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This Week's PRC and Sister-Church News, April 26 - May 2, 2020

romans8 35Today, April 26, is the seventeenth Lord's Day of 2020; we may note the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches, and mission fields.

In the midst of the current worldwide COVID-19 situation and widespread restrictions on our worship, labors, and schooling, may we continue to find our strength and confidence in our sovereign, loving Father. He is with us and for us in Jesus Christ through His Spirit, as He has promised. May our faith in His perfect care and protection drive away our fear and worry and give us blessed peace and rest.

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? ...He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? ...Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ...Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31-39)

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

 What good can your worrying do? It does not empty tomorrow of its trials, but it empties today of its strength and comfort; it does not enable you to escape future trouble, but it unfits you to cope with it when it does come. Instead of anticipating future evil, discharge present duty in the spirit of Philippians 4:6-7. Cross not your bridges before you come to them, but cheerfully shoulder the burden of today and trustfully leave the future to God.  ~ A.W. Pink

  • These PRCs are live-streaming services today (and for the time being, full or partial). You are encouraged to worship with one of these congregations: Byron Center PRC at 9:30 AM and 5 PM (EST); Calvary PRC at 9:30 AM and 6 PM CDT;  Crete PRC at 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM CDT; Faith PRC at 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM (EST); First PRC-GR at 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM (EST); First PRC-Holland at 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM; Grace PRC at 9:30 AM and 5 PM EST; Hope PRC-GR at 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM (EST); Hope PRC-Redlands, CA at 10 AM and 5 PM (PST); Hudsonville PRC at 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM EST; Hull PRC at 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM; Loveland PRC at 9:30 AM and 6 PM MST; Lynden PRC at 10:00 AM PST; Pittsburgh PRC at 9:30 and 5 PM EST; Southeast PRC at 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM EST; Southwest PRC at 9:30 AM and 5:30 (EST); Trinity PRC at 9:30 and 5:00 (EST); Zion PRC at 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM (EST). There are also many audio sermons that you can access on this website for your further use.

  • On April 19, 2020 Rev. J. Laning (Hull PRC, IA) declined the call from First PRC, Edmonton, AB.

  • The Consistory of First PRC of Edmonton announces a new trio from which to call her next pastor: Rev. E. Guichelaar (Randolph PRC), Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC), and Rev. M. VanderWal (Wingham PRC). The congregation will be voting, Lord willing, the afternoon of Sunday, May 3.

  • Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN) announces a new trio from which to call a minister: Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC), R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC), and R. Van Overloop (Grace PRC).
  • Rev. J. Mahtani is considering calls from Kalamazoo PRC (April 13), Hope PRC-GR (April 14), and Unity PRC (April 15). May the Lord make clear to him what His will is and where He will have him serve.

  • On April 5 Rev. M. McGeown announced his acceptance of the call to Providence PRC (Hudsonville, MI). We rejoice with them in this gracious provision of a new undershepherd to lead and feed them with the Word of God. Rev. McGeown is making application to come to the States as he finishes his mission labors in Limerick, Ireland.
  • The Council of Grandville PRC has formed a new trio for minister on loan to Singapore: Revs. G. Eriks (Hudsonville PRC), E. Guichelaar (Randolph PRC), and R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC). At present the congregation is not able to gather for a congregational meeting to vote; when restrictions are lifted, she will.

  • Rev. John Marcus and his family plan to leave Edmonton May 20 to live in West Michigan, as he awaits a call within the PRC.
  • Did you know... that
    • Faith PRC is sponsoring another "sing-along" this evening, starting at 7:00 PM, EST? Join in and end the Lord's Day praising God in song!
    • at least two of our congregations are also conducting live Bible studies online during the week under these circumstances? Georgetown and Grace PRCs are doing this - complete with prizes for answering questions (just ask pastor Haak)! GT-PRC also recently did a special one just for the children of the church.
    • the Standard Bearer is not allowed to be printed right now, but the RFPA is making new issues available free online as they are produced? You can find the latest issue -May 1, a special issue on death and dying - at https://rfpa.org/pages/the-standard-bearer
    • the Beacon Lights magazine (PR Young people's monthly) is not able to be printed right now because of COVID-19, but the BL staff has decided to put the May issue of Beacon Lights on its website free for anyone who wishes to read it? Visit beaconlights.org to read the issue, which will be published on May 1!

