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PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for August 1, 2021 *(Updated)

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The following are special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this Sunday, August 1, the thirty-first Lord's Day of this year 2021.

Psalms 16 11Today on this new Lord's Day, as redeemed and renewed members of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, we gather publicly in worship to bring our praise and thanks to our triune God for all His gifts, especially the gift of salvation full and free through His Son. Through the work of our Lord's Spirit may we give our glorious God the honor due His name. May these words of the psalmist be ours:

Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust. O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee; But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight. ...Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. ~ Psalm 16:1-3,11

  • If you are new to 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 past Tuesday (July 27) Rev. R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC, Spokane WA) received the call from First PRC, Grand Rapids MI. He is also considering the call from Hudsonville PRC. He plans to answer both calls by August 22. We pray for him as he considers these calls, that the Lord may make His will plain to him.

  • Rev. J. Engelsma plans to preach his farewell in Doon PRC in the second service today. He and his family plan to move to Crete, IL this week and plans are for him to be installed in Crete PRC on August 15, with Prof. D.Engelsma leading the service. A farewell program for the Engelsma family is planned for tonight following the evening service. A lunch and time of fellowship will follow in the church basement.

  • From Kalamazoo PRC: The consistory presents to the congregation a trio of ministers consisting of Rev. Carl Haak, Georgetown PRC; Rev. Matt DeBoer, Edgerton, MN; and Rev. Dennis Lee, formerly of Bethel PRC, Roselle, IL. Lord willing, a special congregational meeting is planned for Sunday, August 1, following the evening service, to vote to extend a call to one of these men.  *UPDATE: Rev. M.DeBoer has received this call.

  • Rev. E. Guichelaar and his family (Randolph PRC) are currently in Wingham to visit family and to minister to the church there.
  • Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. R. Barnhill in Crete PRC (IL);  Prof. D.Kuiper and Prof. B.Huizinga in First PRC-Holland; Rev. M.DeVries and Rev. D.Lee in Grace PRC; Prof. R.Cammenga and Rev. N.Decker in Hudsonville PRC;  Prof. B.Huizinga and Rev. C.Haak in Kalamazoo PRC; Rev. W.Langerak (livestream) and Rev. J.Mahtani in Providence PRC. Let us thank the Lord for this blessing of our church federation and the privilege to be able to help one another in this need.

  • 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...
    • Due to pulpit supply shortage in Classis East Rev. N.Decker is preaching three times today? Besides leading his own services at Grandville (MI) PRC - including an early afternoon one at 3:30 p.m. - he is leading the evening service at Hudsonville PRC (classical supply).
    • The Young Calvinists is hosting a singspiration at Zion PRC for all young people and young adults on Sunday, August 8 at 8 p.m? It will be a great evening of singing, and we hope to fill the sanctuary, so please bring all your friends! Looking forward to seeing everyone there! [If they want to fill the sanctuary, and there's room, do you think they will let some "old Calvinists" in?]

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

  • PRC Synod 2021: The delegates and advisors met from June 9-17. For the daily reports on synod's work and decisions, visit this page. The printed PRC Acts of Synod 2021 and Yearbook has been sent to the printer and should be available sometime this summer.
  • Synod 2021 instructed the Stated Clerk to include in his letter to the churches a notice of the urgent need for seminary students (Art. 73). The urgency arises from the number of vacant churches, the need for our denomination to fulfill the calling of home missions, the age of some of our older ministers, and the next potential graduate from our seminary is two years away. Let us remember this need for men to proclaim the good news of forgiveness in Jesus Christ in our public and private prayers. Also, consistories should always be ready to encourage any young man in your congregation who has some of the gifts for the ministry
  • Revs. D. Lee and J. Marcus (both now living in West Michigan) are eligible for calls in the PRC and her sister churches. Let us remember them in prayer as they await new charges.

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PRC Seminary Notices:

  • Presently, the seminary is in her summer break, but only three weeks remain before the start of the next semester (Aug.23). The semester schedule and calendar have been posted on the seminary's website. 
  • 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. There are always maintenance projects to be completed, including office changes and renovations this year (to learn why, remember Prof. R. Dykstra's change of labor and now Rev. C. Griess').
  • The seminary, including the library and bookstore, are open daily during the summer months, except for holidays (M-F, 8-5). The staff is present to assist with any needs you may have.
  • In June the PRC Synod extended a call to Rev. C.Griess (pastor of First PRC, Grand Rapids, MI) to serve as professor in the PRC Seminary, replacing Prof. B. Gritters in the area of Practical Theology and NT Studies. On July 11 he announced his acceptance of that call. Plans are underway for his change of labor and residence. His installation as professor will take place at the seminary's Convocation in September. We thank the Lord for His leading and pray for Rev. Griess, his wife, and family as they will face these changes in the months ahead.
  • Coming this Fall! Seminary Conference:  What is preaching?  What does it mean to preach the gospel?  How does one preach the commands of Scripture?  What is application in preaching?  Make plans now to hear four speeches by the seminary professors, under the conference theme "The Lord Gave the Word: Preaching the Gospel."  The conference will be hosted by Trinity PRC, on the late afternoon and evening of October 28 and 29.  More details will follow.
  • For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.

