PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for April 3, 2022

Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this fourteenth Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, April 3. We thank the Lord for these weekly spiritual oases on our pilgrimage through this weary world on the way to our heavenly home. May our worship this day be a sweet incense before our faithful God through Jesus Christ our Savior.

We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple. According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness. Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments. ~ Psalm 48:9-11

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.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

• This morning Rev. R. Barnhill preached his inaugural sermon in Heritage PRC (Sioux Falls PRC). May the Lord richly bless his ministry in her midst.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. E. Guichelaar declined the call from First PRC-Edmonton. Today he also declined the call from Peace PRC (Dyer, IN). May the Lord encourage these vacant congregations and assure them that, as the Great Shepherd of His sheep, He cares for them in perfect wisdom and will care for them in the days ahead.
  
  
• Rev. D. Kleyn (missionary to the Philippines) is considering calls to Doon PRC (received March 20) and to Hudsonville PRC (received March 16).
  
  
• Grace PRC's Council has formed a new trio from which to call a pastor: Prof. B. Gritters (PRC Seminary), and Revs. N. Decker (Grandville PRC) and D. Noorman (SW PRC). The congregation plans to call next Sunday, April 10.
  
  
• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. J. Langerak (2nd week) in Doon (IA) PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in First PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. J. Maatman in Grace PRC;  Sem. M. Koerner in Peace PRC; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. D. Lee in Hudsonville PRC.  May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations.

• Did you know that...
  • Registration is now open through April 30 for the 2022 Young Peoples Convention hosted by Faith PRC? "We have a great week planned at Camp Cedarmore in Kentucky from August 1-5, 2022. Registration is fully online this year, so get started at https://prcconvention.com/registration/. Note that the registration process includes waivers, so parents should register for their young people who are minors. We can't wait to see you at convention, Lord willing!"
  • After two years of no PRYP's conventions, we are hoping to fill the camp with young people hungry for opportunities for spiritual growth in Christ and good Christian fellowship - besides delicious southern food! Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Psalm 63:3

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• Rev. J. Marcus continues to serve the churches with preaching and teaching. He remains eligible for a call to the churches. Let us remember him and his family in our prayers.
• Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2022 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.

The fourth-graders from Hope PRCS (Mr. Dan Hanko) visited seminary this past Wednesday. After receiving an introductory talk about the seminary, they were given a tour of the building, and then participated in the morning devotions and enjoyed fellowship over snack time.

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The second semester of the 2021-22 school year is now eleven weeks in. Spring break is this week, April 4-8, but the seminary, including the library and bookstore, is open daily from 8-5. 
• The second round of practice preaching was held this past Monday (March 28) and continues after spring break (April 11).
• The printed edition of the Fall 2021 issue of the PRT Journal was recently mailed out. The digital editions (pdf and ePub) are also available on the seminary's website. Work is being done on the Spring 2022 issue, which will feature the speeches from the seminary's fall conference on preaching. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Sharon, the seminary secretary.
• 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:
  • Pastor J. Tan is busy serving the CERC faithfully each week as her new pastor.  His "pastoral note" to the congregation this week includes this update on the pandemic situation there: "In the midst of the spiritual battles each of us are facing, the Lord in His providence has turned the hearts of our civil leaders to ease the COVID restrictions. We once again can SING unto our LORD and unto the edification of each other. We are now allowed to have lunch together in church (in groups of 10). I cannot tell you how much I miss sharing a meal and singing the songs of Zion together with you my family."
  • The congregation is again hosting their annual Good Friday Gospel Meeting on Friday morning, April 15. This is the message they are sending out: "When we look around us, we know that there is something deeply wrong with this world. Everywhere we turn, there is suffering with the COVID Pandemic, wars in Ukraine, death, and injustice. As we look deeper at the problem, we see that the problem lies in each and every one of us. That is the problem of sin. We are sinners that have gone against what God has commanded us, namely, to love Him the one who created us and all the world, and to love our neighbour, all the people that God has placed around us. The Bible tells us, that because of sin, we rightly and justly deserved eternal damnation in hell. For the wages of sin is death. We know that is true. But the Bible also tell us there is one way out and only one way out of this death and unto salvation and life everlasting. That Way, is not some ritual, or superstition, or some action that must be done. That way is a person, that way is Jesus Christ. Come this Good Friday to hear the gospel of the only Way out of death unto life eternal."
  • The last issue of "Reformed News Asia" was published in 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. 
  • A March newsletter has been released by the CPRC this month. Visit this page to read it and catch up on all the exciting news out of 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).
  • A new issue of "Covenant Reformed News" has been published this past week - check out the March 2022 edition here. Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart and R. Hanko.
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
  • The latest Philippines Newsletter is available - January 2022 (visit the foreign missions page and see the download at the top of the right-hand column).
    