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

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PRC Seminary News:

  • The seminary is entering its fourteenth week of the second semester this week (only 2 left before exams). Online classes are continuing at present (see next note). Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, seminary is open only for essential operations at this time. No auditors or visitors should come until the restrictions are lifted. The staff can try to assist you with any needs, however. Call or email the seminary with your important needs.

  • Due to the extended "stay-at-home" order from our governor (now through May 15), the faculty and students have switched to all online classes for the rest of the semester. Some classes are using previously recorded videos while other classes are being live-streamed using Zoom. So far this has worked well and we are thankful to be able to continue in this way. Faculty and students remain well, content in God's will. Pray for the professors, students, and staff as they seek to carry on with our labors under these difficult circumstances.

  • Prof. B. Huizinga's ThM classes at both Calvin Seminary and Puritan Reformed Seminary have also been changed into online courses, as he finishes his second semester and first year in Calvin's ThM program.

  • Work continues on the Spring 2020 issue of the PR Theological Journal. Though we may have to wait for the print edition under the present circumstances, the seminary will produce and post the digital copy as soon as it is ready.
  • Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2020 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 essays must be submitted by May 30th.

EPC Winnaleah church outside

Let us remember to pray for our fellows saints in every land and place, including those in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church  of Australia (picture of Winnaleah EPC)!

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS:

  • Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, the following may be noted from her bulletin today:
    • We are thankful that God has sustained our Elders thus far in the reading of sermons each Lord’s Day. With the announcement by the Government to extend the ‘Circuit Breaker’ to 1 June 2020, it would mean that we would have to continue with the live-streaming services minimally up to 31 May. May the Lord continue to grant the Elders the grace and strength for this work. Our seminarian, Brother Josiah, has indicated that he is able to speak a word of edification once every Sunday from this Sunday until around early June 2020. We are thankful to God for this provision. The Lord willing, Brother Josiah and his family will be returning back to the States sometime in mid June where he will commence his internship with First PRC in Grandville under Rev. Cory Griess.
    • Session received an update from Grandville PRC that they are not able to meet as a congregation to call the MOL due to the restrictions in Michigan. Once the restrictions are lifted, Grandville will meet soon to call the MOL for us.
    • The February 2020 newsletter - Reformed News Asia - was posted recently and may be found on this page.
  • Concerning our sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC,  the following may be noted:
    • From last week's bulletin: The arrangement for the CPRC Sunday services today involves livestreaming a streamlined meeting with only prayer and exposition of the Word on video at 11AM and 6PM (https://cprc.co.uk/live-streaming/). During this difficult time when we are unable to meet together, may we pray with the Psalmist, “O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God” (Ps. 43:3-4).
    • Read the latest CPRC newsletter - February 2020!
    • Read the new March 2020 issue of the "Covenant Reformed News"!

    • Sadly, given the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus (in God's sovereign decree), the British Reformed Fellowship (BRF) Conference has been rescheduled to (basically) the same week next year. Thus the BRF Conference will not be taking place in 2020. Instead, it is rescheduled to 10-17 July, 2021. Same venue: Castlewellan Castle (http://castlewellancastle.org/). Same theme: Union With Christ. Same speakers: Prof. Engelsma and Rev. Lanning (USA), with John Perkins (England) giving the special lecture. For more on the BRF, see https://www.britishreformed.org/

  • Concerning the PRC in the Philippines, the following may be gleaned from the bulletins of the Berean PRC, PRC in Bulacan, Maranatha PRC, and Provident CC:
    • Congregational and Denominational News:

~ Berean PRC: Rev. V. Ibe will lead us in our worship services today via live-streaming on our Facebook page. Our brothers and sisters in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija will join us today in our worship services via Facebook live, the Lord willing.

