Today, May 12, is the nineteenth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2024. 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.

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever. ~ Psalm 136:1-4

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 week Loveland PRC's Council announced a new trio, which has now become a duo after Rev. J. Mahtani's acceptance of Pittsburgh PRC's call last week: Rev. Nate Decker (Grandville, PRC, MI) and Rev. Justin Smidstra (1st PRC, Holland, MI). The congregation will call tonight. UPDATE: Rev. Decker has received this call.
  
  
• Rev. M. DeBoer is considering the call from Hope PRC-Redlands, CA (received April 28).
  
  
• Rev. J. Maatman (Southeast PRC) is considering the call from Hudsonville PRC (received April 28).
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Walker, MI) accepted the call to Pittsburgh PRC. We rejoice with the saints in Pittsburgh in God's provision of another pastor to lead them in God's holy Word. And we pray for Hope PRC as they prepare to bid farewell to their pastor and his family. According to Pittsburgh PRC's bulletin today, it is anticipated that the Mahtanis will move in July.
  
  
• Last Sunday Georgetown PRC voted to call Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC-MN). 

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs:  Prof. C. Griess and Rev. J. Mahtani in Georgetown PRC; Rev. S. Regnerus (2nd week) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. C. Spronk in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. J. Engelsma (1st week) in Loveland PRC; Elder led in Lynden PRC; Rev. G. Eriks in Pittsburgh 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, host of Classis East meeting this week (see notice below)

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• Classis East will meet this Wednesday, May 15, at Byron Center PRC. The agenda, which only includes a list of the matters to be dealt with (the rest is private), has been posted on the church bulletin page (for registered users only). Most of the matters treated at Classis will be done in closed session. May the King and Shepherd of the church give the delegates wisdom and grace for their work. 
  
  
• Synod 2023 mandated the Psalter Revision Review Committee "to familiarize the denomination with the final product that is to be presented to Synod 2024…” To that end, we have produced a pamphlet and given apresentation that details the history of this project and the principles that guided the revision, as well asshowing the results with both data and sample songs. You are encouraged to listen to the presentationat https://www.youtube.com/@2024Psalter. If you do not have a hard copy of the pamphlet, you should begetting one soon. You can also find a link to a pdf of the pamphlet beneath the video. (cf. image above for booklet cover)
   
• Denominational Website Logo Design Contest: The denominational website is currently being redesigned to improve our evangelism efforts and to make it more user friendly for all who visit the website. As part of this effort, we would like to create a new PRCA.org logo and we would like to have a contest so that anyone within the denomination can try their hand at designing our new logo. You may send your designs to the website committee (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) before June 30, 2024. The winner will receive a gift.

• AD-HOC COMMITTEE of Synod 2023 reports it will deactivate the Guidepost hotline (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) effective April 5. The reasoning is that after this date Guidepost will be unable to investigate and report on information collected through the hotline in time to meet the deadline for the synodical report. Instead of using funds for the hotline, the committee has directed Guidepost to focus on compiling and distributing reports to consistories. The hotline may be reactivated in the future depending on the decisions of Synod 2024.

• PRC 100th Anniversary Celebration: 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 (note the new dates) to participate in this commemorative week. Visit prca100.org for basic event information and to sign up for email updates.
  
  

