The following are special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this Sunday, December 27, 2020, the fifty-second and final Lord's Day of this year.
- The PRC congregations will be holding Old Year and New Year services this week Thursday evening (Dec.31) and Friday morning (Jan.1). Visitors are welcome to join us in worship as we reflect on the passing of another year and look to our faithful Father for His saving help and hope in 2021. Visit this page for the worship times of the various PRCs.
O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.Under the shadow of Thy throne
Psalter 247, st.1,2 (based on Psalm 90)
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure. - Last Sunday (Dec.20) Rev. A.Spriensma (PRC home missionary) accepted the call to Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN). We rejoice with this congregation in God's goodness in providing a pastor to serve them once again.
- Last Sunday Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon PRC) declined the call to Wingham PRC and Rev. D.Holstege (PRC missionary to the Philippines) declined the call to Kalamazoo PRC. Let us remember these vacant congregations as they seek pastors to lead and feed them.
- Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. R.Barnhill and Rev. D.Noorman in Cornerstone PRC; Prof. D.Kuiper and Rev. C.Haak in Hudsonville PRC; Prof. B.Huizinga and Rev. R.Van Overloop in Kalamazoo PRC; Prof. B.Gritters and Rev. J.Maatman in Providence PRC. We thank the Lord for this blessing of our church federation to help one another in this need. And may we also remember to pray for the needs of these vacant congregations, including Wingham PRC, which cannot have pulpit supply from the U.S. at this time (pandemic travel restrictions). In fact, in her bulletin today, the Wingham Consistory informed the congregation that with the new COVID-19 lockdown orders in Ontario, they are suspending services until the congregation can gather again. Let's remember them in prayer with regard to this too.
- 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:
- there is a Christmas Singspiration in Faith PRC tonight, which will also be livestreamed? Here's the notice that was sent out to the congregation: We will be hosting a singspiration tomorrow [Sunday] after the evening service. It will be led by Voices of Victory. The congregation is invited to stay and sing. ...This will be streamed online, so please let your family and friends know that around 7:15 we hope to start singing.
P.S. For those listening online, have your Psalters and hymnals ready for classic Christmas songs! - With the busy holiday preaching schedule many of our pastors are exchanging pulpits in both Classis East and Classis West today and next Sunday (just read the bulletins today!)? And, of course, our emeritus ministers are keeping busy helping out as well.
- there is a special resource page just for officebearers on this website? Especially for the newly elected men and those serving for the first time, the materials available here may be invaluable to you. Check it out, and reference it as often as needed!
- there is a Christmas Singspiration in Faith PRC tonight, which will also be livestreamed? Here's the notice that was sent out to the congregation: We will be hosting a singspiration tomorrow [Sunday] after the evening service. It will be led by Voices of Victory. The congregation is invited to stay and sing. ...This will be streamed online, so please let your family and friends know that around 7:15 we hope to start singing.
PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:
- Prof. R. Dykstra and his wife Carol await results from a new COVID-19 test after their two-week quarantine in Singapore. If the tests are negative, they may leave their temporary quarters and move into a condo this Wednesday (Dec.30). For now he is preaching and teaching online as he assists our sister church there, Covenant ERC.
- Missionary-pastor D. Holstege (the Philippines), along with his wife and children, are settling into their temporary residence in Grandville, MI for their six-month missionary furlough in the U.S. (until June 30, 2021). According to a recent bulletin of Doon PRC (calling church), "During this time they plan to live in the Grand Rapids, MI area while Rev. Holstege spends the bulk of his time preparing for future seminary courses he will teach." May the Lord also grant them safe travels and a time of refreshment while here.
- Rev. J. Marcus continues to stay busy with preaching and teaching assignments as he awaits a call to one of our churches.
A snowy Christmas Eve was experienced in West Michigan this past week.
Special PRC Seminary Notices:
- Seminary has now completed its first semester and is enjoying its Christmas/New year break (Dec.19-Jan.3). Continue to remember the seminary's faculty, students, and staff in your prayers. The seminary, including the library and bookstore, remains open daily for any needs (except the holidays thmselves).
- Sem. Josiah Tan (senior) completes his internship this week at First PRC under Rev. C. Griess. First's bulletin today included this note about that: This evening after the service, Seminarian Josiah Tan will give a presentation on our sister church in Singapore. This will be followed by a farewell to the Tans as Seminarian Tan completes his internship this coming week.
- Prof. R. Dykstra and his wife Carol are currently in Singapore for an extended stay to serve our sister church there (mid-December into May 2021). The other professors will pick up his classes to assist him while he is gone.
- Prof. R. Cammenga will be teaching the special Interim course in January 2021 (4-13). It will once again be on the Life and Theology of John Calvin. Regretfully, the seminary will not be allowing auditors for this course this year.
- Notice of Licensure: The faculty has licensed student Marcus Wee to speak a word of edification in our churches. Brother Wee is a member of our sister church, Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church in Singapore. We rejoice at this milestone in the brother’s preparation for the ministry of the gospel. Any scheduling of him to lead worship services will be through the seminary faculty. This also provides us with an opportunity to impress upon our churches and sister churches the great need that we have for students for the ministry. Let us pray the Lord of the harvest to raise up laborers in His vineyard, Matthew 9:37-38. For the faculty, Prof. Ron Cammenga, Rector.
- The Fall issue of the PRTS Journal is being completed and prepared for printing. In the meantime the Spring issue may be found at the link provided, with plenty of good reading material in it.
- For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.
Let's not forget our brothers and sister "down under"! We pray for them too in the present distresses.
