PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for August 8, 2021

The following are special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this Sunday, August 8, the thirty-second Lord's Day of this year 2021.

Today 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:

I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about. ~ Psalm 17:6-9

• 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 evening Rev. C.Griess preaches his farewell sermon at First PRC (Grand Rapids, MI). Having accepted the call to serve as professor of Practical Theology in the PRC Seminary, he will be installed, Lord willing, on Sept.15 in a special service at Southwest PRC. Tomorrow, already, he begins his classes for his ThM degree. May the Lord give him grace for the new duties that he will assume, and to his wife and family as they make this transition.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. M.DeBoer (Edgerton MN PRC) received the call from Kalamazoo (MI) PRC.
  
  
• Rev. R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC, Spokane WA) is considering calls from First PRC, Grand Rapids MI and Hudsonville (MI) PRC. He plans to answer both calls by August 22.
  
  
• Rev. J. Engelsma and his family moved to Crete, IL this past week. Plans are for him to be installed in Crete PRC next Sunday, August 15, with Prof. D.Engelsma leading the service. 
  
  
• The Council of Doon PRC has formed a trio of Revs. R. Barnhill (Peace PRC – Dyer, IN), C. Spronk (Faith PRC – Jenison, MI), and E. Guichelaar (Randolph PRC). The congregational meeting is scheduled for August 15 after the evening worship service.
  
  
• Rev. E. Guichelaar and his family (Randolph PRC) are currently in Wingham to visit family and to minister to the church there.
  
  
• Update on Rev. M.McGeown from Providence PRC's bulletin today: McGeown Status: Although Rev. McGeown's medical examination for the purpose of immigration to the USA was on 13 July, over three weeks ago, the visa for Rev. McGeown has still not arrived. The McGeowns do not know when it might come, but they did receive confirmation that the results of the medical were sent to the U.S. embassy on July 29. We continue to pray for patience in the confidence that God's will is always good. "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life" (Prov. 13:12).

• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. R. Barnhill in Crete PRC (IL);  Rev. D.Holstege in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. D.Kuiper and Prof. B.Gritters in First PRC-Holland; Rev. D.Lee and Prof. D.Kuiper in Grace PRC; Rev. J.Marcus and Rev. G.Eriks in Hudsonville PRC;  Prof. B.Huizinga and Rev. J.Holstege in Kalamazoo PRC; Prof. B.Gritters and Rev. A.Spriensma 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 there are three "mini-conventions" being held this week for our PR young people? Due to the fact that the PRYP Federation Board and Georgetown PRC had to cancel the annual full PRYP's Convention this year (because of lingering pandemic concerns/restrictions), several churches banded together to plan smaller, regional conventions/retreats. Here are the notices concerning them. And concerning all of them we say, "How wonderful that these can be held! May the Lord richly bless our young people and all involved in this week of spiritual fellowship and growth in their Savior." Shall we remember to pray for them?
  
  • The Midwest YP Retreat is this week Monday through Wednesday at Inspiration Hills. We are looking forward to welcoming the young people for a few days of fun and fellowship! Registration will take place on Monday at 9 AM at Trinity Christian High School. A pre-retreat singspiration will take place this evening, August 8, at Hull PRC at 7:45 PM making use of our theme: “Walking Worthy” based on Ephesians 4:1-3. For those unable to attend, the singspiration will be livestreamed from the Hull PRC website.
  • (Providence PRC bulletin) Tomorrow morning, many of our young people, as well as young people from our Unity, Hudsonville, and Holland churches, will be leaving for a retreat at Eagle Rock, in Tennessee. The theme of the retreat is “Contending for the Faith.” They plan to return Friday evening. Let us remember these young people and their chaperones in our prayers this week.
  •  (Byron Center PRC bulletin): This week, the Lord willing, sixteen of our youth and several chaperones from the congregation will attend a mini-convention, Monday-Friday, at a camp in Indiana called Quaker Haven Camp. They will join about a hundred others from Covenant of Grace (Spokane), Pittsburgh, Zion, Lynden, Southeast, First (GR), and Grandville. Revs. W.Bruinsma, J. Holstege, and R. Kleyn will each give a speech on a biblical character, and a series of devotions on the theme “Let no man despise thy youth” will be led by our pastor [Prof. R.Dykstra].