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PR Theological Seminary has finished the fifteen weeks of regular classes and will have exams this week. Pray for faculty, students, and staff as we complete the final week of the semester. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." ~ 2 Tim.2:15
• With joy the faculty of the Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary announces that it has licensed second-student Bruce Feenstra to speak a word of edification in the churches. We are grateful for the brother’s progress to this point in his training. 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. R. Cammenga (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
• Prof. B. Huizinga's first book has been published - Crowning His Gifts: Gracious Rewards in the Reformed Tradition (RFPA, 2024) - the fruit of his studies for the ThM degree through Calvin Theological Seminary. We thank the Lord for this work and pray that it will have wide readership. To order your copy, visit the publisher's website linked here.
• This week is the final week of current secretary, Val Kleyn, who will be moving to Loveland, CO the end of the month. The TSC has hired Bethany Engelsma as the new fulltime secretary, and she has been training alongside Val for a few days already but will begin fulltime this week.
• This past Monday, May 6, Dr. N. Willborn, pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Oak Ridge, TN and faculty member of Greenville Presbyterian Seminary, gave two lectures at PRTS on Northern Presbyterianism, especially the old Princetonians - Archibald Alexander, Samuel Miller, Charles Hodge, James Alexander, and B. B. Warfield. The lectures are now available on the seminary's YouTube channel.
• The Spring 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal is now out and has been mailed. The digital editions (pdf and epub) have been 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 the1924 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. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Valerie Kleyn, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). 
• Advance Notice - Fall Seminary Conference: In 1924 the CRC Synod developed the Three Points of Common Grace. What are they? What led to their development? Why are they wrong? Is the early opposition to them by leaders of the PRCA relevant for us today, or is it merely a matter of past history? The seminary faculty would like to announce a fall conference observing the centennial of the development of the Three Points. This conference will be held the evenings of Thursday, October 31, and Friday, November 1, and the morning of Saturday, November 2, at Grace PRC. More details are coming.
• Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2024 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available.Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essaysmust be submitted by May 17.
• 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. Today's "pastoral note" by pastor Tan relates to our calling to honor our godly Christian mothers: "I think there is something very profitable to spend an extra special day to reflect and honour a mother of Zion. Taking one day especially to thank our mothers. For a mother of Zion is a model of holiness to her children. Her children seek her not as one that lies, but a speaker of truth. An example to us of Christian moderation, a patient instructor of all good things. She quietly submits to Dad and loves him no matter how sinful dad can be. To a child, the very definition of what love is comes from the love from his mother. Despite the tempers we throw and the nonsense we do, mother is not given to uncontrolled anger, but controlled by the Spirit, measured, patient yet firm. We know that there are many things that mom enjoys to do outside the home, but she gave that all up to be with us in the home. She was ever diligent caring for the affairs of the home. She makes everything run so seamlessly and smooth, that it is too easy to take for granted all that she does. What a mother of Zion teachers her children in word and deed, the Lord graciously blesses to our souls. “The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.” Prov 31:1.
  • A new issue of Salt Shakers is now out - #71, the first of 2024!  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 Word faithfully in the CPRC, Ballymena, N. Ireland. 
    
  • 2024 BRF Family Conference: Join Reformed believers from around the world at the 2024 British Reformed Fellowship family conference at Cloverley Hall Conference Centre in Shropshire, England, from Saturday, August 3, to Saturday, August 10. Our speakers, Prof. Brian Huizinga and Rev. Ron Hanko, will lecture on “Then Comes the End: The Reformed Doctrine of Eschatology.” For information and booking forms, see the website ( www.brfconference.weebly.com ) or contact Briana Prins (616-214-2779; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  • The April 2024 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is now available! Read the articles by Rev. A. Stewart on "The Truth Is According to Godliness" (3) and Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question about David, Amasa, and Joab.
    
  • The CPRC YouTube channel may be found here.

• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her services today. And, "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services today. We pray for God’s blessings and spiritual sustenance upon them as they hear the Word of God."
  • Provident PRC bulletin: "Deacon Ruel dela Fuente will lead us in both worship services today through PRCA’s recorded video sermons, the Lord willing."

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 - May 2024 -  the RWH is broadcasting four gospel messages by Rev. W. Bruinsma, continuing his series on women in the Bible. Today's message is the first of Rev. Bruinsma's and titled "Shiphrah and Puah Fear God" based on Exodus 1:1-21.
  
• 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.).

New release from the RFPA! Prof. B. Huizinga's new book Crowning His Gifts: Gracious Rewards in the Reformed Tradition is now available. 

Rewards.

For many Christians, this word is a cause for fear and suspicion. It suggests doctrines of merit and a salvation based on works, as well as other ideas at odds with the teachings of the Christian faith.

But that need not be so.

In this accessible book, Brian Huizinga offers a rare historical and theological exposition of the biblical and Reformed teaching on the oft-neglected topic of the rewards of grace for the saints—in both the present life and in the life to come. Excluding any merit, and in full harmony with his sovereign and particular grace, the Lord indeed promises to reward the good works of believers.

• 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.

