Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this forty-second Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, October 23.
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.
Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare. When I shall receive the congregation I will judge uprightly. ...But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them. But I will declare for ever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted. ~ Psalm 75:1-2, 7-10
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. Stewart (Covenant PRC in Ballymena, N. Ireland) declined the call from Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB). The Consistory formed a new trio: Revs. M. De Boer (Edgerton), J. Holstege (Zion PRC – Jenison, MI), C. Spronk (Faith PRC – Jenison, MI), and will have a congregational meeting to vote today, after the PM service. *UPDATE: Rev. M. DeBoer has received this call.
- Last Sunday Rev. J. Smidstra (First PRC-Holland) declined the call to Randolph (WI) PRC.
- Last Sunday 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). He plans to answer on Oct.30.
- Hudsonville PRC: The Council has formed a new trio of Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary), Rev. M. Kortus (Hope-Redlands), and Rev. J. Maatman (SE-GR). *UPDATE: The congregation voted to call Rev. M. Kortus.
- First PRC-Grand Rapids: The Council has formed a trio of Rev. J. Holstege (Zion), Rev. J. Smidstra (First-Holland), and Rev. C. Spronk (Faith)as nominees from which to call our next pastor. The congregational meeting is scheduled for Sunday, October 30 after the morning worship 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). The congregation is scheduled to vote on Oct.30.
- *UPDATE: Georgetown PRC's Council presents the following trio of ministers from which to call her next pastor: Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC-Hull, IA), Rev. M. Deboer (Edgerton PRC, MN), and Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC, MI). The Congregational meeting will be held Sunday morning November 13, after the morning service.
- Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. K. Koole in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Prof. C. Griess in First PRC-Grand Rapids; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. M. McGeown in Georgetown PRC; Rev. J. Langerak in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. D. Lee in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. H. Bleyenberg 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:
- 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."
- Grace PRC: Grace Evangelism Committee will be hosting a speech entitled, “The Confusion About Forgiveness,” by Prof. Barrett Gritters, on Thursday, November 3 at 7 PM. Livestream will also be available.
- First PRC-Holland: "will be holding a Reformation Day speech on Friday, November 4 at 7PM at Holland PRC. Rev. Smidstra will speak on two important truths recovered by the Reformation: justification and sanctification, the relationship of these truths, and the abiding significance and application of these truths to the faith and life of the church today. You are warmly invited to attend!
PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS
PRC Seminary Notices:
- The seminary has now completed eight weeks of the first semester of the new school year - just over the halfway point. Mid-term exams are being administered and the annual Reading Recess is scheduled for this weekend, Oct.27-28, which allows students some extra time to work on their papers and catch up on other studies.
- Rev. D. Lee (Kalamazoo PRC) led the chapel on Wednesday this past 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. See the scheduled events under PRC congregational activities above.
- 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 finalized 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.
Pastor J. Tan reads the form for ordination of ministers in Covenant ERC last week during the ordination of Cand. M. Wee
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 his pastoral note this week, he mentions this item: "Next week on the 28th and 29th Oct, the Lord willing we will be celebrating the glorious work of our God in the 16th-century Protestant Reformation. The Lord willing, at that time our missionary Pastor Singh and his wife Sister Sonali will be visiting us from 27th Oct to 4 th Nov. ...In anticipation of our Annual Reformation Day Conference next week on the 28th and 29th Oct, let us meditate for a moment on what is the 16th-century reformation. What is the 16th-century reformation all about? It is the recovery of the true gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a work of God through the Spirit of Jesus Christ to cause the church to abandon unbiblical man-made traditions and return to the Scripture alone as the sole authority of the church (Sola Scriptura). By the Word of God, God caused the church to return 3 back to the truth of justification by faith alone (Sola Fide) through grace alone (Sola Gratia), all this to the glory of God alone (Sola Gloria). Therefore, the reformation is simply a reforming and returning to Christ alone (Sola Christus). Not man but Christ alone rules His church. Never man, but Christ alone fully accomplishes salvation for His people."
