On this sixth Lord's Day of 2025, we gather in the Lord's presence, by grace and through faith, for worship of and fellowship with our covenant God, our faithful Father and sovereign, saving Friend. As we do so, we are equipped and encouraged by His Word and Spirit for our life and callings in this world.
And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem: When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning. And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence. And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the day time from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain. ~ Isaiah 4:3-6
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.
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 Sunday Rev. G. Eriks (Unity PRC) declined the call to Grandville PRC.
- This morning after her service Lynden PRC voted to call Rev. G. Eriks, from a trio that included Revs. D. Holstege and J. Marcus.
- This evening Southwest PRC will call from the Council's new trio of Rev. D. Holstege, Rev. W. Langerak, and Rev. J. Maatman. *Rev. Maatman has received this call.
- Rev. H. Bleyenberg (Immanuel, Lacombe PRC) is considering the call to Hope PRC-Redlands, CA (received Jan.26).
- Grace PRC's Council has formed a new trio: Revs. G. Eriks, W. Langerak, and J. Maatman. The congregation will vote next Sunday (Feb.16) after the evening service.
Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. A. Spriensma in Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. J. Holstege in Grace PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Prof. B. Huizinga in Grandville PRC; Rev. A. Brummel (2nd week) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. G. Eriks in Hudsonville PRC; Elder led this week and next in Lynden PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. J. Maatman in Southwest PRC. It is a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who travel and supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to petition the Lord for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!
PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS
- Home mission news: Zion’s Council and the DMC have sent our domestic missionary, Rev. J. Laning, to the Dallas/ Fort Worth (DFW) area for six months, along with his wife, Margaret. They arrived there on October 19, 2024 and have settled into the labors there. For some time Rev. Laning has been conducting weekly Zoom Bible studies with people in Texas, and has made a number of trips there. The plan is to have Rev. Laning continue to labor among those whom they have already come to know, while also witnessing to others in that area. Seeing as the preaching of the gospel is the chief means the Spirit uses to gather His people, it will be good to spend some time there meeting for worship and having Bible studies, in order, Lord willing, to gather a group together. We thank the Lord for opening this door, and pray that He may guide us in this work to the glory of His name. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). If you happen to know of anyone in that area who may be interested, please contact our domestic missionary at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
- The Contact Committee reports the formation of a new denomination in Germany. The congregation in Giessen (BERG), with which Synod 2024 established a corresponding relationship, joined with a congregation in Osnabrück in a new federation. They held their first Synod in January. The new denomination is the Federation of Confessing Protestant-Reformed Churches (BBERG). We thank God for this development for our long-time friends in Germany! More information about the BBERG from the Contact Committee will be forthcoming.
- HAVEN of Mercy informs us that the two speakers at their most recent conference [January 2025], Brad Hambrick and Darby Strickland, have graciously permitted them to distribute the recordings of their speeches to all congregations in the PRCA. To access the speeches, visit havenofmercypr.org and follow the "2025 Conference" tab.
- PRC 100th Anniversary Celebration (June 2-6, 2025): Participate in this commemorative event by registering at prca100.org by February 14. Those lodging at Calvin University will enjoy a convenient and economical stay and all meals and activities. Local attendees and those arranging their own off-campus lodging must register for activities and meals if desired. To attend visit https://prca100.org/register for registration instructions and the web link. For more 100-year PRC history, videos and photos, visit this Facebook page.
Junior Sem. Bruce Feenstra (Redlands, CA) led in devotions this past week. The Southern Californians find it difficult to adjust to our cold winters (hence, the coat still on!).
PR Theological Seminary News:
- The PR Theological Seminary will enter its fourth week of the 2nd semester this week. The professors and students take this opportunity to thank you for your prayers and support of them in their work, and ask that you continue to pray for them during this semester of instruction.
- Isaac Van Baren will lead in devotions this week, while Rev. N. Decker (PRTS, 2011) - Hope PRC, Walker, MI) will lead the Wednesday chapel.
- The next two Mondays (Feb.17 and 24) the first round of Practice Preaching will take place, with three seminarians delivering new sermons: A. VanDyke, B. Feenstra, and I. Van Baren. Pray for them as they prepare for and deliver these, and for the faculty as they guide the young men in this important aspect of their training.
- Sem. B. Feenstra will be doing his senior internship in Doon (IA) PRC under Rev. D. Kleyn and his Consistory. That will run from July 1 to Dec.31.