• 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

 "How blessed are the people that know this joyful sound, who can see God has loved them in his Son, who can feel that Christ died for them to be their everlasting peace, who are sweetly assured that the Holy Spirit has begun to show them that he will never leave them nor forsake them in life or in death. This is the joyful sound we need to know to be happy. We need but know what it is to be loved, chosen, redeemed, and sanctified from among men…then we shall bask in the smile, we shall enjoy the sunshine, of God’s countenance upon our souls….

Have you never observed, after the sun has been shining, perhaps for hours together, a diffusing mist has arisen from the earth, or a floating cloud has interposed in the sky, and shaded the grand luminary from your view? Yet, in reality, the sun still shone as before, though your sensation of its luster was suspended. Thus, in the darkest seasons of spiritual distress, God’s countenance, or favor, is still towards you for good, and shines not only with inextinguishable, but also with undiminishable intenseness” (Augustus Toplady).

~ Found in Trinity PRC's bulletin today

Today, May 5, is the eighteenth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2024. 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.

Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD. Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God, Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant. For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. ~ Psalm 135:1-5

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 

• This Thursday, May 9, the PRC congregations will gather in worship for Ascension Day, praising and thanking our Savior God for exalting His Son Jesus Christ to heaven, for His glory and for our saving good. Join us in glorifying the Lamb that was slain, is risen, and now worthy "to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing" (Rev.5:12).
  
  
• Today Rev. J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Walker, MI) accepted the call to Pittsburgh PRC. We rejoice with the saints in Pittsburgh in God's provision of another pastor to lead them in God's holy Word. And we pray for Hope PRC as they prepare to bid farewell to their pastor and his family.
  
  
• Today Georgetown PRC voted to call Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC-MN). 
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. M. DeBoer received the call from Hope PRC-Redlands, CA.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. J. Maatman (Southeast PRC) received the call from Hudsonville PRC.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs:  Prof. C. Griess and Rev. N. Decker in Georgetown PRC; Rev. S. Regnerus (1st week) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. J. Smidstra in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. R. Smit (2nd week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. K. Koole (2nd week) in Lynden PRC; Rev. W. Langerak in Pittsburgh 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:

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• Classis East will meet Wednesday, May 15, at Byron Center PRC. The agenda, which only includes a list of the matters to be dealt with (the rest is private), has been posted on the church bulletin page (for registered users only).
  
  
• Synod 2023 mandated the Psalter Revision Review Committee "to familiarize the denomination with the final product that is to be presented to Synod 2024…” To that end, we have produced a pamphlet and given apresentation that details the history of this project and the principles that guided the revision, as well asshowing the results with both data and sample songs. You are encouraged to listen to the presentationat https://www.youtube.com/@2024Psalter. If you do not have a hard copy of the pamphlet, you should begetting one soon. You can also find a link to a pdf of the pamphlet beneath the video. (cf. image above for booklet cover)
   
• Denominational Website Logo Design Contest: The denominational website is currently being redesigned to improve our evangelism efforts and to make it more user friendly for all who visit the website. As part of this effort, we would like to create a new PRCA.org logo and we would like to have a contest so that anyone within the denomination can try their hand at designing our new logo. You may send your designs to the website committee (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) before June 30, 2024. The winner will receive a gift.

• AD-HOC COMMITTEE of Synod 2023 reports it will deactivate the Guidepost hotline (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) effective April 5. The reasoning is that after this date Guidepost will be unable to investigate and report on information collected through the hotline in time to meet the deadline for the synodical report. Instead of using funds for the hotline, the committee has directed Guidepost to focus on compiling and distributing reports to consistories. The hotline may be reactivated in the future depending on the decisions of Synod 2024.

• PRC 100th Anniversary Celebration: 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 (note the new dates) to participate in this commemorative week. Visit prca100.org for basic event information and to sign up for email updates.
  
