Today, September 15, is the thirty-seventh 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.

With whom [Israel] the LORD had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them: But the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and a stretched out arm, him shall ye fear, and him shall ye worship, and to him shall ye do sacrifice. And the statutes, and the ordinances, and the law, and the commandment, which he wrote for you, ye shall observe to do for evermore; and ye shall not fear other gods. And the covenant that I have made with you ye shall not forget; neither shall ye fear other gods. But the LORD your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies. ~ 2 Kings 17:35-39

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. D. Noorman and his family moved into the Georgetown PRC parsonage this past week. His installation is set for next Sunday Sept.22. A welcome program is planned for him and his family after the morning service today.
  
  
• Last Sunday Hope PRC (Walker, MI) voted to call Rev. N. Decker (Grandville PRC).
  
  
• Last Sunday Zion PRC voted to call Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC). 
  
  
• Cand. A. Haveman accepted the call to Loveland PRC on Sept.1. From Loveland's bulletin last week we find this information from her Council: "With thanksgiving the Council expresses gratitude to God for the acceptance of the call from Pastor-elect Arend Haveman. The council has made a request to the Classical committee to examine Pastor-elect Haveman at the upcoming Classis which is scheduled for September 25. His specimen sermon will take place, D.V., on Tuesday evening, September 24, at 7:00 p.m. during a special worship service at Hull PRC."
  
  
• Hope PRC-Redlands' Council has a new trio which to call her next pastor: Revs. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC, Hull, IA), J. Maatman (Southeast PRC, Grand Rapids, MI), and H. Bleyenberg (Immanuel PRC, Lacombe, AB). A congregational meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 23. 
  
  
• Lynden (WA) PRC's Consistory presents the following trio from which to call a pastor: Revs. A. Brummel, G. Eriks, and J. Engelsma. The congregational meeting is scheduled for next Sunday, Sept.22.
  
  
• Southwest PRC's Council has formed a trio of Revs. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC), N. Decker (Grandville PRC), and J. Engelsma (Crete-IL PRC). The special congregational meeting will be held after the morning service on September 22.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. C. Griess and Rev. W. Langerak in Georgetown PRC;  Prof. D. Kuiper and  in Hope PRC-Walker; Rev. C. Haak in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. J. Holstege in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. M. Koerner (1st week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. J. Marcus (1st week) in Lynden PRC; Prof. R. Cammnega and Prof. C. Griess in Southwest PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Prof. D. Kuiper 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:

• Hope PRC-Redlands, CA: "The CA Senior Retreat is this week Tuesday-Friday at Tahquitz Pines Retreat Center in Idyllwild. We welcome our visitors today and look forward to a spiritually uplifting time together this week! As a reminder, the congregation is invited to attend the speeches, 9 a.m. on Wednesday and 4 p.m. on Thursday, and also a music night at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday." UPDATE: For a small album of photos from the week, visit this link.
• Unity PRC: This month Rev. G. Eriks will have reached 25 years serving as a minister of the Word in the Protestant Reformed Churches. An open house is scheduled for September 21 at Adams Christian School from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Please join us in celebrating this special occasion with him and his family. We give thanks to God for his years of faithful service in our denomination and especially for the time he has served us as our Pastor at Unity. 'Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine,' I Timothy 5:17."

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• Classis East convenes this Wednesday, September 18 at 8 a.m. at Georgetown PRC. Pray that the men have wisdom from the Lord and grace from His Spirit to do all things according to His Word and will.
  
  
• Note the addition of a part-time option! The Domestic Mission Committee plans to hire a full-time or part-time website manager for the new PRCA website. The new website is being designed to improve our worldwide evangelism and to improve usability for all PRCA members and churches. Initially the work will be to maintain the current site and assist with the development of the new website. Besides day-to-day maintenance, the web manager’s future role will be to promote and feature a wide range of PRCA materials. Interested candidates should contact Mike Gritters (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to learn more about this new position.

• 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.
  
  

First-year student Joseph Dick led in daily devotions last week.

