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PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for April 16, 2023 *(Updated)

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Psa 94 14Today, April 16, is the sixteenth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2023. Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.

If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you, or listen online.

O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself. Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud. ...Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law; That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked. For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance. ~ Psalm 94:1,2, 12-14

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

  • Last Sunday Rev. M. DeBoer declined the call from Lynden (WA) PRC.

  • This past Monday, April 10, Georgetown PRC extended a call to Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton, MN PRC).

  • Loveland PRC's Consistory announces a new trio of Rev. Matt Kortus (Hope PRC - Redlands, CA), Rev. Jacob Maatman (Southeast PRC), and Rev. Clayton Spronk (Faith PRC). The congregation will call today. *Rev. Spronk has received this call.

  • Doon PRC's Consistory has formed a new trio of Rev. G. Eriks (Unity PRC-MI), Rev. J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-MI), and Rev. D. Noorman (SW PRC-MI). They plan to call from this trio next week, April 23.

  • Hudsonville PRC's Council has formed a new trio: Revs. A Brummel (Calvary PRC), W. Langerak (Trinity PRC), and J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-MI). The congregational meeting is set for April 23 after the evening service.

  • On March 26 Rev. J. Holstege (Zion PRC, Jenison MI) accepted the call to First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI. He plans to preach his farewell sermon at Zion on April 23 and will be installed on May 7 in First PRC, D.V.

  • Rev. N. Decker is considering calls to Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB) and to Randolph PRC (WI), both received on March 26. He plans to answer by next Sunday, April 23.

  • *Lynden PRC's Consistory presents a new trio from which to call a pastor: Rev. Matt Kortus (Hope PRC, Redlands, CA), Rev. Justin Smidstra (First PRC, Holland, MI), and Rev. Richard Smit (Philippine Mission)."  The congregation will vote next Sunday, April 23.

  • Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Elder-led (a.m.) and Rev. A. Brummel at 2 p.m. in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Prof. B. Gritters in First PRC-Grand Rapids; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. G. Eriks in Georgetown PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. M. McGeown in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. C. Haak (2nd week) in Loveland PRC; Elders lead in Lynden PRC; Rev. M. DeBoer 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. And may we continue to pray for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!

  • Congregational Evangelism/Mission News
    • Save the date - October 27 at Southwest PRC (Wyoming, MI): Rev. James Laning will speak on the work of evangelism in the local congregations. More information to follow.

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

DMC News: Evangelism and Missions Conference: To be held at Trinity PRC the evenings of May 4 and 5, 2023.  The theme is "Not Ashamed of the Gospel: Rekindling Zeal for Evangelism and Missions", with speeches by Rev. J. Mahtani and Rev. D. Holstege, as well as discussion group sessions on topics related to missions and personal evangelism. We hope to see you there!

PRC 100th Anniversary: "With gratitude to our faithful God, the PRCA look forward to our 100th anniversary. The celebration is planned for June 23-27, 2025, at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI."

PRC Minister/Teacher Scholarship Fund: Information for the 2023 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 12th. 

Mission Singh BG MK AH April
Prof. B. Gritters' missions class spoke with Rev. E. Singh in India via video conference this past Friday concerning his work in Kolkata and beyond

PRC Seminary Notices:

  • The PRT Seminary will enter its twelfth week this week. Continue to pray for faculty, students, and staff as we enter the final weeks of the semester. The 2nd semester schedule and calendar are posted on the seminary's website. 
  • The second round of practice preaching has its second part tomorrow at SW PRC. Senior seminarian Matt Koerner will deliver his final serminary sermon. 
  • Arend Haveman will be in charge of the daily devotions. There is no Wednesday chapel planned due to practice preaching.
  • The Spring 2023 issue of the PR Theological Journal was completed and sent to the printers. Digital copies have been posted on the journal webpage (see link here), with the print copies coming the end of this month or beginning of May. The Spring issue features articles on a distinctive feature of PRC teaching on the covenant of grace, on the image of God in man from a conference in Mexico, on R.L. Dabney's "proposals of mercy," and the first part of a history of Classis West of the PRC - and, of course, several significant 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.).
  • Back in March, Prof. David Engelsma (emeritus PRTS professor) was asked to carry on a discussion of his book Christianizing the World: Reformed Calling or Ecclesiastical Suicide? on the podcast "Conversations That Matter." For more on this, visit this blog post.
  • 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 - and don't forget the blog!

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SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

  • Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
    • Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. From her bulletin today we find this note: "The ladies’ fellowship has been doing book study on God’s everlasting covenant of grace by Prof Hanko after morning service. This month fourth Sunday, Sister Jemima Lee is chairing Chapter 12 – The Covenant and Predestination."
    • The last issue of Salt Shakers was made available earlier this year - Issue 68, December 2022. Especially for young people, the magazine contains a variety of articles and is edifying for ALL readers!
  • Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
    • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena.
    • The last newsletter of the CPRC was published last month - March 2023 which you will find on this page (rh column at the top). Read about the exciting work going on in the CPRC!
    • The March 2023 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" was published late last month!  Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart (was Hagar saved?) and R. Hanko (Christ's reign as King over against dispensational teaching).
    • The CPRC YouTube channel may be found here.

  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
    • A March 2023 Newsletter was recently published. Be sure to visit the linked page to learn about the latest news from the Philippines!
    • Berean PRC bulletin: "Elders Umali and Penaverde will lead us in our worship services today. Our pastor is scheduled to preach at Provident PRC in both services today, D.V." And, "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, NE., will join us in our worship services today via live streaming on our official Facebook page, the Lord willing."
    • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her worship services today. "Rev. D. Kleyn and Rev. R. Smit are in Southern Negros Occidental to visit contacts and to preach and teach there."

Reformed Resources for Education, Edification, and Evangelism

RWH Logo 2019
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!

CGriess 2019

  • This month the RWH continues to re-broadcast a series by Prof. C. Griess on the doctrines of grace (five points of Calvinism). Today's message is titled Preservation of the Saints (1) based on John 10:27-29. For the April RHW Newsletter, visit this page.
  • 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.). 

SB April 1 2023 cover 
Are you a Standard Bearer reader? If not, why not subscribe today!

  • Would you like to learn 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.

Reformed Book Outlet 2022 2

  • 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. The Reformed Book Outlet has a new sale going on! We have 25% off all books in our children’s book section until the end of April! Now would be a great time to stock up on some summer reading material for the kids and to come check out the new arrivals to the children’s section! They are open Tuesday-Friday, 10-5, and Saturday 10-1.

  • 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

"'Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise!' 

"Though it is true that His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, given unto Him from before the foundation of the world; though it is true that when He came into the world at His birth He was already King; though it is true that He lays the very foundation of His kingdom through the blood of His cross, and that after His victory on the cross He would ascend to the throne of His kingdom; and though it is true that at the end of the world He shall come again in connection with His kingdom; the penitent malefactor need not be concerned about some far distant realization of a kingdom in which he would be remembered by Jesus. This very day, he will be with Jesus in Paradise! 

"...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!"

From the meditation "With Christ in Paradise" by Rev. M. Schipper

Last modified on 17 April 2023

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