PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for October 8, 2023

Today, October 8, is the forty-first 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 give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. ...Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. ~ Psalm 118:1,2; 19-24

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

• Today Georgetown PRC voted to call Rev. G. Eriks (Unity PRC-Byron Center, MI). 
  
  
• Today Rev. D. Noorman declined the call from Loveland (CO) PRC.
  
  
• Last Sunday Lynden PRC (WA) voted to call Rev. D. Noorman (SW PRC).
  
  
• Rev. R. Smit is considering the call from Randolph PRC (received Sept.24).
  
  
• On Sept.24 Hudsonville PRC extended a call to Rev. N. Decker (Grandville PRC).
  
  
• On Sept.24 Zion PRC voted to call Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA). He plans to answer by next Sunday, Oct.15.
  
  
• On Sept.3 Cand. M. Koerner accepted the call from Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB). On Sept.27 he was examined by Classis West, which met in Crete PRC (IL). He successfully sustained this examination and Hosanna PRC was advised to proceed to his ordination and installation. His application to the Canadian government for a work permit was approved this past week, and he and his wife Sharon plan to move to Edmonton on Oct.25. We thank the Lord for this progress and pray for them as they prepare for life and ministry there.
  
  
• Rev. D. Kleyn and his wife Sharon moved to Doon, Iowa this past week, and plans are for him to be installed as Doon PRC's pastor next Sunday,Oct.15. May the Lord grant them grace as they prepare to take up their life and labors there.

Special Congregational Notices:

Our Canadian congregations (Hosanna, Immanuel, and Wingham PRCs) will be having their Thanksgiving service tomorrow morning, as Canada's Thanksgiving Day is October 9.

Crete PRC (IL): "The Safeguarding Committee of Crete PRC would like to invite you to this presentation on October 13 at 7:00 PM at Crete PRC in Crete, IL. The topic of this presentation is “Grooming” with an introduction of who HAVEN of MERCY is, the process of grooming, preventions, possible red flags, and personal experiences shared by members of HAVEN. All are encouraged to attend in person as this will not be livestreamed."

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.” And also this: "The parsonage property in Akinsdale (St. Albert) has been purchased. The new possession date is Monday, October 30th. We give thanks to our denomination for their generous donations, which have allowed us to purchase this property with cash. 'Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.' II Corinthians 9:11"

Grace PRC (Standale, MI): "Grace PRC is hosting a speech, presented by the Trinitarian Bible Society on October 19 at 7 p.m. The topic of this speech is comparing the KJV translation of scripture with other popular translations, and why a proper translation is needed. This presentation will be live steamed but not recorded. We look forward to seeing you there!

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs:  Rev. K. Koole in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. C. Spronk in Georgetown PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. W. Langerak in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. R. Hanko in Loveland PRC; Elder led in Lynden PRC; Rev. C. Haak in Randolph PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. N. Decker 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

Synod 2023 appointed an Ad Hoc Committee to hire a third-party organization for a denomination-wide investigation of sexual abuse. The committee reports that it has been laboring since the meeting of Synod to come to a mutual understanding and agreement with Guidepost Solutions regarding the work. On October 5 the committee signed a contract with Guidepost Solutions and expects that the investigation will begin in the near future with the publishing of a survey.

Home missionary speech: October 27 Rev. James Lanning will speak on the work of evangelism in the local congregations. Title: “The Church’s Calling in Evangelism.” To be held at SW PRC (Wyoming, MI) at 7:30 P.M.

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 held its regular meeting in Crete PRC (IL) on September 27. For more on this meeting, including the stated clerk's public report, visit this page.

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 seventh week of the first semester of the 2023-24 term tomorrow. Things continue to go well, 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.
• This week Isaac Van Baren will lead the daily devotions. Rev. C. Haak will lead the Wednesday chapel.
• This past Monday the first round of Practice Preaching was held for students Aaron Van Dyke and Bruce Feenstra. The second round is scheduled for Nov.13.
• 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, and is preaching a new sermon this evening in the congregation. After the internship is completed, he will return for this final semester next year, Lord willing.
• Prof. C. Griess gave a speech at the pre-Classis West Officebearers' Conference on sexual abuse on Sept.26 in Crete PRC (IL). Prof. Griess' speech may be found here and on the seminary's YouTube channel.
• 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.
• The Spring 2023 issue of the PR Theological Journal was published in April. Work continues on the Fall 2023 issue. 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.). 
• 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 the "pastoral note" focused on the recent delegation to her Kolkata mission in India. Here is a brief part of their report:
    "[We give] thanks to God for the opportunity to witness first-hand the spiritual maturity of the saints in Kolkata India. The mission work there is unlike many other missions from the perspective of the tremendous persecution and loss these saints face. That those who join the church, have to give up father and mother, brothers and sisters to follow Christ. Those who join the church have been cut off from all the privileges of society and are treated as pariahs and outcasts.

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:

  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully in the CPRC.
  • The September 2023 issue of Covenant Reformed News was published this past week. Visit the link to read the articles on "Nehemiah's Godly Enquiry Concerning Jerusalem" and Rev. R. Hanko's answers to questions about the covenant of redemption.
    
  • 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 her worship services today. 
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Deacon Mitch Suarez 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 (October 2023) the RWH continues the series on the return of Jesus Christ by Rev. W. Bruinsma, along with other special messages. Today's message is titled "Gathered unto Armageddon" based on Revelation 16:10-16. For the October 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.).

Are you a Standard Bearer reader? If not, become one by subscribing here! The SB also publishes a special Reformation issue each November. If you would like to receive a past issue on a subject, contac the RFPA office. 

• 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

“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 he was placated by my satisfaction. I did not love, yes, I hated the righteous God who punishes sinners, and secretly, if not blasphemously, certainly murmuring greatly, I was angry with God, and said, ‘As if, indeed, it is not enough, that miserable sinners, eternally lost through original sin, are crushed by every kind of calamity by the law of the decalogue, without having God add pain to pain by the gospel and also by the gospel threatening us with his righteousness and wrath!’ Thus I raged with a fierce and troubled conscience. Nevertheless, I beat importunately upon Paul at that place, most ardently desiring to know what St. Paul wanted.

“At last, by the mercy of God, meditating day and night, I gave heed to the context of the words, namely, ‘In it the righteousness of God is revealed, as it is written, “He who through faith is righteous shall live.”’ There I began to understand that the righteousness of God is that by which the righteous lives by a gift of God, namely by faith. And this is the meaning: the righteousness of God is revealed by the gospel, namely, the passive righteousness with which merciful God justifies us by faith, as it is written, ‘He who through faith is righteous shall live.’ Here I felt that I was altogether born again and had entered paradise itself through open gates. There a totally other face of the entire Scripture showed itself to me”

~ Martin Luther, in a preface to his writings, Luther’s Works, vol. 34 (found in Southeast PRC's bulletin today