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PR Theological Seminary has now completed three weeks of its 2024-25 school year. We are off to a good start under the Lord's blessing. Remember to pray for faculty, students, and staff as they busy themselves again in the normal semester labors and activities. The first semester's schedule and calendar (2024-25) have been posted on this webpage.
• This week Joe Ophoff will lead the daily devotions and Rev. W. Bruinsma will lead the Wednesday chapel.
• Student Club meets this Thursday evening, Sept.19, at Prof. B. Gritters' home. The subject is apologetics based on the book Every Thought Captive by R. Pratt, Jr.
• Even though the first weeks of classes are over, it's not too late to begin auditing a class. The seminary faculty invite interested persons to audit five classes this semester. Prof. Huizinga’s class of Dogmatics – Christology, a study of the person and work of Christ. Prof. Cammenga’s class of NT History – From the intertestamental period through the life of Christ, up to the passion week. Prof. Kuiper’s class of Hermeneutics – a study of the principles and method of biblical interpretation. Prof. Kuiper’s class of Ancient Church History – a study of the church’s history and doctrinal development from AD 100-590. Prof. Griess’s class of Catechetics is open to past and current elders. Please contact the secretary, Bethany Engelsma, at 616-531-1490 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested in attending one of these classes and she can provide you with more information. The class schedule is posted on the PRC Seminary website.
• The annual Seminary Convocation was held in Byron Center PRC on September 4. A full church of attenders sang and prayed together and heard Prof. C. Griess speak on Colossians 2:8-10, "The Spoiled Pastor." Look for the video of the evening on the Seminary's YouTube channel soon. The audio of the speech may be heard here.
• Sem. Bruce Feenstra 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 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 both services while Rev. Holstege is in Michigan yet.
• 100th Anniversary Seminary Conference: Did you know that ministers in our mother 100th Anniversary Seminary Conference: Did you know that ministers in our mother church in 1924 viewed common grace as the middle way between being liberal and fleeing the world? And that our denomination’s fathers rejected common grace as compromising the antithesis? Come to the next seminary conference to hear a fresh perspective on the doctrine that gave rise to our denomination. The theme is “By Grace I Am What I Am”: The PRCA’s Rejection of Common Grace. Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 31, through Saturday, November 2, at Grace PRC in Standale, MI. Help us praise God for His grace on the occasion of our centennial!
• The Spring 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal is currently available. The digital editions (pdf and epub) are 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 the 1924 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. The Fall 2024 issue will feature the speeches to be given at the seminary's fall conference. 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. Both pastors led services today and Pastor Tan had these fitting words in his "pastoral voice": "The source of this [saving] calling is God’s unconditional election. Before the foundations of the world were laid, before the stars were hung in the sky, God chose you in Christ—not because of anything you would do, not for any so-called foreseen faith, but purely out of His good pleasure. ...This is grace that humbles us to the core, for it strips away every pretense, every notion that we could ever earn or deserve God’s favor to call us. It leaves us with nothing but gratitude, for we know that if it were not for God’s sovereign choice, we would be lost. Let this truth sink in: God called us not because of our works but because of the solid rock of God’s eternal decree. ...Are we living as called-out ones? Does our worship reflect the glory of the One who called us? Do our lives mirror the grace that has saved us?"
    
  • 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 minister the gospel of sovereign grace faithfully in the CPRC, Ballymena, N. Ireland - and beyond! And in this week's bulletin: "The Annual General Meeting will be held this Wednesday (18 September) at 7:30 p.m."
  • The August 2024 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is the latest available. Read the articles by Rev. A. Stewart on the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls (Nehemiah) and part two of Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question about "The Civil and Ceremonial Laws" of the Old Testament.
    
  • The CPRC YouTube channel may be found here.

• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Elders Espiritu and Umali led her worship services today. Rev. V. Ibe is scheduled to preach at Provident PRC in both worship services as requested by the Council of Provident. And, "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services today via live stream at our Facebook account, God willing. We pray for God’s continued care and blessings upon them as they hear the Word of God."
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev Ibe led her services today.
  • Mission labors: "Rev. Ibe and elder J. Armas plan to visit with the pastors and saints in Bacolod and Sipalay City this week Monday and Tuesday (Sept.16,17). Pastor Ibe is scheduled to continue the lecture on the Reformed Church Government [Church Order of Dordt 1618-19, Arts. 4-6] and Reformed Dogmatics [Soteriology]. 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!"

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 - September2024 - the RWH continues broadcasting five gospel messages by Rev. W. Bruinsma on the subject of Christ's return and its signs. Today's message is titled "The Emergence of the Anti-Christian Kingdom" based on Revelation 17:9-17.
  
  
• 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. 
  

• 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

 WHO IS JESUS? The True Vine

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman…I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15: 1, 5

"The vine with its roots planted in the soil is the source of life for the branches and the fruit that is produced. Jesus is the source of all life for his church. He gives strength to the church and causes her to be productive to his glory. Jesus grants to his church all the blessings of salvation.

"As with the physical vine, the branches have nothing if they are cut off from the vine. They have to be connected. How are they connected? There is a farmer, a vine-dresser. John 15:1 refers to the husbandman. It is he that plants the vine. It is he who cares for the vine. He prunes the vine branches, and grafts other branches into the vine. The branches draw their life from the vine.

"Jesus’ Father in heaven gave Jesus to be the life for his people. We depend upon Jesus for our spiritual life, vitality, nutrition and salvation. We depend upon Jesus, just as the branch depends upon the vine for everything. Without Jesus Christ, we are nothing. In Christ we receive grace, forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life.

"How is Jesus this life providing vine? The answer is first found in the “I am” statement. Jesus is the true vine, the source of life, strength, and salvation to his church because he is God. God is the source of all that we need.

"Secondly, Jesus is this vine because God planted his son, Jesus, here in our world. He came in the likeness of men, our sinful flesh as a lowly vine. He bore our sin and guilt and death. But by his resurrection, he gives life to us, making us living branches.

"Thirdly, there is, in the figure of the vine, wonderful fruit. Jesus stresses this in our passage. Jesus is the One who causes the branches to bear fruit. How disappointing it would be if we walked through a vineyard and there was absolutely no fruit, or only sickly fruit. Six times Jesus mentions bearing fruit or not bearing fruit. Everything depends upon the branches being connected to the vine. Everything depends upon our being connected to Jesus. Jesus is the only power that enables his people to produce fruit. That was why Jesus said in verse 3: “now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” Jesus cleanses us and enables us to bring forth good fruit.

"Of ourselves, all that we can produce is sin and evil. The only reason that you and I are able to bear any fruit that is pleasing to God is because we are connected to Jesus. He is the source, our strength, and our life. All our strength to do good is in Jesus."

~ Taken from the series "Who Is Jesus?" (based on the "I ams" of Jesus found in the Gospel according to John) by Rev. A. Spriensma