Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this fourth Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, January 23. At the beginning of this new year, we praise the Lord for the hope we have in Him and the promise that He will guide us and provide for us. May our worship today rise up to our faithful God as a sweet-smelling sacrifice through Jesus Christ our Savior.
For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin. But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied. They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is. Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me. Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation. ~ Psalm 38:18-22
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.
- Last Sunday (Jan.16) Doon PRC issued a call to Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA).
- Last Sunday (Jan.16) Hudsonville PRC extended a call to Rev. R. Barnhill (Peace PRC-Dyer, IN).
- Rev. R. Barnhill is also considering the call from Heritage PRC (Sioux Falls, SD - received on Jan.9).
We remember these men in prayer as well as our vacant congregations. - On December 19 Rev. J. Langerak accepted the call to Covenant of Grace PRC. Plans are for him to preach his farewell in Heritage PRC on Feb.13, move to Spokane that week, and be installed in COG on Feb.27 by Rev. R. Hanko. May the Lord fulfill these plans according to their desire and His perfect will.
- Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. R. Hanko in Covenant of Grace PRC (Spokane, WA); Rev. K. Koole in Doon (IA) PRC; Rev. J. Laning (1st week) in First PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. B. Gritters and Prof. D. Kuiper in Grace PRC; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. M. DeVries in Hudsonville 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 whose in-person public worship may still be limited, 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....
- Hope Protestant Reformed Christian School celebrated its 75th anniversary (1947-2022) with a special program and open house yesterday? The program was held in the gymnasium of nearby Covenant Christian High School, with the open house at Hope school just down the road. A fine crowd enjoyed a wonderful program, including a video featuring interviews with former students and teachers. The open house offered special displays of the children as well as from the special 75th anniversary committee, including a large timeline with highlights of Hope's history (see photos above and below). To watch the videos, visit this special tab on Hope PRCS's website.
PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:
- Stated Clerk's Report of Classis East meeting, January 12, 2022
Providence Protestant Reformed Church hosted Classis East’s January 12, 2022 meeting. The meeting convened with Rev. Joe Holstege, chairman of the last meeting, leading in devotions. He made opening comments about loving the church of Jesus Christ. Two delegates from the nineteen churches of Classis East attended in person, including the two delegates from Wingham, Canada. After Rev. Holstege declared classis properly constituted, Rev. Bill Langerak took over the chair.
With Rev. Langerak presiding over the meeting, Classis received reports from its Stated Clerk, Church Visitors, and Classical Committee. Then classis took a break from meeting in session to allow the committees of pre-advice to get to work.
Two overtures were brought to classis. Classis rejected both of them. A classical study committee had its advice regarding suggested changes to the Rules of Classis East regarding the work of the stated clerk recommitted. Classis gladly received news from Unity PRC that the consistory of congregation of Wingham PRC have been reconstituted (under the oversight of Unity’s Consistory). A consistory sought and received advice from classis to increase censure in two discipline cases. Classis approved a pulpit supply schedule for Grace and Hudsonville PRCs from February through May. The expenses of classis totaled $2,782.
Classis elected men to serve as church visitors, on the classical committee, as synodical deputies from the east, and for Synod 2022. The following men were elected as primi delegates to Synod 2022: Elders Mike Gritters, James Lanting, Sid Miedema, and John VanBaren; Revs. Decker, Dykstra, Eriks, Kleyn and Langerak.
Classis next meeting will be held, the Lord willing, on May 11, 2022. It will be hosted by First PRC of Holland, MI in the building of Redeemer Christian School.
- PR Young People's Convention News
- The 2022 PR Young Peoples Convention is in need of chaperones! Please register by February 5 at https://pryp.campbrainstaff.com. Plan to join us August 1-5 at the Cedarmore Camp and Conference Center in beautiful Kentucky to experience an unforgettable, spiritually uplifting time with our young people. Most of the young people have not had a convention since 2019 and many will be unable to attend another! They need chaperones to help make this a special experience! A consistory letter of approval must be uploaded as well. Contact Doug Dykstra at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.
- The Program Committee is also looking for special numbers from PR Young People's Societies - group or individual performances are welcome! Contact Jessica Van Dyke at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Prof. R. Cammenga is teaching Soteriology (doctrine of salvation) this semester in Reformed Dogmatics
PRC Seminary Notices:
- The second semester of the 2021-22 school year began this past week (Jan.18). The schedule and calendar have been posted on the seminary's website and the PRC website. (see special calendars on the right side). Two of Prof. R. Cammenga’s classes are open for auditors: NT History and Dogmatics. NT History will begin with the passion of Christ and conclude with the missionary journeys of the apostle Paul. Dogmatics will cover soteriology or the doctrine of salvation, including the critical doctrines of justification and sanctification. Prof. R. Dykstra’s class on Reformed Symbols (Creeds, Heidelberg Catechism, Belgic Confession) is open as well. If you are interested in attending, please contact the seminary secretary at 616-531-1490 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out the day and time the class you are interested in will meet.
- Rev. J. Smidstra (1st PRC-Holland) spoke for chapel last week. He will do so again this week.
