PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for September 4, 2022

Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this thirty-fifth Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, September 4.

Because our Lord Jesus Christ is risen from the dead on the third day - as He promised - and because He is returning in glory for our everlasting worship - as He has also promised - today, on this first day of the week, we gather in worship as members of our living Savior's church. With gratitude and gladness we bring our praise to our triune God for fully accomplishing our salvation in His Son and by His Spirit. We cordially invite you to join us in worship on this day and on any Sunday.

Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them. Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death. ...Bless ye God in the congregations, even the Lord, from the fountain of Israel. ~ Psalm 68:18-20,26

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

• Last Sunday Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC - Hull, IA) declined the call from Zion PRC to serve as domestic missionary.
  
  
• Last Sunday evening  the congregation of Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB) voted to call Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC). He plans to answer the call on September 18, Lord willing.
  
  
• Rev. D. Noorman (Southwest PRC-Wyoming, MI) is considering the call from Hudsonville PRC (received Aug.22).
  
  
• Rev. W. Langerak (Trinity PRC, Hudsonville, MI) is considering the call to Doon (IA) PRC (received Aug.14).
  

• In her bulletin today, the Council of Georgetown PRC gave a wonderful note of thanks to their pastor, Rev. C. Haak, whose emeritation was effective this past week, Sept.1: "The Council extends a heartfelt thank you and deep appreciation to Rev. Haak who officially retired on September 1 from his full-time work as pastor at Georgetown PRC.  We thank our heavenly Father for the past 18 years that Rev. Haak has faithfully preached, ministered to the sick and hurting and taught the young people and children of our congregation. “And how shall they preach, unless they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”.  We are also thankful that Rev. Haak has agreed to continue to help in our congregation in a part-time capacity by leading bible studies, teaching some catechism classes, ministering to the sick and preaching when needed." We join them in thanking God for this humble and faithful servant.
  
  
• The Council of Georgetown PRC has formed its first trio of ministers for calling her next pastor (with Rev. C. Haak becoming emeritus Sept.1.): Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC-Hull, IA), Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA), Rev. D. Noorman (SW PRC-Wyoming, MI). The congregational meeting is planned for Sunday evening, Sept. 11, after the evening service.

• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. M. DeVries (2nd Sunday) in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. C. griess and Sem. A. Haveman in Georgetown PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. M. McGeown in Hudsonville PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper in Randolph 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.
  
  
• Special Evangelism/mission notices:
  • Loveland PRC (CO): "As we begin another Bible study season, the Evangelism Committee would like to encourage our CSU [Colorado State University] students to attend a Bible study we’ll begin on alternate Thursdays during the fall, starting September 8 at 6-7:30 p.m. in room 308 of CSU’s Lory Student Center. We plan on continuing the current events theme from last year. This study will address key issues such as the absolute sovereignty of God in our lives. Come and invite other fellow students. Refreshments included!"

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

General Notes:

• PRC Synod 2022: The 2022 Acts of Synod & Yearbook have arrived and are being distributed in the churches. If you are in need after this distribution, please contact the stated clerk, Doug Mingerink, Sr.

