PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for November 14, 2021

The following are special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this Sunday, November 14, the forty-sixth 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 Creator and Redeemer, who is worthy of all honor and glory.

[A Psalm and Song at the dedication of the house of David.] I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. ...Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. ...Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. ~ Psalm 30:1,4,5,11,12

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.

• Today Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC) declined the call to Covenant of Grace PRC (Spokane, WA).
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. D. Holstege (missionary to the Philippines) accepted the call to Wingham PRC (Ontario, Can.). The Holstege's will be returning to the Philippines this week as planned. They will stay a few weeks to finish up their life and labors there, and then return to the States Dec.1. According to Wingham's bulletin today, the Consistory is working with Canadian authorities to process the necessary paper work for the Holstege's immigration. It is hoped that they can move to Wingham around Christmas. Our prayers go with them during this time.
  
  
• The Council of Doon PRC has formed a new trio of Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA), Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC), and Rev. N. Decker (Grandville PRC).
  
  
• The Council of Hudsonville PRC has formed a new trio of Rev. R. Barnhill (Peace PRC), Rev. D. Noorman (Southwest PRC), and Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC). The congregational meeting is scheduled for the evening of Nov.21.
  
  
• This past Wednesday, Nov.10, the congregation of First PRC, Edmonton, AB, was reorganized and the consistory reconstituted with two elders and one deacon. Rev. A. Brummel is supplying her pulpit again today. Rev. T. Miersma (her emeritus pastor and member there) was a tremendous help to the saints after the schism in her midst. At present, they are meeting at Braeside Presbyterian Church, 6 Bernard Drive, St. Albert, at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM, for an indefinite period of time. We give thanks to God for preserving this flock and pray for the Lord's blessing on them as they continue anew as a congregation.
   
• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. J.Langerak (2nd week) in Covenant of Grace PRC (Spokane, WA); Rev. J. Slopsema in Doon (IA) PRC; Rev. A. Brummel (2nd week) in First PRC, Edmonton; Prof. B.Gritters and Rev.  in Grace PRC; Prof. R.Cammenga and Rev. J.Maatman in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. M.DeVries 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...
  • Pittsburgh PRC holds a monthly fellowship dinner together as a congregation? Her bulletin today indicated that they were gathering for it after the morning service today. One of the many benefits of a smaller congregation.
  • the 2021 Hope Heralds CD is now available? Here's the details: The 2021 Hope Heralds CD, “Declare Your Praise” is now available. The CD can be ordered by emailing Karen Daling at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or calling or texting her at 616-662-0784. When your order is shipped an invoice will be included, with a charge of $12 per CD for US shipments, and $14 per CD for shipments to Canada. We give thanks to God for the ability to praise His name in song once again this past summer. To God be the glory!

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

This weekend saw the first measurable snow in West Michigan - adding a new dimension to the beauty of this fall season.

PRC Seminary Notices:

• This past week the seminary completed its eleventh week of the first semester. Remember to pray for faculty, students, and staff as they move toward the end of the semester. You will find the semester schedule and calendar posted on the seminary's website.
• The second round of practice preaching is taking place this month on the Mondays of Nov.8 and 15. Sems. M.Koerner, I. Peters, and A.Haveman are delivering their second sermons of this semester.
• Sem. Marcus Wee (senior) is in the final weeks of his six-month internship at Faith PRC (Jenison, MI) under Rev. C. Spronk. Besides regular preaching, he is also leading Bible studies, teaching catechism classes, making pastoral visits, and attending meetings.
• The seminary's special conference on preaching was held on Oct.28-29 at Trinity PRC. If you were unable to attend and would like to listen to the speeches, they are available here and here. The videos have also now been posted to the seminary YouTube channel.
  
• The Spring PRT Journal is currently available in its digital forms on the seminary's website as well as in print. The printed copies have been mailed out. 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. Work has begun on the fall 2021 issue as well.
• 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. Feel free to call in advance for help with any questions.
• For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.

We join in celebrating with our Berean sister in 15 years as a PRCP congregation!  (see note below)

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  
  • From Today's bulletin: We thank God for RDC Committee in organizing the events this past week where we could come to hear two edifying speeches by Pastor Josiah Tan. The recorded speeches on “The Word and Creeds in Me” and “The Reformation Living in Me” are now available for download/listen on the following link: www.cerc.org.sg and go to 2021 (3&4 Nov) “Always Reforming in Me” for the recorded messages.
  • The latest issue of "Reformed News Asia" is October 2021 - #64. 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.
  • There's a new CPRC newsletter available this month! Visit this page to view it and read it (*cf. the newsletter column on the right side of the webpage).
  • Pastor Stewart gave his annual Reformation Day Lecture on October 29. If you missed it, you may watch it here: “Fulgentius of Ruspe, the Sixth-Century N. African Church and God’s Saving Will.”
  • Be sure to check out the last edition of "Covenant Reformed News" - October 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. Today, we are celebrating 15 years of God’s goodness and mercy as an instituted Protestant Reformed Church in the Philippines. Jehovah God be praised for all the spiritual blessings we have in Jesus Christ, our Lord!
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. R.Smit led her worship services today. Rev. Kleyn is scheduled to visit the Bearers of Light Community Church in Guiguinto today, the Lord willing, in order to preach and teach there.
    
  • Also from Provident PRC bulletin today - Rev. D. Holstege has been led by the Lord our God to accept the call to be the pastor of Wingham PRC in Ontario, Canada. The Lord willing, Rev. Holstege and Sis. Leah will be traveling to the Philippines this week (arriving on Wednesday) in order to finalize things here and to bid their farewells. They plan to return to the USA on December 1. May the Lord give them safe travels and bless them and their family as they soon take up their call and work in Wingham.

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

• Currently, Rev. W.Bruinsma (Pittsburgh PRC, Pennsylvania) is the featured speaker, with focus on a series on Hebrews 11. Today's message is based on Hebrews 11:11,12 and titled "By Faith Sarah Conceives." Next week he will deliver a special Thanksgiving Day message.
  
• Did you read the November RWH newsletter? Visit the link to do so today and keep up with what is happening on the program and website!
• 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.).
  

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REFORMED RESOURCES FOR EDIFICATION, EDUCATION, and EVANGELISM

The PRCA publishes a full curriculum of catechism materials - from all levels of Bible history to varying levels of Reformed doctrine. To review and download these materials, visit this page.

• 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

Why does Paul say ‘faith in Jesus Christ’? Remember that in the third chapter of Second Corinthians Jesus Christ is called the soul of the law, so that, when separated from him, the law is likened to a corpse without vitality or strength (cf. 2 Cor. 3:6). What then must we do? To make the most of holy Scripture we must learn to go straight to Jesus Christ. And just as Paul here calls him the soul or spirit of the law, so elsewhere he says that he is its end (Rom. 10:4). Would we then spare ourselves the trouble of reading Scripture to no avail, and thus wasting time and effort? Let us go straight to Jesus Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:3). What else is holy Scripture if not a mirror to help us behold our God? We know that our highest good, our happiness and glory is that God should reveal himself to us. Now Jesus Christ is the living image in whom God shows himself, as Paul writes in the fourth chapter of Second Corinthians (2 Cor. 4:4)

~ John Calvin, from sermon 23 on 2 Timothy, transl. Robert White, publ. Banner of Truth, 2019 (quoted in SE-GR PRC's bulletin today)