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. R. Smit led the worship services today. "Rev. Ibe and deacon Andy Ragual are visiting with the saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija. Rev. Ibe will lead them in their worship service at 9AM and in their bible study at 11AM, the Lord willing. Bible study in Sitio Karugang is also scheduled on Saturday [April 2] at 5:30 PM, D.V."
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. D. Kleyn preached and lead her worship services today. The services are being livestreamed at the “PPRC and Friends” Facebook page." But note this: Starting May 1, there will be no more live stream of our worship services at the “PPRC and FRIENDS” Facebook page, the Lord willing. All are encouraged to come and worship our covenant God in our church sanctuary at both times in our worship services.
  • The PRCP Seminary continues with its regular course work in its second semester.

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

• This month Rev. R. Kleyn (First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI) continues speaking for the RWH. The focus will be a series on the life of Joseph, with other special messages interspersed. Today's message is based on Genesis 39:6-20 and titled "Joseph Resists the Advances of a Seductive Woman."
  
• 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.). You may also find a sample booklet attached to this news post.
  

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REFORMED RESOURCES FOR EDIFICATION, EDUCATION, and EVANGELISM

From the RFPA: Living Joyfully in Marriage by Rev. Steven Key is now available and RFPA agents have placed it in members’ mailboxes. If you would like to purchase this book or subscribe, please see your church’s RFPA agent, contact the RFPA at (616) 457-5970, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or order your copy at rfpa.org.

• 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 (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is open five days a week and features Reformed publications, good Christian music, and other practical items (cards, etc.) Come visit the store Tuesday - Friday from 10 am-5 pm, or Saturday from 10 am - 1 pm! 
  Special notices re the RBO! Reformed Book Outlet is moving! We have found a new building for our store in downtown Hudsonville on Harvey St. after needing to move out of our current location in Keegstra’s Dollar Store. We need to do some renovations to the building before we can move in, and we are holding a drive to help raise $49,200 to do these renovations. We would like to raise $26,400 before starting the renovations on March 26. If you would like to give, you can do so at our website www.reformedbookoutlet.com and typing in Donate to the search bar, or you can send a check made out to Hudsonville PR Church with RBO Drive in the memo, and send to Hudsonville PRC. We could also use some help moving out of our current store on March 30, day or evening. Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to let us know you’re able to help us move or with any questions!
  The last day Reformed Book Outlet will be open in their current location is March 26. We will not be able to move directly into our new location due to the renovations that need to take place, so watch the bulletin or our social media pages for updates on when we will open in our new location. In the mean time, our website will still be open for ordering, for shipping or for local pickup (more details on this to come)!
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• The PR Sunday School Association also publishes complete OT and NT Bible Story Lessons for young children and older children. Visit this page to learn more.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

“Paradise is where Jesus is, and if you would know what paradise is, it is to be like unto Him, and to be with Him. There the light has dawned and the shadows have forever fled away. There is no night, for the Lamb is the light of that place. There is perfect holiness, and nothing can enter which loveth or maketh a lie. It is the state and condition of perfect blessedness; for no tears shall fall there, and all sighing and groaning shall be done away. Paradise is a spiritual condition of glory into which the souls of the redeemed enter immediately upon their departure from the body of this flesh, and in which they consciously abide in the house of mansions; to await the day of the resurrection. 

Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise! 

Amazing reply! 

For though the plea of the penitent was projected to the day when Christ would come with His kingdom, the Lord informs him that that very day when his eyes would close in death, he would be with. Christ in the glory of His kingdom. 

Verily I say unto you . . .! 

Not only will the Lord remember him, but this very day He will do even more—He will take him to glory! 

O, it brings tears of rejoicing to my eyes, as it must also have filled the eyes of the penitent—today they together, the penitent with His Lord, would enter with the victor’s song upon their lips into the paradise of God! 

The promise of glory to a penitent sinner!"

~ Marinus Schipper in "With Christ in Paradise," one of this month's featured articles