The following are special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this Sunday, September 20, 2020, the thirty-eighth Lord's Day of this year.
- Rev. R. Kleyn is considering the call from Kalamazoo PRC (received Sept.6). May the King of the church guide him as he considers this call.
- The Council of Hudsonville PRC has presented a trio to the congregation from which to call a new pastor: Revs. J. Engelsma (Doon, IA), R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace, Spokane, WA), and C. Spronk (Faith, Jenison). A congregational meeting is scheduled for this evening following the service. *Rev. J. Engelsma has received this call.
- Classical appointments and pulpit supply being filled today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. C. Griess in Cornerstone PRC; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. M. DeVries in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in Immanuel PRC: Prof. R. Dykstra and Rev. J. Mahtani in Kalamazoo PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. G. Eriks in Providence PRC. Shall we thank the Lord for the blesing of our PRC federation that gives such help to these churches? And shall we also bring to the throne of grace the needs of these vacant congregations?
- The Consistory of Wingham PRC (ON) has formed its first trio following their pastor's acceptance of the call to First PRC Edmonton, AB. It consists of Revs. C. Spronk (Faith PRC), R. Barnhill (Peace PRC), and J. Engelsma (Doon PRC). A congregation meeting is scheduled for Monday September 28 to vote from this trio.
- Rev. M. Vanderwal (Wingham ON PRC) has accepted the call to First PRC, Edmonton, AB (August 16). Due to his presence at Classis East on Sept.9-10, he must quarantine for two weeks; for this reason he will now preach his farewell in Wingham PRC on Sunday, Sept.27.
- Let us not forget the needs of Rev. J. Marcus, who awaits a call to the churches, of Rev. M. McGeown, who awaits permission to enter the States to be installed in Providence PRC, 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:
- Today Grace PRC (Standale, MI) is celebrating her 25th anniversary? Here's the special notes from her bulletin today:
- Today Grace PRC (Standale, MI) is celebrating her 25th anniversary? Here's the special notes from her bulletin today:
“HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!” After holding services for thirteen months, the first service as Grace Protestant Reformed Church was on Sunday, July 9, 1995. That was with 23 families and 9 individuals – 107 souls. That the church of Jesus Christ exists at all is because of the powerful grace of God. Today we commemorate what God has done! We thank Him for His use of many human instruments and a variety of circumstances and events to bring us to mark 25 years of existence. To Him be the glory!
25TH ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM: Praising the glory of God's grace! This evening is the time we will celebrate twenty-five years of Jehovah's gracious faithfulness to our congregation. A program will be held about 15 minutes after this evening's service. During the brief post-service interlude, we will be serving drinks, cookies, bars and breads. Please practice social distancing and utilize both indoor and outdoor spaces during the refreshment period. There will be tables set up for the elderly. We ask you to keep all refreshments out of the sanctuary! Once you hear the piano begin the prelude, please begin re-entering the auditorium, and let us join together in celebration of Jehovah's goodness!
- That Covenant ERC in Singapore is celebrating her 33rd anniversary? See the notes below under sister churches. Happy anniversary, dear sister!
- A new Protestant Reformed School is being planned in the West Michigan area? Redeemer Christian School is her name. This school will start out as a Pre-K through 8th Grade and, Lord willing, grow into a High School. To learn more about this new PR Christian school, please visit www.redeemerchrschool.com
Edgerton (MN) PRC, host of this week's Classis West meeting
PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:
- Classis West plans to meet this Wednesday, Sept.23, in Edgerton (MN) PRC. May the Lord grant safe travels for the delegates and wisdom for their work during the meeting.
- The 2020 PRC Acts of Synod is now available and is in process of being distributed to the congregations. If you have not yet received yours, seek out your congregation's clerk, the stated clerk (Rev. R. Van Overloop), or contact the seminary.
- 2020 edition of the Church Order: The 2020 edition of the ring-bound Church Order book is now available and may be ordered through the PRC Seminary (616-531-1490). As per synodical decision, these books are updated every five years to incorporate new synodical decisions affecting them. In addition to the Church Order, this book also contains such things as the Constitutions of all synodical committees, the Rules of Synodical Procedure, the Explanation of the Rules for Protests/Appeals/Overtures and the denomination's Articles of Incorporation and By-laws. All these are of most practical use to the office bearers. But, all of our families would do well to cultivate a knowledge of and interest in Protestant Reformed church polity. If you already have the six-ring green binder, you need only order the new inserts ($4.00). The inserts with the binder with the 2020 edition is $10.00. Payment can be made to the PRCA after you receive your materials.
Special PRC Seminary Notices:
- Seminary has now completed four weeks of its first semester. Pray for the professors, students, and staff as they labor in the task of training men for the ministry of the Word.
- Due to the current restrictions on indoor gatherings in the state of Michigan, the Theological School Committee has cancelled the 2020 Seminary Convocation (usually held in early September). The plan is to have a news report in the October 1 Standard Bearer, including an introduction to the students. Watch for that coming soon!