SISTER-CHURCH/MISSIONS NEWS:
- Covenant ERC, Singapore:
- From this week's "Pastoral Voice" in her bulletin (concerning her annual special gospel meeting on Christmas day): This past Christmas, many homes were opened to receive guest and friends, gathered to listen to the Gospel message and singing carols in smaller groups due the pandemic. Several homes have invited members whom they usually do not get to meet or rarely get to talk to in church. This occasion is used to get to know other members better. Thanks to the Evangelism Committee who organized this year’s event.
- The October 2020 issue of "Reformed News Asia" was recently published (#62). Read that issue here.
- A new issue of Salt Shakers magazine (for young people) is also out - read the October 2020 at this link.
- Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
- Rev. A. Stewart and Rev. M.McGeown are doing a pulpit exchange today, with the former preaching in Limerick and the latter in Ballymena.
- Rev.McGeown has penned a December 2020 newsletter for his fellow saints. You may find that here.
- Rev. Stewart has produced a new newsletter on life and labors in CPRC. You may find that November issue here.
- Be sure to read the latest issue of the "Covenant Reformed News" - December 2020!
- PRC in the Philippines:
- Berean PRC bulletin today: Rev. V.Ibe is leading the services, as they are allowed to meet in person (up to 50%). The saints in the Lord Jesus Christ in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija, will join us today in the hearing of the preaching of God’ s Word via live streaming at Facebook live.
- From Maranatha PRC bulletin today: The government put Metro Manila and nearby provinces under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) up to December 31, 2020. At the moment, we are postponing our corporate gathering on January 3, 2021 and we are moving the date on January 17, 2021 due to the recent news that the Covid-19 patients are increasing in our area. Let us continue to pray that our heavenly Father will bring us back to our normal corporate worship. D.V. In the meantime, Rev. L. Trinidad ministers the word online to the congregation.
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Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. D.Kleyn is bringing the gospel there today, as they meet in person.
- PRCP Seminary News: The seminary is on holiday break at present. Online classes will resume in January.
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!
- Rev. W. Bruinsma (Pittsburgh PRC) is delivering the messages on the program at present (Oct.2020 - Jan 2021). Today he brings a special end-of-year message,"The Changeless Jehovah," based on Malachi 3:6.
- Listen to the broadcast on the station near you, on your favorite podcast (Google Music, Spotify, and iTunes), or visit the links provided here to listen to this program. Have you listened lately?
- 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:
Looking for some good devotional reading in the year to come? Or a gift to bless someone else? Check out this title at the RFPA website, as well as others!
- 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.
- Be sure to check out the Reformed Book Outlet in downtown Hudsonville, MI and online!
*The Reformed Book Outlet is running a 25% sale during the month of December! We will also have the store open from 5-8 PM on December 10 for our annual Winter Shopping event, that will include a gift card giveaway and some other sales!
As a reminder, their hours of business are currently 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..
- Want 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:
Such is the Word of God.
It is a light in darkness.
It is a strong assurance of salvation in the midst of the sufferings of this present time.
A mighty consolation in the time of trouble!
The faithfulness of this Word the poet had experienced. And of it he sings: Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O Lord, according unto thy word!
Let us not misunderstand this confession, and give it an erroneous application. The psalmist does not have in mind any temporal or material good the Lord had bestowed on him. When he acknowledges here that the Lord had dealt well with him, he does precisely not mean that his pathway through this present life had been bright and rosy hitherto, and that he had been spared, suffering and affliction. The very contrary is true. His way had not been characterized by material prosperity. Emphatically he speaks of his affliction. But in and through that affliction the Lord had dealt well with him. Nor does this well-dealing of the Lord refer to the fact that the affliction which the psalmist experienced belongs to the past, and the Lord had delivered him out of all his troubles, so that for the present, at least, his way was one of joy and prosperity. On the contrary, he regards his affliction, the sufferings he had endured, as the Lord’s dealing with him. Even though it were true, that the enemies of the Lord had inflicted this suffering upon him, he now realizes that through the enemies it was the Lord that was dealing with him and so, the affliction itself was a good to him. In the tribulation the Lord dealt well with him.
Abundantly evident this becomes in the rest of the section.
Does he not clearly express that he regards the affliction itself as a good? Before he was afflicted he went astray, but now he had kept the Word of God. It was good for him to be afflicted, that he might learn the statutes of the Lord.
The well-dealing of the Lord, of which the psalmist speaks, does not have reference to all, therefore to any natural, earthly, material, temporal good, but to the spiritual heavenly, eternal blessings of the kingdom and covenant of God, as they will ultimately be realized in all their fullness in the final glory of God’s heavenly house, the heavenly perfection of His eternal covenant of friendship.
And thus is the promise of the Word of God throughout.
Not that His people will be excused from, will be spared the sufferings of this present time, is the promise of God to them. On the contrary, not only do they lie in the midst of death with all the world, and must they, therefore, endure with the world the sufferings of this present time in general; but they must also expect that special tribulation which is the fulfillment of the sufferings of Christ. “In the world ye shall have tribulation!”
And ahead still looms the great tribulation that shall leave no room in the world for the faithful. . . .
But be of good cheer!
The Lord deals well with His servants!
Such is His Word!
And that Word is the revelation of His eternal counsel concerning our salvation.
In that counsel He has so willed and arranged all things, even all the sufferings of this present time, even all the powers of darkness that rave and rage furiously against the ‘Church, that they must all work together for the final salvation of them that love Him, who are the called according to His purpose.
That counsel He reveals and realizes in time, so that all things are made subservient to the purpose of our final glory.
And always it is true: The Lord deals well with His servants.
According to His Word!
Taken from the Meditation "Thou Hast Dealt Well"based on Psalm 119:65,66 and penned by Rev. Herman Hoeksema (back in October, 1944)