PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for September 19, 2021 *(Updated)

The following are special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this Sunday, September 19, the thirty-eighth Lord's Day of this year 2021.

Today on this new Lord's Day, as God's redeemed and renewed people, we gather publicly in worship to bring our praise and thanks to our triune God for all His gifts, especially the gift of full salvation from sin and unto everlasting life through His Son. By the Holy Spirit's work in our hearts and minds may we give our glorious God the honor due His name. With the pasalmuisy may we humbly confess,

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. ~ Psalm 23:1-4

• Doon PRC's Council has formed the following trio: Rev. Nathan Decker (Grandville PRC), Rev. Erik Guichelaar (Randolph PRC), and Rev. Clayton Spronk (Faith PRC). A congregational meeting has been scheduled for today after the evening service. *UPDATE: Rev. E. Guichelaar has received this call.
  
  
• The Council of Hudsonville PRC has formed a new trio of Revs. E. Guichelaar, C.Haak, and D.Lee. The congregational meeting will be held today after the evening service. *UPDATE: Rev. E. Guichelaar has received this call.
  
  
• This past Wednesday, September 15, Rev. C. Griess was installed as professor of Practical Theology and NT Studies in the Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary. Over the next five years, he will earn his advanced degree (ThM) and then gradually assume the courses taught now by Prof. B. Gritters.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. R. Barnhill (Peace PRC, Dyer, IN) received the call from Covenant of Grace PRC (Spokane, WA).
  
  
• Today Rev. R. Kleyn preaches his farewell sermon in Covenant of Grace PRC (Spokane, WA). Tomorrow he and his family will depart for Grand Rapids, MI, where he will be installed as the new pastor of First PRC on October 3, D.V.
  
  
• 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.
   
• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. E.Guichelaar in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. D.Kuiper and Rev. J.Marcus in First PRC-GR; Prof. B.Gritters and Rev. D.Lee in Grace PRC; Prof. R.Cammenga and Prof. D.Kuiper in Hudsonville PRC;  Prof. B.Huizinga and Prof. R.Cammenga in Kalamazoo PRC.  We 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...
  • a number of PRCs are hosting special meetings at their church this Thursday night, Sept.23, to hear Prof. B. Huizinga's speech for the annual RFPA Society meeting? Here's the notice that went out: How did God care for the PRC in 2021? Come to Trinity PRC on Thursday, September 23, at 7:30 p.m. EST to find out. Prof. Brian Huizinga will deliver the address at the annual meeting of the RFPA titled, "2021 in the PRC: Whom the LORD Loveth, He Chasteneth." Those who cannot make it to Trinity can attend a live-stream event at Kalamazoo PRC in Kalamazoo, MI; Peace PRC in Dyer, IN; Edgerton PRC in Edgerton, MN; or Calvary PRC in Hull, IA. We encourage other churches outside of the Grand Rapids area to consider hosting a live stream too. Look for updates from the RFPA as well, including the launch of our new subscription model.
  • this month marks a special anniversary for Rev. Richard Smit, PRC missionary in the Philippines? Read what Doon PRC has in her bulletin today: This month marks the 25th anniversary of Rev. Richard Smit being ordained into the ministry!  We rejoice in God's faithfulness through the years.  May the Lord of the Harvest continue to bless Rev. Smit's ministry for many years to come.  "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?  And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?  And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?   As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace."  Romans 10:14-15 To which we add, "Congratulations, pastor Smith! We thank the Lord for your faithful ministry in the PRC."

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

• Classis East met on Wednesday, Sept.8 at Grandville PRC. Among other business, Classis treated a request from Trinity PRC's consistory to proclaim a Day of Prayer in the churches of Classis East on Nov. 2, 2021. A ground for this decision was "Our churches are experiencing great affliction at the present.... This great affliction is evidenced by the ongoing schism that has torn apart the body of Christ, the great need that we as a denomination have for ministers of the Word, and other ongoing afflictions as well." Classis also approved the request from members of Wingham PRC to implement Art. 38 of the Church Order and reconstitute a consistory, thus reorganizing the congregation. The synodical deputies concurred with the decision. Unity PRC was appointed to carry out the reorganization of the congregation. We thank God for His faithfulness in preserving the congregation there and pray that He continues to sustain them.
• Crete PRC will be hosting Classis West, September 29 and the Council has decided to host an Officerbearers' Conference on September 28 at church.  The theme of the conference will be "Sanctification - the Blessed Work of Christ's Spirit".  Our speakers will be Revs. S. Key speaking on "The Spirit of Freedom,'' M.Kortus speaking on "Be Ye Holy: the Doctrine of Sanctification from Leviticus," and J. Engelsma speaking on "In the Way of Our Obedience."  All are welcome to attend.
• 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.