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

• Although the furlough of Rev. D. Holstege and his family came to an end on June 30, they are not able to enter the Philippines right now due to an immigration problem related to COVID restrictions. The council of Doon PRC and the FMC have approved a plan which has the Holsteges staying in the States for a few more months and seeking to return to the mission field, if the Lord wills, no later than December 10. “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:6).
• 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.

PRC Seminary Notices:

• Presently, the seminary is in her summer break, but only two 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, especially as we prepare for the new term.
• 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 classes will begin already on August 9. His installation as professor will take place at the seminary's Convocation on September 15 at Southwest PRC (Wyoming, MI). 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.

Rev. D.Kleyn leading a livestream worship service last year. Today he did the same, as the PRCP are under strict quarantine again (see note below).

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  
  • From the "Pastoral Voice" in her bulletin today:
    It has been three years and almost eight months to be exact, that our congregation has been without a minister of the Word of our own. Come tomorrow afternoon, we will meet to vote to extend a call to candidate Josiah Tan to be our own minister, DV. 9 Aug is not just the country’s National Day, but it is also a day of significance in the history of CERC. May we covet your prayers that God be pleased give us a minister of His choosing soon.
  • Do also remember our brethren in Kolkata. Pray that God will sustain His people amidst the covid pandemic and direct Rev Singh to carry out His work in that land.
• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland and her Limerick, Ireland mission:
  
  • Rev. A.Stewart and his wife are currently vacationaing in the U.S. 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. Kleyn will lead us in the preaching of the Word today via live streaming, D.V. ...In line with the restrictions (ECQ) imposed by the National government in NCR from Aug. 6 to 20, 2021, we are not able to meet and worship God in our church building, today and next Sunday (Aug. 8 and 15).
    And thus, the preaching of God’s Word will be live streamed on our face book page. ...The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija will join us in hearing the preaching of the Word of God via live streaming on our face book page today, D.V.
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe will be leading us in worship today, the Lord willing. Due to our return to the highest quarantine level (Enhanced Community Quarantine), the services will be live streamed today and next Sunday. The live streaming will be available on the “PPRC and Friends” Facebook page.
  • A new PRC missions newsletter is available - July 2021. Read it at the link provided!

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

• For the months of July, August, and September Rev. C.Haak (Georgetown PRC in Hudsonville, MI) is the featured speaker, with focus on his series on the book of Nehemiah. Today's message is based on Nehemiah 5 and titled "Ought Ye not to Walk in the Fear of God?"
  
• 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 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

First and foremost, the Reformed faith emphasises the sovereignty of God. Does this distinguish it from others who likewise teach the sovereignty of God? Yes, it does. We are convinced that the Reformed faith maintains the truth of God’s sovereignty consistently. All Christians surely would agree that God is sovereign. He rules over all. Yet repeatedly one encounters doctrines and practices which contradict the truth of God’s sovereignty. In order to satisfy human reasoning, there have been those who insist on the “free will” of all men to accept or reject the Christ as they will. There are those who present a Christ who knocks at the sinner’s heart’s door, pleading for admittance (misquoting Rev. 3:20). There are those who teach that the final number of the elect of God is determined not by God from eternity, but by the activities of man. There are those who teach that God loves all people—yet that finally He casts some into hell. Others would teach that because of the love of God for all, He can cast none into hell.

The Reformed faith consistently maintains the sovereignty of God. He has created in six literal days (Gen. 1), and continues to sustain all of His universe. He directs and controls also all moral, rational creatures. He has from eternity determined to save some (the elect) through the blood of the Lamb (Eph. 1:4) and determined that others would be cast into hell in the way of their sins (Rom. 9:22). Never does God relinquish any aspect of His rule in any sense. All of the doctrines of the church of Christ must conform to that. The church may not “adjust” the sovereignty of God to accommodate man’s idea of what is just and right. Rather, man’s confession must conform to the great truth of God’s sovereignty.
                                                                              

Taken from Rev. R.Hanko's pamphlet "What Is the Reformed Faith?"