  

Another Friday lunch gathering, May 3, 2024

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PR Theological Seminary enters the fifteenth week of the semester tomorrow. The final regular week of classes is planned. The following week will be exams. Pray for faculty, students, and staff as we complete the final weeks of the semester. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." ~ 2 Tim.2:15
• This past Friday, May 3, Prof. C. Griess participated in the graduation ceremonies of Puritan Reformed Seminary in Grand Rapids in recognition of the completion of his ThM degree. We thank the Lord for enabling him to complete these studies and now begin to take up his full-time teaching in our seminary. Over the course of the next few years he will continue to take over the practical theology courses taught by Prof. B. Gritters.
• Prof. B. Huizinga's first book has been published - Crowning His Gifts: Gracious Rewards in the Reformed Tradition (RFPA, 2024) - the fruit of his studies for the ThM degree through Calvin Theological Seminary. We thank the Lord for this work and pray that it will have wide readership. To order your copy, visit the publisher's website linked here.
• On Monday morning, May 6, Dr. N. Willborn, pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Oak Ridge, TN and faculty member of Greenville Presbyterian Seminary, will deliver two lectures at PRTS on Northern Presbyterianism, especially the old Princetonians - Archibald Alexander, Samuel Miller, Charles Hodge, James Alexander, and B. B. Warfield.
• Joe Ophoff leads in devotions this week, while Rev. K. Koole will lead the final chapel of the school year.
• The Spring 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal arrived Monday from the prineter and was mailed out on Thursday and Friday of last week. The digital editions (pdf and epub) have been 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 the1924 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. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Valerie Kleyn, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). 
• Advance Notice - Fall Seminary Conference: In 1924 the CRC Synod developed the Three Points of Common Grace. What are they? What led to their development? Why are they wrong? Is the early opposition to them by leaders of the PRCA relevant for us today, or is it merely a matter of past history? The seminary faculty would like to announce a fall conference observing the centennial of the development of the Three Points. This conference will be held the evenings of Thursday, October 31, and Friday, November 1, and the morning of Saturday, November 2, at Grace PRC. More details are coming.
• Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2024 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available.Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essaysmust be submitted by May 17.
• 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. Today's "pastoral note" by pastor Tan relates to her celebration of the Lord's Supper today: "This morning, we come as one family and celebrate the Lord’s Supper with joy and gladness of heart. With the gift of faith, we do not cleave to the external bread and wine, but our hearts are lifted up on high in heaven to Christ Jesus our Advocate! May God feed and nourish our souls this morning.This morning, we come as one family and celebrate the Lord’s Supper with joy and gladness of heart. With the gift of faith, we do not cleave to the external bread and wine, but our hearts are lifted up on high in heaven to Christ Jesus our Advocate! May God feed and nourish our souls this morning. Then let us purpose to show true thankfulness to Christ in all our lives. Let Spirit-worked thankfulness manifest itself in an upright walk before God. Let gratitude be demonstrated by our laying aside sincerely and genuinely all enmity, hatred and envy against the neighbor. Let the spiritual beauty of God shine forth as we out of a firm resolve walk in true love and peace with dearest brothers and sisters in Christ."
  • A new issue of Salt Shakers is now out - #71, the first of 2024!  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 Word faithfully in the CPRC, Ballymena, N. Ireland. 
    
  • 2024 BRF Family Conference: Join Reformed believers from around the world at the 2024 British Reformed Fellowship family conference at Cloverley Hall Conference Centre in Shropshire, England, from Saturday, August 3, to Saturday, August 10. Our speakers, Prof. Brian Huizinga and Rev. Ron Hanko, will lecture on “Then Comes the End: The Reformed Doctrine of Eschatology.” For information and booking forms, see the website ( www.brfconference.weebly.com ) or contact Briana Prins (616-214-2779; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  • The April 2024 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is now available! Read the articles by Rev. A. Stewart on "The Truth Is According to Godliness" (3) and Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question about David, Amasa, and Joab.
    
  • The CPRC YouTube channel may be found here.

• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Elders Umali and Penaverde led her services today. And, "Rev. Ibe and family are scheduled to visit the saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija. Rev. Ibe will lead them in their worship service at 9 AM and Bible study at 10:45 AM. We pray for God’s blessings and spiritual sustenance upon them as they hear the Word of God."
  • Provident PRC bulletin: An officebearer led both worship services today using PRC video sermons.
  • Other mission labors: "The Council’s visit on May 1-2 with the saints in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur went very well, by the grace of God. Rev. Ibe conducted a lecture on the Reformed Distinctives and on Ephesians 6:10ff regarding the importance and place of prayer in our day-to-day lives. We hope to return in God’s appointed time to further the causes of the gospel of Christ upon them, the Lord willing. For now, let us lift them in prayer for God’s sustaining grace as they continue in His Word."