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SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

  • Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
    • From the "Pastoral Voice" in her bulletin today:
      Today is a great day of rejoicing as the church baptizes 3 infants. Jehovah has given these infants to our believing parents in CERC, and in faith, these parents have brought their children for baptism. May we rejoice that the Lord has included them in the covenant of grace.

      FSM Fellowship Event: Dear CERC, in light of the recent changes in COVID-19 regulations, the outing on 7 Aug is cancelled and will be replaced with a prayer meeting and online church Zoom games.
      [A reminder that our sister churches are still dealing with the effects of the pandemic. Let us pray for them with regard to this matter also.]

  • Covenant PRC, N. Ireland and her Limerick, Ireland mission:
    • Rev. A.Stewart and his wife arrived in the U.S. this past week. They are on holiday until August 17, but we also know he will be kept very busy during this time.
    • Be sure to check out the latest edition of "Covenant Reformed News" (June 2021). Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles.
    • Limerick Reformed Fellowship: On July 4 the final services were held for the saints there, led by Rev. A. Stewart. Rev. M.McGeown is making final preparations to come to the U.S. the beginning of August, D.V.

  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
    • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. R.Smit 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. ...Rev Ibe and Elder Umali are scheduled to visit the saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija on Saturday (July 31, 2021). Rev. Ibe will lead them in their worship service on Sunday (Aug. 1) and in their study of Ephesian 2:11ff., D. V.
    • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. D. Kleyn will lead our worship services and preach for us today, the Lord willing. The live streaming of our services will be available on the “PPRC and Friends” Facebook page.

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

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  • For the months of July, August, and September Rev. C.Haak (Georgetown PRC in Hudsonville, MI) will be the featured speaker, with focus on his series on the book of Nehemiah. Today's message is based on Nehemiah 4 and titled "Building with Sword and Trowel."
  • 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. Are you are regular listener? If not, why not start today!
  • 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 Committee 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

Ignited by word mag 2021

Ignited by the Word is a new quarterly children’s magazine from the RFPA. Standard Bearer subscribers are receiving the first two issues at no charge. Others who sign up for Ignited by the Word will also receive these issues for free. To learn more, visit ignitedbytheword.org.

  • 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.

  • The Reformed Book Outlet is open and you are welcome to shop the store in downtown Hudsonville (MI). Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday (10-5), and Saturday (10-1).
    • The RBO is running their annual Summer Reading Challenge for both kids and adults, from June 22-August 21. Stop by the store to pick up a sheet to fill out and return for a prize! Just a reminder that our hours are now Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10-5 and Saturday 10-1.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

Red symbolizes sin that flows from our flesh like blood. Red especially represents the hateful, murderous passions that often result in spilling of blood. Red is the color of profane Esau (Gen. 25:25) and the pottage for which he traded his birthright (Gen. 25:30). Red is the color of passions stirred up by wine when it is red, sparkles in the cup, and goes down smoothly (Prov. 23:31). Red is the unstoppable warhorse that gallops throughout history with its rider who takes peace from the earth so men kill each another (Rev. 6:4). Because he represents the hatred of Satan, that murderer from the beginning, the Antichrist, is pictured as a great red dragon (Rev. 12:3). Red is also a picture of God’s wrath against sin. In the hand of the Lord there is a cup of red wine that He pours out, and the wicked shall drink its dregs (Ps. 75:8). Soon He comes from Bozrah with red garments stained with blood from treading the winepress in His fury (Is. 63:3).  

God not only created red with light but made it the first color of the spectrum. This gives red surprising visibility, so that it is used to stain, mark, and set things apart, as when Rahab’s house was designated for salvation by a scarlet thread (Josh. 2:18). It also teaches that we first see Christ the Light as red, being redeemed and made nigh by His blood (Eph. 2:13). We might find it shocking today, but in the Old Testament God prominently decorated His church with red. The entire ceiling of the tabernacle was dyed bright red, and scarlet was prominently woven into all the fabrics—walls, veil, door, and ephod—a picture that the red stain of sin is removed and fellowship with God is enjoyed only by violent shedding of Christ’s blood under His fiery wrath (Ex. 26:14Ex. 28:1ff.). God has so done. As symbolized by an Old Testament ceremony, God took His red heifer outside the camp, slew Him, and sprinkled His blood on the church of His covenant (Num. 19). Therefore, though your sins be as scarlet, they are white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they are as wool (Is. 1:18).  

…Red. For those redeemed and given boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Christ, red is a lovely, beautiful color.                                                                                 

Taken from Rev. W. Langerak's word study article on the color red.

Last modified on 02 August 2021