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PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for October 16, 2022 *(Updated)

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Psalm 74 12Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this forty-first Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, October 16.

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.

O God, why hast thou cast us off for ever? why doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture? Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt. ...O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever? Why withdrawest thou thy hand, even thy right hand? pluck it out of thy bosom. For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth. ...O deliver not the soul of thy turtledove unto the multitude of the wicked: forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever. Have respect unto the covenant: for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty. O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name. ~ Psalm 74:1-2, 10-12, 19-21

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

  • *UPDATE: Today Rev. A. Stewart (Covenant PRC in Ballymena, N. Ireland) declined the call from Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB).

  • Today Rev. J. Smidstra (First PRC-Holland) declined the call to Randolph (WI) PRC.

  • Today Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA) declined the call to Georgetown PRC.

  • Rev. J. Maatman (Southeast-GR PRC) is considering the call to Doon PRC (received Oct.2).

  • First PRC-Grand Rapids: The Council has formed a trio of Rev. J. Holstege, Rev. J. Smidstra, and Rev. C. Spronk as nominees from which to call our next pastor. The congregational meeting is scheduled for Sunday, October 30 after the morning worship service.

  • Hudsonville PRC: The Council has formed a new trio of Rev. A. Brummel, Rev. M. Kortus and Rev. J. Maatman. There will be a congregational meeting to vote on the trio after the October 23 evening service.

  • Zion PRC: The Council has formed a new trio for home missionary consisting of Rev. J. Laning (Hull), Rev. D. Noorman (Southwest), and Rev. C. Spronk (Faith).

  • Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Elder-led in a.m.; Rev. J. Laning at 2 p.m. in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and ? in First PRC-Grand Rapids; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. J. Maatman in Georgetown PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. E. Guichelaar in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. J. Marcus 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.

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  • Special Evangelism/mission notices:
    • Byron Center PRC: "The Community Bible study meets again this Thursday, October 20, at 7:30 PM. Please join us as we continue our study at John 17 verse 20 where Christ prays for our unity."
    • Loveland PRC (CO): "CSU Bible Study: The Evangelism Committee would like to encourage our CSU or other college-aged students to attend a Bible study on alternate Thursdays. Our next meeting falls on October 20 from 6- 7:30 p.m. in room 304 (note room change north down the hallway CSU’s Lory Student Center). We plan on continuing the current events theme. This study will address key issues such as the absolute sovereignty of God in our lives. Refreshments included."
    • Crete (IL) PRC: "The Crete PRC Evangelism Committee is hosting the annual Reformation Day Lecture this Friday, October 21, at 7:00pm. Rev. Jacob Maatman will be speaking for us on the topic “Luther and the Theology of the Cross.” We look forward to seeing you there."
    • Southwest PRC - Wyoming, MI: "Reformation Lecture: Ecclesiastes 1:9 tells us “there is no new thing under the sun.” Is that true with respect to sexual abuse? Did this horrific sin manifest itself in the life of the Reformation churches? If so, is there anything we can learn from the Reformers and the consistories about how to handle this travesty found in the church yet today? Plan to attend a timely lecture by Prof. Cory Griess on the topic of "Sexual Abuse in Calvin’s Geneva" at Southwest PRC, October 27 at 7:30 PM. A live-stream will be also be available at southwestprc.org."
    • Hull PRC (IA): "The Fall Lecture sponsored by the Reformed Witness Committee will be held on Friday, October 28, 2022, at the Hull Protestant Reformed Church. Prof. Brian Huizinga, Professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament Studies, will be the speaker. The speech is entitled "Synod 2018 and Holy Scripture: Enjoying Covenant Fellowship in the Way of Obedience.” Make plans to attend and invite others to join you!"
    • Randolph PRC (WI): "The evangelism committee is sponsoring a Reformation Lecture for Friday, October 28th at 7:30pm. Professor Dykstra will speak on the topic "Abraham Kuyper, A Flawed Reformer". Refreshments will be served in the basement following the speech."

