestream in Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN; Rev. J. Slopsema and Rev. K. Koole in Grace PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. D. Lee in Grandville PRC; Rev. A. Spriensma (1st week) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. J. Holstege in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. C. Haak (through January 2025) in Lynden PRC; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. J. Maatman in Southwest PRC; Sem. A. Van Dyke and Rev. W. Langerak in Zion PRC. It is a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who travel and supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to petition the Lord for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!

Special congregational/evangelism activities:

• First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI: "Community Bible Study meets this Wednesday, January 8, at 7:00 PM [at the church]. We'll discuss Abraham's Departure of Faith, Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 11:27-12:5."
• Hope PR Ministry, the podcast of Hope PRC (Walker), would like to direct you to its podcast where due to the great feedback they received for their recent interviews with Mike Velthouse on Biblical Obscurities they will be reposting the four original obscurity interviews with Mike starting January 3 through January 24.

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• Home mission news: Zion’s Council and the DMC have sent our domestic missionary, Rev. J. Laning, to the Dallas/ Fort Worth (DFW) area for six months, along with his wife, Margaret. They arrived there on October 19 and have settled into the labors there. 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..
  From Zion PRC's bulletin last week: "Mission work: Rev. Laning and Margaret continue to be busy with mission work in Texas. They have a weekly bible study on Thursdays and a Sunday worship service. Please continue to pray that God will bless this work and open doors for the gospel to be spread in this area!" Also, Georgetown PRC is planning to send some volunteers down there Feb.26-March 3 to help promote the work and witness to people in the DFW area.
  
  
• PRC Contact Committee: The annual church visitation to the PRC's sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC, will take place starting this week. Prof. D. Kuiper and elder Dave Kregel will travel there this weekend, arriving Friday, Jan.3 and staying until Jan.13. May the Lord grant safe travels and a profitable visit with the brothers and sisters there.
  
  
• Classis East will meet this Wednesday, January 8, beginning at 8 a.m. at Zion PRC (Jenison, MI). The agenda has been posted on this page.
  
  
• HAVEN of Mercy: It's not easy to know what to do when someone discloses abuse. How do you care for victims in a way that truly helps? What does real repentance look like after abuse? How can churches be a place where healing and accountability go hand in hand? In just a few days, we'll gather to hear Brad Hambrick and Darby Strickland speak on these topics. We hope to see you at HAVEN '25: What's Next? The Way Forward After Disclosure, January 10 at 7 p.m. and January 11 at 8:30 a.m. to enjoy speeches, refreshments, fellowship, and free books! If you are unable to attend in person, you can access the livestream from our conference webpage at www.havenofmercypr.org/haven2025-conference Together, we can create a church community that stands unified against abuse, rallies around survivors, and reflects the heart of Christ to a broken world.

• PRC 100th! Did you attend the 75th PRC Anniversary Commemoration in 2000? Please share your pictures and videos with the PRC Historical Archive. You can drop off or mail physical copies to Chuck Terpstra at the seminary (4949 Ivanrest Ave. SW Wyoming MI 49418), or email digitized content to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. As we beganpreparing for the 100th, we realized that we have few visuals from the 75th. Thank you for your help building upour archive!
  
  
• PRC 100th Anniversary Celebration: Online Registration is now open and runs through December 31. 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, videos and photos, visit this Facebook page.
  
  

PR Theological Seminary News:

