PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for May 16, 2021 *(Updated)

The following are special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this Sunday, May 16, the twentieth Lord's Day of this year 2021.

With joy and thanksgiving, today we gather in worship of our triune God through our Savior Jesus Christ and by His Holy Spirit. May we worship our sovereign King in spirit and in truth and give Him the glory due to His name.

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. ~ Isaiah 55:1-3

• If you are visiting this website and are interested in the PRC, we invite you to join us at any of our services (morning and afternoon/evening). For congregations, locations and times, visit this page.

• Prof. R. Dykstra is considering the call to Byron Center PRC (MI). He plans to answer by June 6.
  
  
• The Council of Hudsonville PRC announces a new trio: Revs. R. Barnhill (Peace PRC, Dyer, IN), W. Bruinsma (Pittsburgh PRC), and Rev. R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace, Spokane, WA). The congregational meeting to call one of these men is planned for May 16, after the evening service. *UPDATE: Rev. W. Bruinsma has received this call.
  

• The Consistory of Wingham PRC announces a new trio from which to call a pastor: Revs. R. Barnhill (Peace PRC), S. Regnerus (Lynden PRC, WA), and M. De Boer (Edgerton PRC, MN). The congregational meeting is on hold due to current covid restrictions in Ontario.

• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. D.Kuiper and Rev. D.Noorman in Byron Center PRC; Rev. R. Hanko in Crete PRC (IL); Prof. R. Dykstra and Prof. D.Kuiper in First PRC-Holland; Prof. R.Cammenga and Rev. C.Griess in Hudsonville PRC; Prof. B.Huizinga and Rev. C.Spronk in Kalamazoo PRC; Prof. B.Gritters and Rev. D.Lee in Providence PRC. We thank the Lord for this blessing of our church federation to help one another in this need.
  
  May we also continue to pray for all the needs of these vacant congregations, including Wingham PRC, which cannot receive pulpit supply from the U.S. at this time (pandemic travel restrictions) and which is also under new lockdown orders, meaning that the church's in-person worship and other meetings are suspended for the time being. May the Lord encourage their hearts during these difficult times and soon open the way for them to gather in person again.
  
  
• 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...
  • two of our younger ministers had new additions to their families this past week? On Monday, Rev. S. Regnerus and his wife Tori had their first child, a boy, whom they names Gerrit James; and on Tuesday, Rev. D. Noorman and his wife Carissa had their second child, a daughter whom they named Quinn Renae. Hearty congratulations on God's covenant blessings!

  • there's a special writing contest this summer for children, young people, and adults? Here's the special word that's out: Beacon Lights is excited to announce that we will be sponsoring a summer writing contest! This contest is for anyone entering seventh grade or older during the 2021-2022 school year and will include monetary prizes for the top FIVE entries in each of the four age groups. Follow the link from the “Contact Us” tab of the Beacon Lights website or use the web address below for more details! https://beaconlights.org/contact-2/summer-writing-contest/ 

Georgetown PRC, Hudsonville MI, host of this year's PRC Synod

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

• Pulpit supply for Covenant ERC, Singapore: The Dykstras returned safely this past Monday. The Smidstras are finishing their quarantine in Singapore (May 20). He will be live-streaming his sermons today from the hotel room (see note below under Covenant ERC news).
  
  
• Classis East met this past Wednesday May 12 at Trinity PRC, concluding its work around midnight. Reports are being distributed to the congregations.
  
  
• PRC Synod 2021: Pre-Synodical Service will be held on Monday evening, June 7, at 7:00 P.M. in Georgetown PRC. Rev. R. VanOverloop will preach the sermon. Synod will begin its 2021 meetings on June 8, at 8 A.M. in Georgetown PRC. Seminary graduation will take place, D.V., on Thursday, June 10 in Georgetown PRC, at 7:30 P.M. Prof. D. Kuiper will give the address.