- Work has begun on the Spring 2025 issue of the PR Theological Journal. In the meantime, the Fall 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal is available. The digital edition (pdf) is available on the seminary's journal page linked here while the print copies are also available. This issue contains, among other things, the second part of Dr. J. Bolt's treatment of the CRC Synod of 1924 ("Unfinished Business on Common Grace"), Prof Griess' lecture on "Sexual Abuse in Calvin's Geneva," Dr. N. Willborn's lectures on "Old Princeton," a sermon warning of drunkenness (and other addictions) from Prov.23:29-35 by Prof. Kuiper, and ten book reviews. 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.), or stop by the seminary.
- Sems. Aaron Van Dyke and Bruce Feenstra are licensed to speak a word of edification in the churches. All scheduling of these men 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.).
- If you missed the Fall PRTS Conference (Oct.31-Nov.2) at Grace PRC (“By Grace I Am What I Am”: The PRCA’s Rejection of Common Grace), where the histroric (100 years!) stand of the PRC on sovereign, particular grace was defended and developed, you may watch or listen to the speeches that are all available both on Grace PRC's Sermonaudio channel as well as the seminary's YouTube channel.
- For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website - and don't forget to check on 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 both pastors led services. In this week's "pastoral voice" pastor Tan speaks about the importance of the word 'beloved" at the beginning of worship: "'It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.' (Psalm 127:2) That is you. That is what God calls you at the very beginning of worship. Beloved of God. Though stained black with our sordid sins of the past week, the God who made heaven and earth calls you beloved. Though our hearts are numb to the spiritual, the Eternal and Sovereign One declares that you are precious, cherished, and loved by Him. Whether you feel it or not, whether you are conscious of it or not, whether you believe it or not—The Beloved of God, Jesus Christ, was given to us, nailed to the cross, died, and rose again, so that we may be the beloved of God."
- A last issue of Salt Shakers is available - August2024, #73, the third 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 serve this sister congregation faithfully, and through the CPRC and her website, to minister the gospel far and wide in other ways.
- December 2024 was the last issue of "Covenant Reformed News" published. Look for the new one soon! Read the articles by Rev. A. Stewart on "The Call to the Apostolic Office" and Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question about whether the 4th commandment is still in effect.
- The CPRC YouTube channel with all its edifying content may be found here.
- Rev. A. Stewart continues to serve this sister congregation faithfully, and through the CPRC and her website, to minister the gospel far and wide in other ways.
- PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
- Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her worship services today. And, "The saints of All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services today. We pray for God’s continued care and blessings upon them as they hear the Word of God."
- Provident PRC bulletin: Deacon Ronaldo Marquez led her services today using video sermons of Revs. D. Kleyn and R. Smit.
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 - February 2025 - the RWH is broadcasting four gospel messages by Rev. C. Haak. Today's message is titled "Creation" based on Psalm 19:1-6.
- 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.).
Are you interested in a young people's magazine that views all of life from the historic Refomred and biblical perspective? Visit the Beacon Lights' website for more information!
The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is 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.
Special note: "RBO Storytime: Join us Thursdays for Winter Storytime at 10:15 on January 30, February 6 and 13. Let your little ones enjoy a few stories and a craft, while you browse our books or enjoy a cup of coffee!"
- If you are 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 assistance 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
“Just as God causes the living things of His creation to grow through the means of sunlight, water, and proper nutrition, so also God uses means for our spiritual growth. The chief means God uses for spiritual growth is the preaching of the gospel, through which we receive the true knowledge of Him. Through the chief means of grace God gives the spiritual nutrients needed for growth. I Peter 2:2 teaches this: "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby." This means that growing in grace and knowledge takes place by feeding on the preached Word. This is the means God has given for spiritual growth. The children of God spiritually are like newborn babies, which need mother's milk. For newborns, mother's milk is the best thing. That milk provides all the nutrients babies need to be healthy. This milk is a picture of the preaching. We need "sincere milk." The word "sincere" means pure or unadulterated. For spiritual growth, the child of God needs the truth of God's Word. Anything else is detrimental to the spiritual health of God's people. Watered down truth is not sufficient. Preaching poisoned by false doctrine is spiritually harmful. The truth of God's Word is what feeds and nourishes our hungry and thirsty souls.
"Obeying the command to grow in grace and knowledge demands a desire for the milk of God's Word. This means that the child of God must attend church regularly to grow. The child of God arrives at the worship service Sunday morning and Sunday evening with a voracious spiritual appetite that can be satisfied only with the truth of God's Word. We know our need for the preaching. Without it we cannot grow spiritually. Without it we shrivel up spiritually. What happens if a man skips meals for days on end? He shrivels up and eventually he dies. The same thing happens spiritually to the one who misses the spiritual feasts of the preaching each Sunday."
Taken from the article "Grow in Grace and in Knowledge" by Rev. G. Eriks, one this month's featured resources