PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for September 24, 2023 *(Updated)

Today, September 24, is the thirty-ninth 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.

Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me. Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. ...What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people. ~ Psalm 116:5-9; 12-14

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

• Rev. D. Noorman is considering the call from Loveland (CO) PRC (received Sept.10). He plans to answer by Oct.8.
  
  
• Today Randolph PRC voted to call Rev. R. Smit (PRC foreign missionary, currently living in the States).
  
  
• Hudsonville PRC holds her congregational meeting for the calling of her next pastor tonight after the evening service. The Council's new trio is: Revs. N. Decker (Grandville PRC), Rev. W. Langerak (Trinity PRC), and Rev. D. Noorman (SW PRC). Rev. N. Decker has received this call.
  
  
• Today Zion PRC voted to call a pastor from the Council's new trio: Revs. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA), J. Maatman (SE-Grand Rapids, MI), and J.Smidstra (First PRC-Holland, MI). Rev. M. Kortus has received this call.
  
  
• On Sept.3 Cand. M. Koerner accepted the call from Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB). This week Wednesday, Sept.27, he will be examined by Classis West in Crete PRC (IL). Pending approval of that examination, the brother will be ordained and installed in Hosanna.
  
  
• The Consistory of Lynden PRC (WA) presents a new trio: Rev. J. Engelsma (Crete PRC), Rev. D. Noorman, and Rev. R. Smit. A congregational meeting is scheduled for Sunday, October 1, after the morning service.
  
  
• Georgetown PRC's Council has formed a new trio from which to call a pastor: Revs. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC-Hull, IA), G. Eriks (Unity PRC-Byron Center, MI), and D. Noorman. The congregational meeting is set for Oct.8 after the morning service. 

Special Congregational Notices:

Faith PRC: Reformed Doctrines Class: A new season of instruction in Prof. D. Engelsma’s Reformed Doctrines Class will begin on Wednesday, September 27 at Faith PRC (Jenison, MI), God willing. The class meets from 7:30 to 8:30 PM. The first class will treat of the creation and rebellious fall of Lucifer and a host of angels with him. It will consider the question, whether we take the devil and his demons seriously enough in the struggle of our Christian life. The class meets every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. All are welcome to attend.

Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB): "We have been granted a lease with St. Albert Evangelical Lutheran Church, 11 Glenview Crescent, St. Albert. Our first services will be on October 1st. Service times will remain at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM. We give thanks to the Lord for the continued provision of a building. Psalm 34:10 - “The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.”

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs:  Rev. R. Smit in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. W. Langerak in Georgetown PRC; Rev. A. Brummel (2nd week) in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. E. Guichelaar in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. M. Kortus (1st week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. M. DeVries (2nd week) in Lynden PRC; Rev. D. Lee in Randolph PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Prof. R. Dykstra in Zion 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!

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

Crete PRC (Illinois), host of last week's meeting of Classis West and Officebearers' Conference

Classis East: Classis East met on Wednesday, September 13, at Trinity PRC. The delegates are scheduled to reconvene on Wednesday, Oct.25. For a summary of the actions and decisions, visit this page.

Classis West: Classis West will hold its next regular meeting in Crete PRC (IL) on Wednesday, September 27. 

CALL TO WORSHIP: The consistory calls the [Crete] congregation to a special worship service to be held on Tuesday, September 26 at 7:00 p.m. Pastor-elect Koerner will deliver the sermon as part of his classical examination.

Crete PRC will be hosting an officebearers' conference on Tuesday afternoon, September 26. The theme of the conference is “Abuse in Our Churches and the Proper Response.” The first speech will be given at 1:00 by Prof. C. Griess on the topic of “The Consistory’s Response to Sexual Abuse.” The second speech will be given at 2:30 by Prof. R. Dykstra on the topic “Repentance and Reconciliation of the Abuser.” There will also be a round table discussion after the second speech.  The round table discussion will center around the theme of the conference “Abuse in our Churches and the Proper Response” and will be for officebearers only. Visitors are welcome to attend the speeches.

Rev. J. Laning, PRC home missionary, is preaching for two Sunday's in Hope PRC-Redlands, CA while Rev. Kortus is in Loveland on classical supply. Hope PRC had this note in her bulletin today: "Evangelism Lecture: The congregation is invited to attend an evangelism lecture on the basics of the reformed faith by Rev. James Laning. The lecture will be held this week Friday night at 7 p.m. at church. Please join us for fellowship and refreshments afterwards. We will also be hosting a book sale."

Rev. D. Kleyn and his wife Sharon arrived safely in West Michigan this past week after leaving their foreign mission labors in the Philippines. They are staying with his parents and visiting family and friends, while he prepares to give at the RFPA meeting this week Thursday. He plans to attend the meeting of Classis West this week and next week they will move to Doon, Iowa, where he plans to be installed on Oct.15. 

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. The various committees of the 100th anniversary steering commitee are busy preparing for this historic event, including a special commemorative book. Watch for further notices and updates!