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 - May 2024 -  the RWH is broadcasting four gospel messages by Rev. W. Bruinsma, continuing his series on women in the Bible. Today's message is the first of Rev. Bruinsma's and titled "Rebekah Marries Isaac" based on Genesis 24:55-67.
  
• 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.).

This month, Portraits of Faithful Saints is 50% off! This collection of short biographies details the lives of fifty-two professing believers who lived and died for Christ.

Order Portraits by clicking the picture below or the "Monthly Sales" button on the RFPA website homepage. 

• 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.

• 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

 "Into that heaven Christ ascended for us. 

"Our perfectly righteous High Priest entered into the presence of the Holy God. Having attained the divine verdict that the benefits of His death were imputed to those for whom He died, Christ longed to be taken to heaven to once again dwell in the presence of His Father. God drew Him home. The righteous God place d Him upon His right hand and crowned Him with all glory and honor. The saints, angels, the representatives of creation sang their welcome song when He entered into heaven itself. 

"And Jesus did not forget His own that were yet upon the earth. As our great High Priest He prayed the Father for the Comforter whom He might send unto His brethren in the world that they might also be where He is. 

"Our Father answered that prayer. He crowned the faithful Christ with all the power to direct all things to serve the purpose of the salvation of the entire church for whom Christ died. He gave Him the Holy Spirit to draw them unto Himself. 

"For us He entered into heaven itself. 

"What a precious truth this is for us now. 

"Notice, because this is true we have every reason to be joyful now. All diseases, all suffering, loneliness, wars, burdens of sin, pressures of the battle of faith are directed our way because our Lord Jesus Christ is entered into heaven itself. No one else sends these things to us but He. That too, not to make life miserable for us, rather to draw us above the things of this world that we become and remain heavenly minded. 

"Our joy is in God through Jesus Christ already now. 

"And we long for heaven when this joy shall become even greater. Then all these burdens shall be taken away not simply for our sakes, but that we may then rejoice perfectly in the God of our salvation. 

"You long for heaven in a good sense of the word? 

"Christ is already there. He is working now in such a way that we shall certainly arrive there in safety.

"Hope in the Lord! Wait patiently for Him!

~ Jason Kortering in "Christ Entered Into Heaven Itself," one of this month's featured resources

May 2024

In May we have four Christ-centered messages to share! We will continue with the Women of the Bible series by Rev. W. Bruinsma. Please help us share these messages!

May 5

Rebekah Marries Isaac 

Genesis 24:55-67

May 12

Shiphrah and Puah Fear God

Exodus 1:1-21

May 19

Miriam's Lamentable Fall

Numbers 12

 May 26

The Faith of Rahab

Hebrews 11:31

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Today, April 28, is the seventeenth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2024. 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.

Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD. The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion. ~ Psalm 134

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 

• Rev. J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Walker, MI) is considering the call to Pittsburgh PRC (received April 7). He plans to answer by May 5.
  
  
• This morning Hope PRC-Redlands, CA called from the Council's new trio of Revs. M. De Boer (Edgerton PRC), G. Eriks (Unity PRC) and A. Brummel (Calvary PRC). UPDATE: Rev. DeBoer has received this call.
  
  
• Tonight Hudsonville PRC called from the Council's new trio of Rev. W. Langerak (Trinity PRC-Hudsonville, MI), Rev. J. Maatman (SE PRC-Wyoming, MI), and Rev. J. Smidstra (1st PRC-Holland, MI). UPDATE: Rev. Maatman has received this call.
  
  
• Georgetown PRC's Council has formed a trio of Revs. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC, Hull, IA), M. De Boer (Edgerton, MN), and D. Noorman (SW PRC). A congregational meeting to vote for one of these men will be May 5 after the morning service.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs:  Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. C. Haak in Georgetown PRC; Rev. W. Bruinsma (3rd week) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. D. Noorman in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. R. Smit (1st week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. K. Koole (1st week) in Lynden PRC; Rev. J. Holstege in Pittsburgh 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!