• The PR Theological Seminary's two-week holiday break has ended, and tomorrow the 2025 Interim class will begin (see note below), with the second semester beginning on Jan.16. In this new year we again look to our unchanging God to be with us and strengthen us for our work. Continue in prayer for faculty, students, and staff as we return to the normal schedules.
• Prof. R. Cammenga will be teaching the January 2025 Interim course (Jan.6-15) on the life and theology of John Calvin. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend (even if you cannot make every day). Please call the seminary at 616-531-1490 or email Bethany Engelsma at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to sign up.
• Prof. D. Kuiper is currently in Northern Ireland with elder D. Kregel as a delegation from the PRC Contact Committee responsible for the annual visit to the PRC's sister church there, Covenant PRC in Ballymena (Jan.3-16). While there, Prof. Kuiper will also lecture on "The Proper Method of Bible Interpretation: Grammatical-Historical-Spiritual.”
• The second semester of the 2024-25 school year will begin on Thursday, January 16. The seminary faculty invites interested persons to audit five classes this semester. Prof. Kuiper’ classes: Medieval Church History ­(history of the Christian church from A.D. 590 to the Protestant Reformation), New Testament Isagogics (introduction to the New Testament), and Reformed Symbols (history of the Synod of Dordt and the contents of the Canons of Dordt).  Prof. Huizinga’s classes: OT History (history of the Judges through the exile and return from captivity), and Dogmatics – Soteriology (a study of the doctrine of salvation). Please contact Bethany Engelsma at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 616-531-1490 for more information and to sign up.For the 2nd semester schedule and calendar, visit this page.
• Last Sunday Sem. Aaron Van Dyke (senior) completed his six-month internship in the Wingham, Ontario PRC. He and his family moved back to West Michigan and he will take up his final interim course and semester of classes beginning this week.
• The Fall 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal is now available. The digital edition (pdf) is available on the seminary's journal page linked here while the print copies have been mailed out to those on the mailing list. 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.) or stop by the seminary. 
• Sem. Bruce Feenstra (licensed to speak a word of edification in the churches last summer) has been busy in the PRCs. 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.).
• Have you watched or listened to the videos of the Fall PRTS Conference (Oct.31-Nov.2) at Grace PRC (“By Grace I Am What I Am”: The PRCA’s Rejection of Common Grace), where the histroric (100 years!) stand of the PRC on sovereign, particular grace was defended and developed? The speeches are now all available both on Grace PRC's Sermonaudio channel as well as the seminary's YouTube channel.
• For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website - and don't forget to check on 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. Today Pastor Wee led services, while Pastor Tan is in the Philippines (see below). In this week's "pastor's voice" Rev. Tan reflected on the annual church retreat that was just held: "What a wonderful way to begin the year with the CERC Retreat 2025! Pastor Wee, on behalf of the Council, unveiled our new church theme with a soul-stirring meditation: “How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts!” (Psalm 84:1). Our Ladies’ Bible Study group, a glowing assembly of both Singles and Mothers, put together a meaningful church retreat."
    
  • A last 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 and her website to minister the gospel far and wide in other ways. 

    Special note (from last week's bulletin): The church visitors (Prof. D. Kuiper and Dave Kregel) from the PRC Contact Committee will arrive this Friday, staying until Monday, Jan.13. "Prof. Kuiper will be giving a lecture on “The Proper Method of Bible Interpretation: Grammatical-Historical-Spiritual” on Wednesday, 8 January, at 7:30 PM. Extra flyers are on the back table for you to pass on to friends and family."

  • The December 2024 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" has been published. Read the articles by Rev. A. Stewart on "The Call to the Apostolic Office" and Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question about whether the 4th commandment is still in effect.
    
  • 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 joined them in worship via livestreaming on her Facebook page.
  • Provident PRC bulletin: "A warm welcome to Pastor Josiah Tan who arrived safely from Singapore yesterday, January 4, 2025. Our congregation praises the LORD and is grateful for having Pastor Tan and for his response to our request for pulpit supply from CERC through the contact committee of the PRCA." He led both 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 - January 2025 - the RWH is broadcasting four gospel messages by Rev. W. Bruinsma. Today's message is a special new year's one titled "Alpha and Omega" based on Rev.1:8.
  
  
• 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.).

Looking for a good devotional for the new year? Visit the RFPA's website for this one and other new devotionals for young and old.

• The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is 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 assistance 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 God of my rock; in Him will I trust: He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; Thou savest me from violence” (v. 3). This piling up of metaphors indicates the strong assurance which David had in the Lord, the realization of His sufficiency to meet his every emergency and supply his every need. He saw in God one who was infinitely worthy of his fullest confidence: no matter how critical his circumstances, how desperate his situation, how numerous or powerful his foes, and how great his own weakness, Jehovah was all-sufficient. Such too ought to be our confidence in God. Yea, we have more ground to rest our faith upon than ever David had. God is now revealed as the (penitent) sinner’s Friend, as He never was then. In Christ He is revealed as the Conqueror of sin, the Vanquisher of death, the Master of Satan. Then have we not cause to exclaim “in Him will I trust.” O that this may become more and more of an actuality in the lives of both writer and reader." (Authur W. Pink) ~ found in Providence PRC's bulletin this week