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PR Theological Seminary will enter its fifth week of the first semester of the 2023-24 term tomorrow. Things are going well so far, for which we thank our gracious Father. The schedule and calendar have been posted here. ​The faculty, students and staff covet your prayers as we continue our various labors this new school year.
• Faculty and students will be attending the pre-Classis West Officebearers' Conference on sexual abuse this Tuesday in Crete PRC (IL).
• Rev. G. Eriks will again lead the chapel on Wednesday this week, while Aaron Van Dyke will lead the daily devotions.
• Next Monday, Oct.2) is the first round of Practice Preaching for students Aaron Van Dyke and Bruce Feenstra (1st time for him). Pray for them as they prepare their sermons.
• In connection with a special conference held online for interested people in Mexico, Prof. R. Cammenga recently prepared three lectures on the errors of the well-meant offer of the gospel and the truth of the Reformed-biblical call of the gospel. You may find these lectures on the seminary's YouTube channel.
• Seminary Convocation was held on Wednesday Sept.6 in Hope PRC in Walker, MI.  The video of the convocation program is now available on the PRTS' YouTube channel.
• Senior Sem. Arend Haveman is doing his internship this summer and fall (July-December) in Pittsburgh PRC under Rev. W. Bruinsma. He is busy with all aspects of the ministry.The junior student this year is Aaron Van Dyke (Faith PRC); the sophomore is Bruce Feenstra (Hope-Redlands, CA; attending Hope PRC-Walker, MI); and the freshmen are Joseph Ophoff (Loveland PRC) and Isaac Van Baren (Hope PRC-Walker, MI). Sem. Ophoff  is enrolled in the new special seminary entrance program (SSEP), which initially involves finishing some pre-seminary requirements and beginning some seminary-level courses.
• The Spring 2023 issue of the PR Theological Journal was published in April. Digital copies have been posted on the journal webpage (see link here). 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 Valerie Kleyn, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Look for the fall issue in a few months!
• During normal school sessions the seminary is open daily from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (holidays excepted), 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!
  
  

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  • Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. Today these special notices were in her bulletin:
    First, "This Saturday 30 September, we will be having our Mooncake Gospel Meeting in church, under the theme “Jesus Christ the Light of the World”. Do make plans to attend, and to invite your friends and family as well. After the gospel message and dinner, there will be a lantern activity for the children as well. Let us obey Christ’s calling of us to be lights of the world, pointing those who are yet in darkness to the One who is The Light of the World, from whose light we shine as lights." 
  • And second, concerning her mission work in Kolkata, India, this notice appeared: "This coming week, a delegation from the Council will be visiting the saints in Kolkata. Pastor Tan and Elder Wee are the official delegates, and Deacon Wee is accompanying them as well. They plan to leave on 28 Sept and be back on 3 Oct, Lord willing. This is the first delegate visit since the time of covid, and we thank God that we are able to have contact with the saints there in this manner. Please pray for God’s blessing upon this visit, for safe travels, and that it will be a mutually encouraging and refreshing time for all."
  • The last issue of Salt Shakers was Issue 69 is on the theme "GST: The Christian's Response." Especially for young people, the magazine contains a variety of articles and is edifying for ALL readers! Visit the link provided here to read and learn. 

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  
  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully in the CPRC.
  • The August 2023 issue of Covenant Reformed News was recently published. Visit the link to read the articles on being clothed with Christ (part 3) and on why baptize all infants of believers by Rev. R. Hanko.
    
  • The CPRC YouTube channel may be found here.
    
    
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led worship services today. And, "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, NE. will join us in our worship services today via Livestream at our official Facebook account."
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Deacon Ruel Dela Fuente led her worship services today.

REFORMED RESOURCES for EDUCATION, EDIFICATION, and EVANGELISM

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 (September 2023) the RWH continues the series on the return of Jesus Christ by Rev. W. Bruinsma. Today's message is titled "The Great Tribulation" based on Matt.24:9-22. For the September RWH 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.).

In need of sound biblical and Reformed catechism materials for children and young people? Check out the PRC's full curriculum of materials here. Call the PRC Seminary for help with any of these materials (616-531-1490).

• 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 now operating in its new store in downtown Hudsonville! The new location is at 3472 Harvey St. in Hudsonville. Visit the store and browse the variety of resources for your Reformed-Christian faith and walk, including many children's titles. They are open Tuesday-Friday, 10-5, and Saturday 10-1.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

Do You Know the True God? (2-3)

Do you know the true God? Not the god of man’s imagination, but the God of the Bible? This is an important question, because Jesus teaches us that eternal life is knowing God and His Son, Jesus Christ (John 17:3). If you are to live with God forever in heaven, you must know Him.

If you are interested in knowing the true God, please consider the following.

(2) God’s Demand

1. Since God is your Creator, Sustainer and Ruler, to whom you owe your very life, He demands that you reverence Him as the only true God (Ps. 33:8).

2. God requires that you worship and serve Him from a heart that is filled with gratitude for all that He has done for you (Ps. 100).

3. In reverence, you must obey God’s law as given in the Ten Commandments. This obedience must be complete and perfect (Ex. 20:3-17).

4. Your obedience must come from a heart of love. You must love God with all your being and you must love your neighbour as yourself (Matt. 22:37-40).

(3) Man’s Failure

1. However, you do not keep God’s commandments out of love for Him. You are a sinner who fails to do what God demands of you (Job 7:20; 13:23; 40:4).

2. You can do nothing that is truly good and pleasing to God. Even the best of your works are like filthy rags to God (Rom. 3:10-18).

3. Your sinful deeds come from a wicked heart. You were born with a corrupt inner nature (Gen. 6:5; Ps. 51:5; Jer. 17:9).

4. God is the holy One who hates sin and must punish sinners. Apart from God’s grace, you will be condemned to the everlasting torments of hell forever (Matt. 13:49-50).

Taken from one of this month's featured resources