~ Maranatha PRC: Rev.R. Smit will lead us in both Worship Services live-stream via Facebook . Maranatha Protestant Reformed Church at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. D.V.

~ Provident PRC: Though our hearts yearn for the courts of the Lord, but the enhanced community quarantine of Metro Manila has been extended until May 15, let us pray that our God will bless us this Sabbath day as we hear His Word and praise Him with songs in our homes.

The elders have sent links to the worship services we will watch today. We will hear the preaching of Rev. Rodney Kleyn in the first service and Prof. Brian Huizinga in the second.

~ PRCP Seminary: Classes have resumed and are being given long distance.

~ And for more on the life and work of our "sisters" in the Far East read the news under Philippine missions.

  • The PRC also has a "corresponding relationship" with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) of Australia. We remember these brothers and sisters in our prayers and labors also.

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How are we to think Christianly about COVID-19? Read this resource to learn more.

Would you like to learn more about the PRC and her doctrines and practices? Are you in need of some pamphlets and/or articles published by the PRC for use in evangelism and/or witnessing? Visit the PRCA Evangelism page for a complete list of materials available in digital format or by order from the publishing church.

SPECIAL NOTICES:

  • Psalter 1912 2Psalter music available FREE: the entire collection of Psalm Choir videos and CDs is currently available free. With many PRC members and fellow saints worshiping at home due to the present pandemic, these are a valuable resource. You may find the playlists on YouTube here. And, all volumes of the Psalm Choir CDs may be found here. These too can be used for family or personal devotions, as well as for personal comfort and peace in seasons of fear and distress.

  • Are you looking for good Reformed literature and a solid Reformed and biblical magazine? Visit the Reformed Free Publishing Association's website (www.rfpa.org), where you will find information on books in all major Christian categories, as well as on the bi-monthly periodical, the Standard Bearer.

Due to printing restrictions related to COVID-19, the RFPA is temporarily unable to print and distribute hard copies of The Standard Bearer. Once these restrictions have been lifted, the RFPA will print and mail out all postponed issues of the magazine. In the meantime, these issues will be available for free online as they are produced. You can find the newest issue, May 1 (a special issue on death and dying), at this link on the home page.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0148/7987/products/Unfolding6_1024x1024.png?v=1580485685Two NEW books from the RFPA: 1) Unfolding Covenant History Vol. 6 (From Samuel to Solomon) by Prof. D. Engelsma will be sent to book club members and those who ordered it. 2) Letters from Katie Luther: A Novel by Shirley Casemier will be sent to Gold Star members and others who ordered it. While we are facing delays in the delivery of some of these books, we are working with your church’s book club agent to get them to you as soon as possible. If you would like to order either book, visit rfpa.org, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 457-5970. Your book club agent will deliver your book as soon as he/she is able.

  • The Reformed Book Outlet is temporarily closed for the safety of our volunteers. If you need to place an order or have questions, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We will not be answering the phone. Thank you.

RWH Logo 2019

  • Llisten to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you or on Sermonaudio wherever you are!
    • Continuing this month, Rev. R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC in Spokane, WA) has delivered a series on prayer. Today's message is a special one titled "Draw Near to God" based on Hebrews 10:22. Listen to the broadcast on the station near you or visit the links provided here to listen to this program.

    • From the Reformed Witness Hour Committee:

~ The Reformed Witness Hour Committee wishes to remind everyone that you can receive their bi-monthly newsletter via email simply by signing up at http://eepurl.com/gikNsL.  Each newsletter contains information about places around our globe where the RWH is downloaded; news about the RWH’s witness on the radio and via the internet, printed booklet, and CD and links to many popular and relevant RWH messages.

~ A Spanish edition of the RWH has been produced and may be found on this YouTube channel (PRC Espanol). Why not check it out - and help spread the word!

 BL header lighthouse
*A new issue (May) will be released this week - see below!

