The following are special highlights of PRC News for this Sunday, August 9, 2020, the thirty-second Lord's Day of this year.
- Last Sunday Rev. H. Bleyenberg was installed as minister of Immanuel PRC. We rejoice with that congregation in God's bringing to them their new pastor after many months of waiting. May the Lord give him a faithful and fruitful ministry in that place.
- Today Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC) declined the call from Kalamazoo PRC. We continue to keep the needs of this congregation in our prayers. May the Lord soon provide them with an undershepherd of their own.
- Rev. M. Vanderwal (Wingham ON PRC) is considering the call to First PRC, Edmonton, AB (received July 26). He plans to answer by next Sunday, August 16.
- Cornerstone PRC has announced the following trio: Rev. M. De Boer (Edgerton PRC); Rev. E. Guichelaar (Randolph PRC); and Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC). *UPDATE: Rev. M. DeBoer has received this call.
- Rev. G. Eriks will preach his farewell sermon to the Hudsonville congregation on Sunday, August 16 and will be installed as Unity PRC's first pastor the following week, August 23, during the morning service.
- We continue to remember in prayer the needs of Rev. J. Marcus, who awaits a call to the churches, and of Covenant ERC, our sister church in Singapore, as she awaits both pulpit supply from the PRC and a call for minister-on-loan through Grandville PRC - both on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- 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.
- Did you know... that
- our First PRC in Edmonton is considering several options for church building expansion? This was from her Council in today's bulletin:
The New Building Committee is presenting THREE options for the congregation to review and consider. Handouts will be available downstairs in your mailbox. Option 1 is the expansion and renovation of our existing building. Option 2 is the Spring Lake church, at a reduced price. Option 3 is the purchase of a bare parcel of land for new construction of a church and parsonage. All of this information is being presented for your consideration only at this time. An Open House has been scheduled at the Spring Lake church for Saturday, August 15, from 1:00-3:00 PM. This will be followed by a Congregational Meeting at OUR church at 4:00 PM. There will be a further Congregational Meeting on Friday, August 21 at 7:30 PM for voting as needed, allowing time for all congregants to consider these options prayerfully.
- our active emeritus ministers are keeping busy with preaching assignments in the U.S. this summer? Revs. A.denHartog, M. DeVries, R. Hanko, K. Koole, T. Miersma, and J. Slopsema have been filling pulpits from Lynden WA to Dyer IN of late. With minister vacations, classical appointments, and vacant congregations, these men are in demand, and we are grateful for their ability and willingness to travel to those churches in need.
- our First PRC in Edmonton is considering several options for church building expansion? This was from her Council in today's bulletin:
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you or on Sermonaudio wherever you are!
- Currently Rev. A. Spriensma (PRC home missionary) is delivering the messages and this month he is focusing on the truth of God's covenant of grace. Today's message is titled "The Kingdom of David's Seed Established Forever" based on 2 Samuel 7:12-14 Listen to the broadcast on the station near you, on your favorite podcast, or visit the links provided here to listen to this program.
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Thought for contemplation:
Are not the servants of the LORD, which serve at night, God’s people as they leave the worship services and go back to their homes and their workweek? Whether it is cleaning the house or feeding the family, or working in the factory or field or office, perhaps our work seems so menial and insignificant. But God has called you to that service. Do it now with all the passion and devotion of serving the LORD. Bless the LORD in all of your labors, even if no one else sees or notices your work!
Why is this important? Did you notice how many times in this psalm the LORD is mentioned? Five times! It is His covenant name that is mentioned, even though that is not readily apparent in the psalm.(Sadly, the KJV authors followed the Jews by replacing the name Jehovah with the word LORD in all capital letters.) He is the great “I AM”. He is faithful even when we are not. He is the creator. He is the one who blesses His people “out of Zion.” He pours out His blessings upon his church through our Lord Jesus Christ! He is worthy of your and my wholehearted devotion, love, and willing service.
From one of this past week's special meditations by Rev. A. Spriensma, PRC home missionary ("The Call to Servants of the Lord to Bless the Lord")