- Last Sunday Candidate Marcus Wee was ordained into the ministry of the Word and sacraments as the second pastor of CERC (see photo above). We rejoice with CERC at this provision of another undersheperd to feed them and care for them.
- The latest 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 Pastor Wee will be speaking.
- Pastor J. Tan is faithfully serving the CERC each week as her pastor. In his pastoral note this week, he mentions this item: "Next week on the 28th and 29th Oct, the Lord willing we will be celebrating the glorious work of our God in the 16th-century Protestant Reformation. The Lord willing, at that time our missionary Pastor Singh and his wife Sister Sonali will be visiting us from 27th Oct to 4 th Nov. ...In anticipation of our Annual Reformation Day Conference next week on the 28th and 29th Oct, let us meditate for a moment on what is the 16th-century reformation. What is the 16th-century reformation all about? It is the recovery of the true gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a work of God through the Spirit of Jesus Christ to cause the church to abandon unbiblical man-made traditions and return to the Scripture alone as the sole authority of the church (Sola Scriptura). By the Word of God, God caused the church to return 3 back to the truth of justification by faith alone (Sola Fide) through grace alone (Sola Gratia), all this to the glory of God alone (Sola Gloria). Therefore, the reformation is simply a reforming and returning to Christ alone (Sola Christus). Not man but Christ alone rules His church. Never man, but Christ alone fully accomplishes salvation for His people."
- Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
- Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena. Last week 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."
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Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. R. Smit led the services today. "Rev. D. Kleyn and Sis. Sharon travelled back to the U.S. last week after the passing to glory of her mother, Mrs. Wilma Hanko. Rev. Daniel and Sharon Kleyn will continue to stay in U.S. for approximately two more months for a medical leave of absence to undergo surgeries. Let’s remember them in our prayers with the view to their upcoming surgeries and recovery."
- PRCP Seminary: The classes for 2022-2023 are continuing for this 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!"
- 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."
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. 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 "Man's calling to Serve God" based on Genesis 2:16,17.
- 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.).
Another valuable RFPA resource for this Reformation month! Check it out!
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 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
Quotes from Martin Luther:
“Though I lived as a monk without reproach, I felt that I was a sinner before God with an extremely disturbed conscience. I could not believe that anything that I thought or did or prayed satisfied God.”
“Hereby it appears that the doctrine of the gospel (which of all others is most sweet and full of most singular consolation) speaks nothing of our works or of the works of the law, but of the inscrutable mercy and love of God towards most wretched and miserable sinners. Our most merciful Father, seeing us to be oppressed and overwhelmed with the curse of the law, and that we could never be delivered from it of our own power, sent His only Son into the world and laid upon Him all the sins of all men, saying, be Thou Peter that denier; Paul that persecutor and cruel oppressor; David that adulterer; that sinner who did eat the fruit in Eden; that thief who hanged upon the cross, and be Thou that person who has committed the sins of all me; see therefore, that Thou pay and satisfy for them.”
“For in our age the temptation to presumption besets many, especially those who try with all their might to be just and good without knowing the righteousness of God, which is most bountifully and freely given us in Christ. They try to do good of themselves in order that they might stand before God clothed in their own virtues and merits. But this is impossible. While you were here, you were one who held this opinion, or rather, error. So was I.”
“Therefore, my dear Friar, learn Christ and him crucified. Learn to praise him and, despairing of yourself, say, ‘Lord Jesus, you are my righteousness, just as I am your sin. You have taken upon yourself what is mine and have given to me what is yours. You have taken upon yourself what you were not and have given to me what I was not.’”
“Meditate on this love of his and you will see his sweet consolation. For why was it necessary for him to die if we can obtain a good conscience by our works and afflictions. Accordingly, you will find peace only in him when you despair of yourself and your own works. Besides, you will learn from him that just as he has received you, so he has made your sins his own and has made his righteousness yours.”
“This Epistle (Romans) is really the chief part of the New Testament and the very purest Gospel, and is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul.”