ESPECIALLY FOR PRC Young People and Young Adults:

  • *From the Beacon Lights staff: Due to our printer not being able to print the magazine right now because of COVID-19, we have decided to put the May issue of Beacon Lights on our website, free of charge, for anyone who wishes to read the month’s issue. Visit us at beaconlights.org to read the issue, which will be published on May 1!

  • 2020 PRYP's Convention News! Registration for the 2020 Young People’s Convention opened on Monday, March 16!
  • Young Men's Conference postponed! GPRC Young Men’s Conference, with the theme of "Run, Fight, Lead!", scheduled for Saturday morning, April 25 has been put on hold for now. Look for a notice of future plans soon.

  • The Western Young People's Retreat, hosted by the Lynden and Spokane Young Peoples, will be held July 14-17, 2020, at Camp Sanders in N. Idaho.  This is a retreat for Young People ages 13-18 (going into 9th-12th grade).  More information and registration will be available in March. Contact Rev. Kleyn at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions.

  • Colorado Retreat: Save the date August 3-6, 2020 for a young adults retreat in Colorado!

  • Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2020 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 essays must be submitted by May 30th. 

  • A new issue of the young peoples' magazine, Salt Shaker, is available (from Singapore!). Find the March 2020 issue here.

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PRC MISSION NEWS:

Domestic Labors:

  • Remember in prayer our home missionary, Rev. A. Spriensma, who continues to labor in the West Michigan area and beyond through Byron Center PRC, the calling church. The ongoing Bible study in Dorr, MI led by our missionary is currently postponed also.
  • Limerick Reformed Fellowship News:
    • Rev. M. McGeown continues to lead the services. He recently announced his acceptance of the call to Providence PRC in Hudsonville, MI. Plans are being made for him to complete his labors in Limerick and move to Michigan as soon as it is possible.

    • While the “lockdown” continues, we shall attempt to conduct our meetings electronically. Let us cry out to God to restore the means of grace to us: “My soul longeth, yea even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth for the living God” (Ps. 84:2). Bible Study: Tuesday 8 PM by video conferencing beginning at James 4:13.

    • (From the PRC Contact Commitee) Our sister church, the Covenant Protestant Reformed Church in Northern Ireland, reports that they have decided to close the mission station in Limerick, Ireland that they had been overseeing for the past ten years. ...We submit this disappointment to the good providence of God who is alone wise. Remember the saints in Limerick and Rev. McGeown in your prayers.

Philippine Missions:

  • Berean PRC News: This congregation continues to work in Gabaldon, Nueve Ecija (the saints join Berean PRC services via live-stream during this time of confinement).
  • Maranatha PRC News: 

    The missionary work in Sipalay, Negros Occ is temporarily cancelled due to the Enchancement Community Quaratine. Let us pray that the Lord will end this plague and let His work of preaching and teaching be continued.

  • The newest Philippines mission newsletter has been published and posted! The January 2020 issue may be read here.
  • For more on life and activities in the Philippines from the personal perspective of the missionary's, visit the Kleyn's blog, the Holstege's, and the Smits!

We remember in prayer the needs of these busy pastors and missionaries in the Philippines, especially in these difficult days of quarantine. May the Lord of the harvest give them grace to carry on as best they can and be encouraged in all their labors.

India:

  • Let us pray for our sister church's work (Covenant ERC in Singapore) in Kolkata, through Rev. E. Singh. From Covenant ERC's bulletin today we find this update:
    We are thankful to God for providing our brethren in Kolkata the means of live-streaming through the use of smart phones. We heard from Rev Singh that some of the brethren in Kolkata have lost their jobs as a result of the lockdown. Our Deacons are looking into how best to assist these brethren in need. Rev Singh told us that sometimes they have limited access to the food supplies. Groceries may not be available every day. Open markets are closed and few supermarkets are opened for business. Sometimes the shelves in the supermarkets were empty. Do pray that God will provide them with their daily necessities.

Myanmar:

  • We also remember Hope PRC's (Grand Rapids, MI) support of and involvement with Rev. Titus' work in Myanmar. He and the saints there are also seriously affected by the pandemic. Let us be in prayer for these dear believers also.
Last modified on 27 April 2020
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