PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for October 10, 2021 *(Updated)

The following are special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this Sunday, October 10, the forty-first Lord's Day of this year 2021.

This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it (Ps.118:24). On this new Lord's Day we bring our sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving unto our sovereign God, who is worthy of all honor and glory. With the psalmist may we boldly say in Christ Jesus,

I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked. I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD: That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. ...My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD. ~ Psalm 26:5-8,12

• If you are new to this website and are interested in the PRC, we invite you to join us at any of our services (morning and afternoon/evening). For congregations, locations and times, visit this page.
  
  
• Last Sunday (Oct.3) Rev. D. Lee received the call to Kalamazoo PRC. *UPDATE: Today he accepted this call. We rejoice with him and with the congregation in God's provision of a new undershepherd.
  
  
• Today Rev. R. Barnhill declined the call to Covenant of Grace PRC in Spokane, WA.
  
  
• Rev. E. Guichelaar (Randolph PRC) is considering calls to Doon PRC and Hudsonville PRC. He plans to answer them by October 17.
  
  
• *UPDATE: Wingham PRC has announced a new trio of Revs. D.Holstege, D.Kleyn, and D.Lee. 
   
• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. K.Koole in Covenant of Grace PRC (Spokane, WA); Rev. S.Regnerus (2nd week) in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. J.Marcus in Grace PRC; Prof. R.Cammenga and Rev. D.Lee in Hudsonville PRC; Prof. B.Huizinga and Rev. J.Holstege in Kalamazoo PRC; Rev. D.Holstege in Wingham PRC.  We thank the Lord for this blessing of our church federation and the privilege to be able to help one another in this need.
  
  
• For those who may still be limited to house worship, whether completely or partially, we invite you to visit the PR churches page and follow the links to the websites where the churches' livestream may be found. Or you may visit the selected audio sermon page and listen to one of your choice there.
  
  
• Did you know that...
  • the PRC Canadian churches will celebrate their national day of Thanksgiving tomorrow, October 11? Edmonton, Immanuel (Lacombe), and Wingham will hold a special worship service tomorrow morning to remember the Lord's goodness and grace. Let us join them, since praise and thanks is always fitting!
  • these congregations are having Reformation Day lectures this year?
    • Covenant of Grace (Spokane, WA): Friday, October 22 at 7 p.m. Prof. R. Cammenga will speak.
    • Crete PRC (IL): Friday, October 29, 7 p.m. Mr. Dan Van Uffelen will speak on "Post Tenebras Lux: The Vocation Reformation."
    • Loveland PRC (CO): Thursday, October 21, 7 p.m. Prof. D.Kuiper will speak on "Luther Burning the Papal Bull: Encouragement to Flaunt Church Discipline?”
    • Lynden PRC (WA): This Friday, October, 15, 7:30 p.m. Rev. R. Hanko will speak on “Senseless Stocks and Blocks or Believers and Saints?"
    • Pittsburgh (PA) PRC: Friday, November 5, 7 p.m. Rev. W. Bruinsma, on the life and labors of Augustine of Hippo.
  • the Reformed Witness Hour (PRC radio/internet program) has a special anniversary this month (in fact, this week, to be precise)? This is the notice found in PRC bulletins today: With thankfulness to God, the REFORMED WITNESS HOUR COMMITTEE celebrates 80 years since the first broadcast of the RWH on October 12, 1941. Over 4,100 weekly programs have aired on radio, and more recently on Internet, in North America and abroad during these years. We thank the people of our churches who faithfully have taken on the long-term commitment of praying and giving to support this radio ministry. We especially want to thank the pastors who have given of their time to produce the sermons for our broadcasts. Will you please pray that God will continue to use the RWH to glorify Himself, to gather His elect, and to build up His church worldwide?

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

PRC Seminary Notices:

• This past week the seminary completed its seventh week of the new school year (2021-22). We thank the Lord for His faithfulness and blessing to this point. Remember to pray for faculty, students, and staff as they busy themselves in the day-to-day work. The semester schedule and calendar have been posted on the seminary's website.
• We express our sympathy to Prof. B. Gritters and his wife and family in the death of his mother this past week in Redlands, CA. May the Lord comfort their hearts in Christ in their earthly loss of a dear saint.
  