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

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Faculty and students enjoying a cool morning of fall colors and fellowship on the patio behind seminary this past week

PRC Seminary Notices:

  • The seminary has now completed seven weeks of the first semester of the new school year, and things go well, for which we thank the Lord. Mid-term exams will be given soon and the annual Reading Recess is scheduled for Oct.27-28. 
  • Rev. G. Eriks (Unity PRC) led the chapel on Wednesday this past week. Rev. D. Lee (Kalamazoo PRC) will lead it this week.
  • This month marks our commemoration of the great Reformation of the sixteenth century, when God worked through the Reformers to lead His church back to pure doctrine and pure worship, as well as the pure form of living the Christian life. Our professors will be speaking at various Reformation events at the end of October and the beginning of November.
  • Sem. M. Koerner (4th year) continues with his six-month internship in Hope PRC-Grand Rapids under Rev. J. Mahtani (July-Dec.). He is staying busy with all aspects of the work of the ministry.
  • The print edition of the spring 2022 issue of the PRT Journal was published this summer and is available. 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.). Work is currently being done on the Fall 2022 issue.
  • 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.

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Laying on of hands by Pastor J. Tan and the elders of Covenant ERC during ordination of Cand. M. Wee; the two pastors of CERC

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. 
    • This morning Candidate Marcus Wee was ordained into the ministry of the Word and sacraments as the second pastor of CERC (see photos above). We rejoice with CERC at this provision of another undersheperd to feed them and care for them.
    • A new issue of Salt Shakers is available - Issue 67, September 2022. Especially for young people, the magazine is edifying for ALL readers!
    • The Reformation Day Committee is planning a Reformation Day Conference on Oct.28,29 in church as follows: Theme: "Sola Gratia, Sola Fide -The Heart of the Reformation Gospel." Pastor Tan and Cand. Wee will be speaking.
  • Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
    • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena. Today he declined the call that he had received from Hosanna PRC (Edmonton).
    • The September 2022 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" was recently published.  Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart and R. Hanko.
    • For recordings of this summer's British Reformed Conference held in July, visit this BRF webpage.

  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
    • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her services today. "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, NE. will join us in our worship services today via Facebook live stream, D.V."
    • Provident PRC bulletin: Elders led the services today, while Rev. R. Smit was in S. Negros Occidental. Rev. D. Kleyn and Sharon travelled to the U.S. this weekend after the passing to glory of her mother, Mrs. Wilma Hanko.

    • PRCP Seminary: The classes for 2022-2023 are continuing for the new semester. "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!"

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

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  • This month Rev. W. Bruinsma (Pittsburgh, PA PRC) takes over the RWH program for the next few months. He will be delivering messages on various Bible passages. Today's message is titled "Resist the Devil" based on 1 Peter 5:8,9.
  • 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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Another valuable RFPA resource for this Reformation month! Check it out! 

  • The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) has now opened its new store in downtown Hudsonville! The new location is at 3472 Harvey St. in Hudsonville. Regular hours are Tuesday - Friday from 10-5 and Saturday from 10-1.


  • 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

psalmsinging"As we look back over the years, we rejoice in that God used the Reformation of the sixteenth century to restore Psalm singing to its proper place in the church. In 1517 the hammer blows at Wittenburg nailed down three great truths: the authority of the Word of God, justification by faith alone, and the priesthood of every believer. The Reformation did not end with Martin Luther. His work became the catalyst for the development of truth. Building upon this foundation, John Calvin erected the great citadel of truth, 'Soli Deo Gloria.'

Both Luther and Calvin saw the need to restore congregational singing to the worship service. Even though Luther did not limit this singing to the Psalms, he did have a great appreciation of the Psalms.

What else is the Psalter than prayer to God and praise to God that is a book of hymns? Therefore the most blessed Spirit of God the Father of orphans, the teacher of infants, seeing that we know not what or how we ought to pray, as the Apostle saith, and desiring to help our infirmities, after the manner of schoolmasters3 who compose for children letters and short prayers, that they may send them to their parents, so prepares for us the book (of the Psalter) both the words and feelings with which we should address our heavenly Father.

John Calvin, on the other hand, championed exclusive Psalm singing in the Reformed churches. He too expressed reverence for the Psalter.

Wherefore, although we look far and wide and search on every hand, we shall not find better songs nor songs better suited to that end than the Psalms of David which the Holy Spirit made and uttered through him. And for this reason, when we sing them we may be certain that God puts the words, in our mouths as if Himself sang in us to exalt His glory.

Rev. J. Kortering in "Psalm Singing: A Reformed Heritage"

Last modified on 22 October 2022

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