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The seminary completed its schedule of final exams this past week, which concludes the second semester. We now enter our spring/summer break. Continiue to pray for the seminary in all her needs. The seminary will be open daily during the spring and summer, except for holidays (M-F, 8-5).
• After five plus months serving Covenant ERC in Singapore, Prof. R. Dykstra and his wife Carol returned home safely this past Monday.
• With joy the faculty announces that it has licensed student Matthew Koerner (sophomore) to speak a word of edification in the churches.  We are grateful for the brother’s progress to this point in his training.
• Senior student Josiah Tan (Covenant ERC, Singapore) plans to be examined at the PRC Synod beginning on June 8 in Georgetown PRC. Seminary graduation will take place, D.V., on Thursday, June 10 in Georgetown PRC, at 7:30 P.M. Prof. D. Kuiper will give the address.
• Work has begun on the Spring 2021 issue of the PRTS Journal is available. If you wish to be added to our mailing list, please call or email the seminary.
• For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.
• Special Notice for Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2021 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 31st. 

The latest issue of Salt Shaker is out! *See note below

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore: 
  • From the "Pastoral Voice" in her bulletin today: Beloved in the Lord, this morning we welcome Rev Smidstra to our worship service. Rev Smidstra will bring God's word to us via live streaming from the hotel where he is currently serving the stay home notice.We commemorate today, one of the greatest events of the history of redemption, the ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ into heaven (40 days after His resurrection last Thursday). Rev Smidstra will preach on this glorious account of the ascension this morning.
  • CERC has also returned to increased covid restrictions due to an increase in cases in the country. The congregation is divided into 4 groups which will rotate for in-person services. All other church meetings are suspended or will be held online. Let us remember them in prayer during this time.
  • The April 2021 issue of Salt Shakers is now available! Visit the link to read the edifying articles. Espeically are young people are encouraged to do so!
• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland and her Limerick, Ireland mission:
  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word in person to the saints in Ballymena.
  • The April issue of the "Covenant Reformed News" was recently published - be sure to make it part of your reading!
  • Rev. M.McGeown continues to minister the Word virtually in Limerick until he is able to come to the U.S. to serve Providence PRC. To read his last update (newletter), visit this page. But read this update in today's bulletin: The government has relaxed restrictions so that we are now permitted to gather again for public worship. We are thankful to our heavenly Father for this development. “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD” (Ps. 122:1).
    
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
  
  • The latest Philippine Newsletter may be found here.
    
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev.Ibe will lead us in our worship services today, D.V. FYI, live streaming of our worship services will be available on Berean PRC Facebook page. The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services via live streaming at Facebook live, Lord willing.
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. R. Kleyn will preach for us today, the Lord willing. The live streaming of our services will be available on the “PPRC and Friends” Facebook page.
  • PRCP Seminary News: The seminary completed its classes for this current school year this past Friday. The students will now have their exams. May the Lord strengthen them to give a good account of the things they have learned.
    

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. R.Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC in Spokane, WA) is currently doing a series on the Gospel according to Mark. Today's message is based on Mark 3:1-6 and titled "The Healing of a Withered Hand."
  
• 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 (see the attachment to this news post for the latest one - April 2021). 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

 Do you know why we sing from the Psalter, versifications of the Psalms? Find the answer in this resource.

• 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.
  
  
• Do you need some catechism materials for use in your church or family? The PRC publishes catechism materials on Bible history and Reformed doctrine, for children of all ages. Visit this page for more information.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Reformed Book Outlet news: The Reformed Book Outlet has reopened and you are welcome to shop the store in downtown Hudsonville (MI). If you have any needs during this time, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

Christian liberty is in all its parts a spiritual matter, the whole force of which consists in giving peace to trembling consciences, whether anxious and disquieted as to the forgiveness of sins, or whether their imperfect works polluted by the infirmities of the flesh are pleasing to God, or whether they are perplexed as to the use of things indifferent. It is perversely interpreted by those who use it as a cloak for their lusts that they may licentiously abuse the good gifts of God, or think there is no liberty unless it is used before men, and in using it pay no regard to their weak brethren. But by this the sins of the present age are made more numerous. For there is scarcely any one whose means allow him to live sumptuously, who does not delight in feasting, dress and the luxurious grandeur of his house, who wishes not to surpass his neighbor in every kind of delicacy and does not plume himself amazingly on his splendor. And all these things are defended under the pretext of Christian liberty. They say they are things indifferent. I admit it, provided they are used indifferently. But when they are too eagerly longed for, proudly boasted of, and indulged in luxurious profusion, things which otherwise were in themselves lawful are certainly defiled by these vices.

John Calvin (taken from Trinity PRC's bulletin this week)