• The Spring PRT Journal is now available in its digital forms on the seminary's website and in print. If you wish to pick up a copy, stop in at the seminary. If you want to be added to our mailing list, contact Sharon, the seminary secretary.
• Don't forget that the seminary library and bookstore are open daily (M-F, 8-5) for any of your book and Bible needs. The staff is available to assist with any other needs you may have as well.
• Coming this Fall! Seminary Conference: You sit under the preaching of the gospel every Lord’s Day. What do you hear? What do you desire to hear? What is God doing in your soul through the preaching? How do you respond to the preaching, to its admonitions, to the call of the gospel? The conference speakers will address these and other related questions. Four speeches will be given, at 4:00 and 7:30 on Oct. 28 and 29. Trinity PRC is hosting this event. Everyone who sits under the preaching of the Word is cordially invited to attend. The conference will be livestreamed for people who are interested but unable to join in person.
  
• For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  
  • Today's bulletin noted that the Word of God should be precious to us and used by us diligently. Listen to these words of pastor J.Tan: Shall I set that letter from God aside, and think “ah, read it later” Or worse, cast it aside like we do to our junk mail? No! This word is necessary! I need this letter, this word of God to know my God. These are the Words of Life for to know God is life eternal! Apart from scriptures there is no saving knowledge. Apart from scriptures I would not know the meaning and purpose of my life and existence. Apart from scriptures I cannot know my Covenant God. The scriptures are on a level necessary all by its own.
    
  • A new issue of "Reformed News Asia" is out - #64 - October 2021. Be sure to check it out for the latest news from our sister!

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  
  • Rev. A.Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to his flock in Ballymena.
  • Plan to attend this year’s Reformation Day Lecture on Friday, 29 October, entitled “Fulgentius of Ruspe, the Sixth-Century N. African Church and God’s Saving Will.”
  • Be sure to check out the newest edition of "Covenant Reformed News" - September 2021. Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles.
    
    
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
  
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V.Ibe led the services today. The online class/study of the Church Order of Dordt is scheduled tonight @ 7P.M. We will treat Art. 40 of the CO, D.V.
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: The Elders will lead our worship services today using video recordings of sermons from the PRCA. A livestream of our services will be provided at the “PPRC and Friends” Facebook page. Rev. D. Kleyn will be visiting the Bearers of Light Community Church in Guiguinto today, God willing, to preach and teach there.
  • The PRCP seminary classes will begin again this Tuesday, October 12, after having a one-week mid-semester break. The classes will be taught face-to-face now in the temporary location of the seminary library in Antipolo. Let us pray for the Lord’s blessing on our seminary student, Bro. Ace Flores, and on the instructors. We also pray the Lord will be pleased to provide other men who desire to study in seminary and to become ministers of the Word.
    

Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!

• For the next four months Rev. W.Bruinsma (Pittsburgh PRC, Pennsylvania) is the featured speaker, with focus on his series on Hebrews 11. Today's message is based on Hebrews 11:3 and titled "The Voice of All Creation."
  
• Listen to the broadcast on the station near you, on your favorite podcast (Google Music, Spotify, and iTunes), or visit the links provided here to listen to this program. Are you are regular listener? If not, why not start today!
• 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.).
  

--------------------------------------------------------------------

REFORMED RESOURCES FOR EDIFICATION, EDUCATION, and EVANGELISM

What are you reading for Reformation month? Try out this pamphlet for starters!

• Are you interested in learning more about the doctrines and practices of the PRC? Or, are you in need of some pamphlets and/or articles published by the PRC for use in evangelism and/or witnessing? Or are you simply interested in growing in your faith and walk with the Lord? Visit the Resources pages of this website and the PRCA Evangelism page for a complete list of materials available in digital format or by order from the publishing church.
  
  
• Do you need some catechism materials for use in your church or family? The PRC publishes catechism materials on Bible history and Reformed doctrine, for children of all ages. Visit this page for more information.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• The Reformed Book Outlet is open and you are welcome to shop the store in downtown Hudsonville (MI). Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday (10-5), and Saturday (10-1).

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

Missions

The Reformed faith firmly believes in the calling of the church to go out into all the world to preach the gospel. It will have nothing to do with a “hyper-Calvinism” which would neglect this great task of the church. Jesus Himself mandated the disciples, and then the church, to go into all the world to preach the gospel (Matt. 28:19). Though it is surely true that God will save His people whom He has chosen from eternity, it is likewise true that He has determined that this is to be done in the way of the faithful preaching of the gospel both within the church and on the mission field. God alone knows those who are His. The church goes forth under Christ’s mandate in order that those chosen of God may also be brought to the cross of Jesus Christ.

Taken from Rev. R.Hanko's pamphlet "What Is the Reformed Faith?"