- For several years, the seminary faculty have permitted auditors to audit some classes. The presence and input of the auditors has been appreciated. With regret, because of COVID restrictions, the faculty is not inviting any auditors this semester. This decision will be reviewed at the end of the semester with a view to Interim 2021 and the second semester.
- For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.
Covenant ERC-Singapore Church Camp, June 2019 (Happy anniversary, sister!)
SISTER-CHURCH/MISSIONS NEWS:
- Covenant ERC, Singapore:
- From today's "Pastoral Voice" in her bulletin: The above verses [Gen.22:13-14] record for us a very severe trial of the faith of Abraham and this beautiful confession: “Jehovah-Jireh” (Jehovah will provide). Abraham was told by God to go to the land of Moriah and there he was commanded to offer up his son, Isaac as a burnt offering. Abraham obeyed the LORD and brought his son Isaac to a mountain in Moriah. While he was about to slay his son, the angel of the LORD called out to Abraham and stopped him. Instead, God provide him a ram and he offered it up for a burnt offering unto the LORD and he called that place, Jehovah-Jireh (Jehovah will provide). Beloved, it is in the same way that we believe God will provide for Covenant Church as we celebrate our church’s 33rd Anniversary. It is especially, important for us at this anniversary to trust in His provision as we are going through this difficult time as a church and as individuals. The Lord will provide for us, not just a possibility but it is a surety, for we believe that our Lord Jesus (who is the Head of the church) will care for His church even unto the end. We also have seen His care and love for us inthese 33 years of our existence for which we are thankful. Although we have to go through many restrictions due to the pandemic and even have to cancel our Anniversary celebration, yet it should not stop us and our family from praising Him from our hearts. May the Lord continue to grant us grace and strength to remain faithful to Him and in doing His will till He come again. Blessed Anniversary, Covenant.
- And in her India mission news, the CERC includes this note today: Continue to remember our brothers and sisters in CERC Kolkata Fellowship. Presently they are still worshiping in Pastor Emmanuel’s place. At this time, they face serious difficulties in finding another place to rent for worship. Do remember our brethren in your prayer. Pray also for our Missionary Pastor as he cares for the saints in Kolkata.
- A new issue of "Reformed News Asia" has been published (August 2020, #61). Read that issue here.
- Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
- Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word as the church there is back to meeting in person.
- Missionary-pastor M. McGeown continues to preach the gospel in Limerick, Ireland until he can enter the U.S. and be installed as Providence PRC's pastor.
- Be sure to read the latest issue of the "Covenant Reformed News" - September 2020 - just out this week!
- PRC in the Philippines:
- With strict government limitations on public gatherings still in place due to the pandemic, the PRCP pastors and the PRC missionaries carry on with livestreaming of services as well as with online catechism classes and Bible studies.
- The latest PRCP newsletter was published last month - don't forget to read the August 2020 report!
- Are we continuing to pray for our dear brothers and sisters throughout the world as they also face trials and tribulations? May we also show the communion of saints in this way.
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you or on Sermonaudio wherever you are!
- Rev. A. Spriensma (PRC home missionary) is currently delivering the messages, and this month he is finishing his messages on the truth of God's covenant of grace. Today's message is titled "The Mediator of the New Covenant," based on Hebrews 12:22-24.
- Listen to the broadcast on the station near you, on your favorite podcast (Google Play, Spotify, and iTunes), or visit the links provided here to listen to this program.
- 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 Commitee 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 Reformed Book Outlet in downtown Hudsonville, MI (across the parking lot from Gemmens Hardware)
- The Reformed Book Outlet is running a 25% off sale on most items for the month or September! As a reminder, our hours are Tuesday 10-1, Wednesday 1-5, and Saturday 10-1, or send your order to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
- Are you desirous to learn 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.
This Week's Thought for Contemplation:
...Let us speak a moment of the “all spiritual blessings in heavenly places.” In the Greek it is literally, “he hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing.” The term is singular, referring to the separate spiritual blessings which we have in Christ. What are those blessings? They are the separate spiritual blessings such as forgiveness of sin, righteousness, new life, our adoption as children of God, justification, sanctification, and eternal life. These blessing are numerous. Do you each day think about them and praise God for them? There is a chorus of a hymn that goes: “Count your many blessings, name one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done…”
When they are called “spiritual blessings, they are contrasted with natural or earthly gifts or blessings that God gives. These are spiritual blessings because they are given to us by the of Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle adds, “in the heavens.” They are heavenly blessings because Christ is in heaven. Christ is exalted, no longer on earth. From heaven, Jesus our Savior is pouring out on God’s children the benefits of His cross and resurrection. Because we are engrafted into Christ, what is His is ours. His glory is ours. We are “in him” by faith. We are members of His body. These blessings are ours only in Jesus Christ! Each day may we think on this blessing and “praise God from whom all blessings flow!”
From this past week's special meditation by Rev. A. Spriensma, PRC home missionary - "The Golden Chain of Every Spiritual Blessing" (Eph.1:3)