Prof. R. Cammenga leading the opening chapel at the PRC Seminary this past week

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The seminary began its 98th year of instruction this past week as classes for the first semester of the 2022-23 school year began on Tuesday, August 30. There are four students this year, one in each of the four classes: Bruce Feenstra (freshman), Aaron Van Dyke (sophomore), Arend Haveman (junior), and Matt Koerner (senior). Prof. D. Kuiper has taken over all of Prof. R. Dykstra's courses now; Prof. B. Huizinga continues to take on more courses from Prof. R. Cammenga. And Prof. B. Gritters continues to teach all his courses while Prof. Griess finishes his ThM this year. May the Lord give strength and wisdom to faculty and students as they begin a new school year. Let us remember to pray for the seminary in all its work.
• Fall 2022 classes open to auditors: Two of Prof. Cammenga’s classes are open for auditors: NT History and Dogmatics. NT History begins with the intertestamental period and extends up to the passion week. Dogmatics will treat Ecclesiology, the doctrine of the church. Prof. Kuiper’s classes of Ancient Church History (a study of the history of the church and the development of doctrine from AD 100-590) and Hermeneutics (a study of the principles of Bible interpretation) are 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.
• This summer Prof. D. Kuiper taught a class on the history of the PRCA from 1924-1949.  If you wish to watch the six classes, the videos are available on the seminary’s YouTube channel. A pdf of the class handouts is available from Prof. Kuiper by request.
• Seminary Convocation is planned for this Wednesday evening, Sept.7, at Trinity PRC (Hudsonville, MI). Prof. Kuiper will speak on “Defending Christ’s Church by Knowing Her History: Jephthah’s Example.” Plan to attend and support the seminary as it begins a new school season.
• Last month Sem. M. Koerner began his internship in Hope PRC-Grand Rapids under Rev. J. Mahtani. May the Lord use this to further his preparation for the ministry of the Word.
• The print edition of the spring 2022 issue of the PRT Journal was recently mailed (end of July). The digital editions are on the seminary's website (use the link provided here). This issue features the speeches from the seminary's fall 2021 conference on preaching, plus numerous book reviews. 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 (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
• The seminary is open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., including the library and bookstore. PRC members and friends are welcome to visit and make use of these resources.
• 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 faithfully serving the CERC each week as her pastor. In her bulletin today were these significant notes: "Dear CERC, we're turning 35! CERC 35th Church Anniversary Date: 17 September 2022 (Saturday) Time: 9.45am- 1.30pm Theme: Not I, but Christ (Gal 2:20)."
  • There was also notice of a special congregational meeting: "God willing, Session will hold the 2nd ECM of 2022 on 18 Sep 2022, Sunday, 11.30 am in church. The purpose of the 2nd ECM is to vote... to extend a call to Candidate Marcus Wee to be CERC’s Second Minister."

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  
  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena.
  • The latest CPRC newsletter has released! The August 2022 issue contains reports on the BRF Conference held in July and much more.
  • For recordings of the recent British Reformed Conference held last month, visit this BRF webpage.
  • The August 2022 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" has now been published. Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart and R. Hanko.
    
    
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. R. Smit led her services today. "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF) will join us in our worship services this morning through live stream via Facebook live, God willing."
    

  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. D. Kleyn will lead and preach for us in our worship services today.
    

  • PRCP Seminary: "The classes for 2022-2023 in our Seminary start on August 30, 2022, D.V. We are grateful to the Lord for His sustaining grace upon the labors of our instructors, [Rev. Smit and Rev. Kleyn] and to Seminarian Ace Flores. We pray that God will bless their faithful labors and that they may be encouraged even more as we look to God for another fruitful year of dedication and devotion to this cause of God’s Kingdom. God be praised!"

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. C. Haak (Georgetown PRC - Hudsonville, MI) is continuing to speak for the RWH program. He will be delivering some messages from Romans. Today's message is based on Romans 8:35-37 and titled "More Than Conquerors."
  
• 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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Are you going through a trial of some kind at this time? Would you seek comfort and hope from God's Word? This resource may be of great help to you.

• 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.
  
  
• 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) has now opened their new store in downtown Hudsonville! The new location is at 3472 Harvey St. in Hudsonville. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The website has also been redone to make it easier for customers, especially those who aren’t local, to browse our inventory, see descriptions of most of the items, and choose between shipping or local pickup at our store during business hours. Be sure to check it out!
  
  
• 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

“What a frightening yet wonderful thing it is to know that we live in the last days. We stand always, as it were, within sight both of the final judgment and of the coming of our Savior. Ministers preach knowing the terror of the Lord. We all live as pilgrims and strangers, knowing that our journey must soon be finished and that soon we shall have our first sight of the eternal city. We acknowledge that we live in perilous times. We know the end is upon us, yet we are not afraid, for we see our redemption drawing nigh.”

~ Rev. Ronald Hanko, Doctrine According to Godliness, p. 28