Georgetown PRC fellowship addition (back view, right side) - see note below

Special Congregational/Evangelism Notices:

• Georgetown PRC: "OPEN HOUSE: Please join us April 28 after the morning service in the fellowship hall to celebrate the completion of the new addition and dedicate it to the service of our heavenly father! There will be cake and a short dedication by Rev. Haak. This is the perfect time to walk through the new addition, if you haven't already!"
• First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI: "The Community Bible Study meets this Wednesday [May 1 at the church] to discuss Jesus' resurrection. This will be the last meeting for the season."
• Zion PRC (Jenison, MI): Community Bible Study will meet for the final time this season this Wednesday [May 1] with Dan Pastoor leading."
• Byron Center PRC (MI): "The Community Bible Study meets this Thursday, May 2, at 7:30 PM at church to continue our study of the book of Philippians. Discussion will begin at chapter 2 verse 6. You would be welcome to join us!"
• Wingham PRC (Ontario, Can): "The Evangelism Committee is serving lunch at the Salvation Army again on May 1. On Tuesday, April 30, the Evangelism Committee would like to invite you to help prepare soup and buns at the church...."
• From the Faith PRC Evangelism Committee: We want to thank all of those who were able to attend the Financial Seminar in January. If you were not able to attend or didn't make all the sectionals, we have put together a summary of the sectionals as well as the sample spreadsheet that was used in the breakout sectional about budgeting. You may reach out to the speakers if you have any questions. The summary can be found on the Faith Church website at faithprc.org. If anyone is interested in a CD of the keynote speeches, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.."

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• Classis East will meet Wednesday, May 15, at Byron Center PRC. The agenda, which only includes a list of the matters to be dealt with (the rest is private), has been posted on the church bulletin page (for registered users only).
   
• Denominational Website Logo Design Contest: The denominational website is currently being redesigned to improve our evangelism efforts and to make it more user friendly for all who visit the website. As part of this effort, we would like to create a new PRCA.org logo and we would like to have a contest so that anyone within the denomination can try their hand at designing our new logo. You may send your designs to the website committee (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) before June 30, 2024. The winner will receive a gift.

• AD-HOC COMMITTEE of Synod 2023 reports it will deactivate the Guidepost hotline (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) effective April 5. The reasoning is that after this date Guidepost will be unable to investigate and report on information collected through the hotline in time to meet the deadline for the synodical report. Instead of using funds for the hotline, the committee has directed Guidepost to focus on compiling and distributing reports to consistories. The hotline may be reactivated in the future depending on the decisions of Synod 2024.

• PRC 100th Anniversary Celebration: 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 (note the new dates) to participate in this commemorative week. Visit prca100.org for basic event information and to sign up for email updates.
  
  

Mr. Doug Start's presentation on coins of the biblical period was given this past Friday after lunch at the PRC Seminary (see note below)

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PR Theological Seminary enters the fourteenth week of the semester tomorrow. A regular week of classes is planned. Pray for faculty, students, and staff as we complete the final weeks of the semester. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." ~ 2 Tim.2:15
• Prof. B. Gritters, who gave a lecture in Randolph, WI PRC Friday night, is leading both services there today.
• This past Friday, Mr. Doug Start (Georgetown PRC) once again gave his presentation on coins from the biblical period (Old and New Testaments) after lunch on Friday. This is a fascinating look at real coins (on descriptive slides as well as on display and passed around) produced during the major periods of world history as they intersect with Bible times.
• Isaac Van Baren leads in devotions this week; there is no chapel scheduled on Wednesday.
• The Spring 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal is at the printer and should be ready for mailing this week. The digital editions (pdf and epub) have been posted on the journal page (visit the link here). If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Valerie Kleyn, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). 
• Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2024 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available.Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essaysmust be submitted by May 17.
• 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. Today's "pastoral note" by pastor Wee speaks to their help with the sister churches in the Philippines: "Today, Pastor Tan will be preaching twice, as I will be in the Philippines for pulpit supply. Next Lord’s Day, Lord willing, the both of us will swap roles. Specifically, we are/ will be providing pulpit supply for Provident PRC, located in the city of Marikina. She is one of the two churches that make up the denomination of the Protestant Reformed Churches in the Philippines (PRCP), the other church being the Berean PRC, pastored by Rev. Vernon Ibe. Since the withdrawal of the PRCA missionaries from the Philippines last year, the PRCA has been sending ministers over to provide pulpit supply for Provident, which remains vacant. However, there are still many weeks when Provident does not receive any pulpit supply, and we are glad to be able to help our sister church in this manner. May God use such trips to foster a closer bond between us and the saints in Provident, as well as with our sister churches in the Philippines."
  • A new issue of Salt Shakers is now out - #71, the first of 2024!  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 Word faithfully in the CPRC, Ballymena, N. Ireland. 
    