- The seminary is open daily (8-5), including the library and bookstore, for our members and friends. The staff is available to assist with any other needs you may have as well. Feel free to call in advance for help with any questions.
- The Fall 2021 issue of the PRT Journal is at the printer and should be ready by the end of this month. The digital editions (pdf and ePub) are now available on the seminary's website. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital), contact Sharon, the seminary secretary.
- For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.
Beautiful Castlewellan, place of this year's British Reformed Fellowship Conference (see under Covenant PRC below)
SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:
- Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
- Pastor J. Tan is serving the CERC faithfully from week to week. Part of his note to the congregation today: "In today’s Pastor’s Voice, we wish for us to remember, to show mercy, show covenant love to our children and young people. 'But Pastor isn’t that the most basic thing. Charity always begins at home.' Yes, it is. But from the most basic thing, we can lift ourselves in pride that we no longer need to grow in and easily forget. Many of our young people do not have Christian fathers or mothers, brothers and sisters. Many of our young people are surrounded by wickedness and worldliness, the biting and devouring, in their own homes, in the public schools, in the National service, In the jobs they hold. They need a home - a spiritual home to go to. Shall we remind our young people in word and deed that when they were baptised, they did not just gain to be friends with friendly uncles and aunties but they have gained spiritual fathers and mothers plenty? Jesus said in “Who is thy mother? And who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!” – Matthew 12:48-49
- A new issue of "Reformed News Asia" is available - December 2021 - #65. Be sure to check it out for the latest news from our sister!
- Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
- Rev. A.Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena.
- Sign up for the 2022 British Reformed Fellowship family conference at Castlewellan Castle in Northern Ireland from Saturday, July 9, to Saturday, July 16. The speakers, Prof. David Engelsma and Prof. Brian Huizinga will lecture on "Union With Christ." For information see the website (http://brfconference.weebly.com).
- Be sure to check out the December 2021 edition of "Covenant Reformed News." Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart and R. Hanko.
- PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
- A new Philippines Newsletter is available (visit the foreign missions page and see the download at the top of the right-hand column). Rev. R. Smit has penned a report on various aspects of the life and labors of our missionaries there, including this item on their church visitation: "As appointed by Classis of the PRCP, Rev. Kleyn and I visited with the Provident PRC Council on November 21 and with the Berean PRC Council on November 27. I led the meetings, and Rev. Kleyn took minutes of the meeting and examined the record books of the Councils. The questions of church visitation were asked and answered thoroughly with time given for follow-up questions and discussion. It appeared that the Councils enjoyed the meetings and the opportunity to be encouraged in their kingdom labors. May the Lord bless this work for the edification of the PRCP."
- Berean PRC bulletin: "Rev. Ibe will lead us in our worship services today via live stream. The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services today via live streaming at our Facebook page."
- Provident PRC bulletin: "Rev. Kleyn will preach and lead our worship services today. A livestream of our services will be provided at the “PPRC and Friends” Facebook page.
- The PRCP seminary resumed classes this past week at the Seminary Library in Beverly Hills, Antipolo.
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!
- Currently, Rev. W.Bruinsma (Pittsburgh PRC, Pennsylvania) is the featured speaker, with focus on a series on Hebrews 11. Today's message is based on Hebrews 11:24-26 and titled "By Faith Moses Forsakes Egypt."
- 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
Want a Reformed magazine that gives you sound doctrine, Bible study aids, helps for marriage and family life, church news, and more? Subscribe to the Standard Bearer this week!
- The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is open four days a week and features Reformed publications, good Christian music, and other practical items (cards, etc.) Come visit the store Tuesday - Friday from 10am-5pm, or Saturday from 10am - 1pm!
- 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.
- Are you interested in learning 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.
This Week's Thought for Contemplation
"Why do we read? Why do we read when Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, podcasts, Snapchat, and games seem so much more exciting, real life, and convenient? I provide three reasons below, readily recognizing that these reasons can be multiplied.
"First, we read to sharpen our Reformed, biblical worldview: a worldview that includes doctrine, application of doctrine, and history. Do we not want to learn more about the signs of Christ’s coming, or justification by faith alone (two recent RFPA publications)? Do we not desire to evaluate world events through a Reformed, biblical lens (“All around Us” rubric in the Standard Bearer)? Do we not love our brothers and sisters overseas, longing to become better acquainted with them (recent article on Myanmar in Beacon Lights)? What do we believe? Are we anchored in it? Are we able to teach it to the generation following? Reading is crucial!
"Second, and closely related to the first, is that reading is a means God uses for growth in godliness. Whatever we take in shapes our thinking. How blessed is the man, then, who enjoys a steady diet of sound, God-glorifying literature! These books and magazines edify, instruct, warn, comfort, and encourage. Reading holds an integral place in our life of sanctification.
"Third, we read to become better readers of the Bible. Reading more makes us better Bible interpreters. This is not to minimize the work of the Holy Spirit, but only to say that reading helps our ability to comprehend words and thoughts, sharpens our grammatical skills, and improves our critical thinking. If only for this reason, reading is important!
~ Rev. Ryan Barnhill in the article "Spiritual Disciplines of the Christian Life: Reading"