Prof. Cory and Laelle Griess and family being introduced at his installation as professor of theology this past Wednesday in Southwest PRC.

PRC Seminary Notices:

• This past week the seminary completed its fourth week of the new school year (2021-22). We thank the Lord for His goodness and blessing to this point. Remember to pray for faculty, students, and staff as they busy themselves in the day-to-day work. The semester schedule and calendar have been posted on the seminary's website.
• This past Wednesday, Sept.15, in a special worship service at Southwest PRC, Rev. C. Griess was installed as professor of theology in the PRC Seminary. Prof. B. Gritters led the service and Rev. G. Eriks read the installation form. Seminary convocation was also held, with the students being intoduced by the rector, Prof. R. Cammenga. Afterwards the seminary was open for visitors to view the recent archive addition and library renovation. A wonderful crowd attended both events, a great encouragement to the faculty and students.
• Rev. D.Noorman led the weekly chapel this past week. On the other days, Sem. Aaron Van Dyke (1st year) led in devotions.
• Don't forget that the seminary library and bookstore are open daily (M-F, 8-5) for any of your book and Bible needs. The staff is available to assist with any other needs you may have as well.
• 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.

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  
  • Today's bulletin noted a special event to be celebrated today: Beloved people of God, please join us this Sunday, 19 Sep 21 immediately after the 2nd worship service to celebrate CERC 34th Anniversary. Those who are not present in church can also join us online. The program includes greetings from overseas brethren and thanksgiving presentations from various bible study groups as well as from our pre-schoolers.
  • To which Pastor J.Tan added these words: What a God we worship and serve! He did not save us as individuals to live isolated lives. But he in his wisdom and mercy has saved us into his one body, the body of Christ. This body of Christ, the church invisible is manifested on this earth as the church visible, the local instituted congregation. He has efficaciously called us members of CERC from death unto life. From eternal destruction to His Eternal glory. In His wisdom He has gathered us together in CERC. In His infinite wisdom He has given us to each other to now sojourn together with each other through this dark world as strangers and pilgrims towards heavenly Canaan. In his mercy, he has preserved us together as a church for these past 34 years.

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  
  • Rev. A.Stewart continues to bring the word faithfully to his flock in Ballymena.
  • Be sure to check out the lastest edition of "Covenant Reformed News" (August 2021). Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles.
    
    
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
  
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V.Ibe will lead us in the preaching of the Word today via live streaming. The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services via live streaming at our Facebook page today, D.V.
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: The Council, with thankfulness to the Lord, informs the congregation that we are again able to have face-to-face worship services. The council has approved having a call to worship each Sunday, from today (September 19) onwards, as the Lord wills. Rev. Kleyn will lead our worship services and preach for us today.
    
  • Read the last PRC missions newsletter - July 2021.
  • PRCP Seminary Instruction: A new semester of seminary instruction began on August 10 for our seminary student, Bro. Ace Flores. However, because of ongoing Enhanced Community Quarantine in Metro Manila, ...the original plan for this semester has been reorganized (no in-person instruction but online).

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 10 and titled "Covenant Renewal."
  
• 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.).
  

--------------------------------------------------------------------

REFORMED RESOURCES FOR EDIFICATION, EDUCATION, and EVANGELISM

What are the five points of Calvinism and what do they have to do with tulips? To find out, read 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.
  
  
• 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).

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

The Reformed faith maintains creeds as expressions of what it confesses that Scripture teaches. Creeds are not to be regarded as infallible. They nevertheless identify and distinguish that which is Reformed from that which is not. The Reformed have written down, often after great struggles and horrendous persecutions, the truths which they believe Scripture assuredly teaches. The creeds point out how the Reformed differ from others who likewise claim to maintain Scripture. By means of the creeds, children of believers are taught the doctrines of Scripture. By means of the creeds the churches show to all in the world what they believe and teach.

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