  • 2024 BRF Family Conference: Join Reformed believers from around the world at the 2024 British Reformed Fellowship family conference at Cloverley Hall Conference Centre in Shropshire, England, from Saturday, August 3, to Saturday, August 10. Our speakers, Prof. Brian Huizinga and Rev. Ron Hanko, will lecture on “Then Comes the End: The Reformed Doctrine of Eschatology.” For information and booking forms, see the website ( www.brfconference.weebly.com ) or contact Briana Prins (616-214-2779; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  • The April 2024 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is now available! Read the articles by Rev. A. Stewart on "The Truth Is According to Godliness" (3) and Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question about David, Amasa, and Joab.
    
  • The CPRC YouTube channel may be found here.

• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her services today. And, "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services today, via livestream at our official Facebook account. We pray for God’s blessings and spiritual sustenance upon them as they hear the Word of God." Also, "On April 22-23, 2024, Elder Espiritu, and Rev. Ibe visited the saints and pastors in Bacolod and Sipalay area. Rev. Ibe conducted a day of the conference on Reformed Dogmatics [Soteriology] and the Church Order of Dordt 1618-19, respectively. All went well by the grace of God. Let us remember the saints and churches in these fields of labor so that God may bless the Word in their hearts and comfort us with them for His glory and for Jesus’ sake alone." 
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. M. Wee of the CERC-Singapore led both worship services today.
  • Other mission labors: On May 1,2 the Berean Council will visit the saints in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur to discuss the Reformed distinctives and other pertinent sujects related to Reformed doctrines. We pray for God’s blessings upon this trip that God may guide us and prosper the labors of our pastor with them, all, the Lord willing."

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 (April 2024) the RWH is broadcasting two gospel messages by Prof. D. Kuiper on the Ten Commandments (completing this series) and two by Rev. W. Bruinsma that begins a series on women in the Bible. Today's message is the first of Rev. Bruinsma's and titled "The Faith of Sarah" based on Henrews 11:11,12.
  
• 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.).

Need help preparing to date with a view to marriage in the Lord? Let this book from the RFPA be a tool! 

• 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.

• 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

 "Since indifference of this sort [as in the days of Noah and Sodom] will exist at the time of the last day, believers ought not to indulge themselves after the example of the multitude…When Christ says that men were giving their whole attention to eating, drinking, marriage, and other worldly employments at the time when God destroyed the whole world by a deluge and Sodom by thunder, this means they were fully occupied with the conveniences and enjoyments of the present life as if there had been no reason to dread any change…Certain that the condition in which they then were would remain unchanged…with gross stupidity they opposed the judgment of God and rushed, with closed eyes, to unbridled iniquity, as if there had been no Judge in heaven. So Christ declares that the last age of the world will be in a state of stupid indifference, so that men will think of nothing but the present life and will extend their cares to a long period, pursuing their ordinary course of life, as if the world were always to remain in the same condition…

The source and cause of their ignorance was that unbelief had blinded their minds; as, on the other hand Noah beheld at a distance by the eyes of faith the vengeance of God…And it must be observed that the reprobate, at that time, were hardened in their wickedness, because the Lord did not show his grace to any but his servants by giving them a salutary warning to beware in proper time…Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and the cares of this life. Certainly he who, by living in intemperance, has his senses overloaded with food and wine, will never elevate his mind to meditation on the heavenly life.

But as there is no desire of the flesh that does not intoxicate a man, we ought to take care in all these respects not to satiate ourselves with the world if we wish to advance with speed to the kingdom of Christ. Watch denotes that uninterrupted attention which keeps our minds in full activity and makes us pass through the world like pilgrims…And pray, first, that God may be pleased to rescue us from so deep and intricate a labyrinth; and next, that he may present us safe and sound in presence of his Son; for we shall never be able to reach it but by miraculously escaping innumerable deaths. And as it was not enough to pass through the course of the present life by rising superior to all dangers, Christ places prayer as the most important, that we may be permitted to stand before his tribunal.”

~ John Calvin (as quoted on Trinity PRC's bulletin today)