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PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for May 30, 2021 *(Updated)

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The following are special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this Sunday, May 30, the twenty-second Lord's Day of this year 2021.

Psalms 13 5Today as we gather for worship, we bring our praise and thanks to our triune God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through the presence and power of the Spirit may we give our glorious God the honor due His name.

The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me. Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart. ...I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high. ~ Psalm 7:8-10,17

  • 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.
  • This morning it was announced that Prof. R. Dykstra had accepted the call to Byron Center (MI) PRC. We rejoice with the congregation in God's provision of their need during this special time and pray for Prof. Dykstra and his wife Carol as they prepare to transition to the pastoral ministry once again. Prof. Dykstra will also be finishing his final year of teaching at the PRC Seminary.

    The Consistory of Kalamazoo PRC has formed a new trio
    consisting of Rev. R. Barnhill (Peace), Rev. M DeBoer (Edgerton), and Rev. D. Lee. A special congregational meeting is planned for tonight following the evening service. *UPDATE: Rev. R. Barnhill has received this call.

  • The Consistory of Crete PRC announces a trio of Rev. N. Decker (Grandville PRC); Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon PRC); and Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC). The congregation will vote after the evening worship service on June 13, D.V.

  • Rev. R. Barnhill (Peace PRC) has received the call to Wingham PRC (Ontario, CA).

  • Rev. W. Bruinsma is considering the call to Hudsonville PRC (received May 16).

  • The final worship services of Bethel PRC (Roselle, IL) will be held on June 27, D.V. May the Lord continue to be with the congregation and her pastor, Rev. Lee, as they prepare for the disbanding of this dear congregation.
  • Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. D.Kuiper and Rev. N.Decker in Byron Center PRC; Rev. M.DeVries in Crete PRC (IL); Prof. R.Dykstra and Sem. M.Koerner in First PRC-Holland; Prof. R.Cammenga and Rev. D.Noorman in Hudsonville PRC; Prof. B.Huizinga and Rev. W.Langerak 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.

    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...
    • Rev. C. Haak recently retired from the Reformed Witness Hour?  His years of service and labors for this radio program were noted in Georgetown PRC's bulletin last week, as well as in the latest RWH newsletter: The Consistory and Congregation would like to acknowledge Rev. Haak for his many years of service of radio sermons for the Reformed Witness Hour. From the RWH:  “Rev. Haak has retired from his position with us as Radio Minister. Rev. Haak began with the RWH in 1995 and has produced over 900 messages for the ministry since then. The most frequently played message in April, with 307 downloads was a message from Rev. Haak from 2008, The Power of Christ's Resurrection. This message was a Featured Sermon on Sermon Audio this month. We thank God for the diligent work of Rev. Haak over the past years.  All his efforts are greatly appreciated, and his presence is missed!"
    • Today Sem. M.Koerner (entering his junior year in the fall) is leading his first worship service and bringing a word of edification? The church is First PRC in Holland and the service is the evening one. May the Lord strengthen him for this part of his seminary training and preparation for the ministry. He also has a busy summer of service assignments.

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

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

  • 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.

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PRC Seminary Notices:

  • The seminary has concluded her second semester and has entered her spring/summer break. Continue to pray for the seminary in all her needs. The faculty keeps busy with preparation for the next term as well as with other activities, and many of the students return to their summer jobs. The seminary will be open daily during the spring and summer, except for holidays (M-F, 8-5).
  • 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.
  • The internship of Seminarian Marcus Wee (Covenant ERC, Singapore) will take place this summer and fall (July - December) at Faith PRC (Jenison, MI) under Rev. C. Spronk. 
  • 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. His first worship service is today in First PRC, Holland.
  • Work continues on the Spring 2021 issue of the PRTS Journal. 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. 

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Provident PRC, Marikina, the Philippines

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

  • Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
    • From the "Pastoral Voice" in her bulletin today: We continue to be thankful to God for the ministry of Rev Smidstra in our midst. We are thankful for his assistance in providing pulpit supplies for two services every Lord’s Day. Besides attending session meetings, Rev Smidstra is also assisting the church in teaching catechism classes, pre-confession and membership classes.
    • CERC has also returned to increased covid restrictions due to an increase in cases in the country. The congregation is divided into 4 groups (50 persons are allowed) that 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.
    • Re the Kolkata, India mission work: We request prayer for our brethren in Kolkata. This week a strong cyclone swept over West Bengal. Many of the places are flooded. We are thankful that most of the brethren are not badly affected by the cyclone and flood. Do continue to pray for them as they cope with the COVID-19situation and now with the cyclone. (today's bulletin)
    • The April 2021 issue of Salt Shakers is now available! Visit the link to read the edifying articles. Especially 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.
    • Don't forget to read the April issue of the "Covenant Reformed News"!
    • Rev. M.McGeown continues to minister the Word in Limerick (now in person again!) until he is able to come to the U.S. to serve Providence PRC. To read his last update (newletter), visit this page. This week's bulletin contained this important update: Rev McGeown has received notification of an appointment for the US immigrant visa in Dublin on 24 June (which is about one month earlier than the US non-immigrant visa appointment of 27 July). In connection with this appointment he must also undergo a medical examination on 13 July. If the visa interview and medical examination are approved, the immigrant visa will probably be issued towards the end of July. “For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that” (James 4:15).
  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
    • The latest Philippine Newsletter may be found here.
    • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V.Ibe is vacationing for two weeks. In his absence today Rev. D.Kleyn lead the services. 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. Smit will preach for us today, the Lord willing. The live-streaming of our services will be available on the “PPRC and Friends” Facebook page.
    • It is with great sadness to hear the withdrawal of PRCB (effective May 17, 2021 and now First Reformed Church in Bulacan) from our denomination. It is our prayer now that God may preserve the faithful saints in our churches in the truth that we may “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27b).
    • PRCP Seminary News: The seminary has completed its instruction for this current school year.
    • The Classis of the PRCP is scheduled to hold its next meeting on Saturday, June 12 at 9:00 a.m.

RWH Logo 2019
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!

RKleyn RWH

  • 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 3:13-19 and titled "The Appointment of the Twelve."
  • 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

Christ Church CH HHanko 2021

Would you like to know more about the history of the early church? Check out this new resource from the RFPA!

  • 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

Now if the sight of Christ while he was yet a child had so powerful an effect on Simeon that he approached death with cheerfulness and composure; how much more abundant materials of lasting peace are now furnished to us who have the opportunity of beholding our salvation altogether completed in Christ? True, Christ no longer dwells on earth, nor do we carry Him in our arms: but His divine majesty shines openly and brightly in the gospel...not as formerly amidst the weakness of flesh but in the glorious powerof the Spirit which He displayed in His miracles, in the sacrifice of His death and in His resurrection. In a word, His absence from us in body is of such a nature that we are permitted to behold Him sitting at the right hand of the Father. If such a sight does not bring peace to our minds and make us go cheerfully to death, we are highly ungrateful to God and hold the honor which He has bestowed upon us in little estimation.

Found in Loveland PRC's bulletin today; author - John Calvin


Last modified on 06 June 2021

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