The Reformed Book Outlet, a Reformed-Christian bookstore located in Hudsonville, MI and operated by some Bible societies of Hudsonville PRC, has published their first newsletter of the new year. You are encouraged to make use of this valuable resource to build your own library as well as for gifts for others.

Besides good books and music, the RBO also stocks Bibles, pamphlets, and greeting cards. The full newsletter is published here. You will also find it attached in pdf form.

The initial issue of "Reformed News Asia" has been released by the Christian Literature Ministry of our sister church in Singapore, the Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church , and it is filled with good things!

For one thing, this issue includes the first set of devotions on the Belgic Confession by various PRCA ministers, covering Articles 1-6. Written by Prof.H.Hanko, Rev.A.Brummel, Rev.A.den Hartog, and Rev.J.Kortering these devotions on the BC begin with January 1, 2014 and go through the beginning of February. They cover such doctrines as God and His attributes, the two books by which we know God (creation and the Bible), and the written Word of God. You will find great spiritual profit in these devotions.

In addition to this noteworthy item, the newsletter also contains information about the CLM's pamphlet and book ministries and about activities going on in the CERC.

To receive your own digital copy of this newsletter and those to come, visit the Christian Literature Ministry page at the CERCS ' website and click on the subscribe button. There you will also find a downloadable digital copy of these devotions.

The Covenant PRC of Ballymena, N.Ireland has just released their last issue of the "Covenant Reformed News" for 2013. This issue also contains two articles, one by Rev.Angus Stewart and one by Prof.Herman Hanko (ermitus professor of the PR Seminary).

Rev.Stewart's article explains the truth concerning the Mediator of the covenant, Jesus Christ under the title "The One Mediator Between God and Men".

Prof.Hanko's article addresses a question from a reader about the relation between revivals and earthly magistrates under the title "Revivals and Magistrates (1)".

Both of these articles address timely and important subjects. You will want to make them part of your spiritual growth reading.

You may find each of these articles at the link provided. You will also find the pdf version of the "CR News" attached here.

At her congregational meeting Sunday evening, December 29, 2013, Faith PRC voted to extend a call to Rev.Carl Haak, currently pastor of Georgetown PRC in Hudsonville, MI. In his letter of acknowledgement he stated that he plans to answer on or before January 26, 2014.

The Seminary will be on break for this week and next for the Christmas and New Year's holidays (December 23-January 3).

The Seminary office and staff will keep its regular hours during this time, available from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for the Christmas and New Years days. But please call ahead of time to make sure that someone is there (616-531-1490).

Power was restored to the Seminary late Monday afternoon! We plan to be open most of the day Tuesday, and then again Thursday and Friday.

The Seminary faculty, students and staff wish you a blessed Christmas and New Year!

Matthew 1:23: Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Have you ever wondered what a typical Sunday is like in our sister church in Singapore? Back in August of this year Stephanie Lanning, wife of Rev.Andy Lanning, pastor of the Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church of Singapore, did a special blog post on a typcial Sunday in this congregation. She titled it "A Day at Church". With help from her father, Rev.Steven Key, who was visiting at the time, she also included some supporting pictures.

We should know the faith and practice of our "sister" in Singapore. Then we will better appreciate and be thankful for our covenant "church family" relation. And we will also be better equipped to pray for her according to her particular needs.

What follows is part of her post, including the Sunday schedule and two pictures. Visit this post to see more pictures, and make frequent visits to Mrs.Lanning's blog for many other interesting posts about life in Singapore and in the CERC.

The PRC Seminary is on 1st Semester exam schedule this week, with exams being held each day Monday through Saturday beginning at 9:00 a.m. To view the exam schedule visit the Seminary website and scroll down to the bottom of the home page for the calendar (click on each day's notice for the specific exams).

The Seminary office and staff will keep its regular hours this week, available from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. From December 23 - January 3 professors and students will be on break, but the office will still be open, except on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Let us remember our Seminary students in prayer this week, that they may give a good account to the Lord of their studies and preparation for the gospel ministry.

The Council of Faith PRC announced a new trio from which to call a pastor. It consists of Rev. Allen Brummel (Heritage PRC, Sioux Falls, SD), Rev. Carl Haak (Georgetown PRC, Hudsonville, MI), and Rev. Ron Van Overloop (Grace PRC, Standale, MI).  The congregational meeting to vote for a pastor from this trio is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 29 after the morning service.