PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for March 30, 2025 *(Updated)

On this thirteenth Lord's Day of 2025, we are privileged and called to gather in the Lord's presence, by grace and through faith, for worship of and fellowship with our covenant God, our sovereign, saving Father and Friend. As we do so, we are equipped and encouraged by His Word and Spirit for our life and callings in this world.

For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob. And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors. And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve.... ~ Isaiah 14:1-3

Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for the week of March 30. 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 you may listen online through one of the PRC's livestreams.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

• Today Rev. J. Engelsma (Crete PRC-IL) declined the call from Grandville PRC. 
  
  
• Today Rev. J. Smidstra declined the call from Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN).
  
  
• Today Rev. D. Lee (Kalamazoo PRC) declined the call from Byron Center PRC to serve as minister on loan to the PRC-Philippines (Provident PRC).
  
  
• This morning Southwest PRC voted to call Rev. D. Holstege (Wingham PRC, ON).
  
  
• The congregation of Hope PRC-Redlands, CA voted this evening from the Council's trio of Revs. R. Barnhill (Heritage PRC), D. Holstege (Wingham PRC), and W. Langerak (Trinity PRC). *Rev. Barnhill has received this call.
  
  
• The Council of Grace PRC has formed a new trio from which to call her next pastor: Revs. M. DeBoer, G. Eriks, and Prof. B. Gritters. The congregational meeting is planned for April 13 after the evening service.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today (March 30) in the vacant PRCs: Rev. A. Spriensma in Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. K. Koole in Grace PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. J. Maatman in Grandville PRC; Rev. D. Kleyn (2nd of two weeks) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. E. Guichelaar in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. S. Regnerus (2nd week) in Lynden PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. N. Decker in Southwest 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 travel and supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to petition the Lord for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!

Special congregational notices:

• Peace PRC-Dyer, IN: "The congregation is invited to a Psalm Sing immediately following tonight’s evening service. We plan to sing some new numbers from our denomination’s new Psalter revision from Psalms 23, 51, 78, 91, and 148. As a reminder, these are available on https://thepsalter.net. Printouts of each song will be available today."
• Unity PRC (Byron Center, MI): "Informational Meeting: This morning after the worship service there will be a brief informational meeting about the proposal regarding a future building. The entire congregation is invited to attend and will be given the opportunity to ask questions. A congregational meeting will be held on April 16 to vote on the proposal."
• Byron Center PRC (MI): "Our Community Bible study plans to meet this Thursday at Byron Township Library to continue our discussion of Genesis 1:31 and following. This meeting starts at 6:30 PM on April 3. We hope you can join us and bring a friend!"
• First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI: "Community Bible Study meets this Wednesday, April 2, at 7:00 p.m. [at the church]. We'll discuss Israel's Crossing the Red Sea by Faith, from Hebrews 11:29 and Exodus 14."

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• Home mission news: Zion’s Council and the DMC have sent our domestic missionary, Rev. J. Laning, to the Dallas/ Fort Worth (DFW) area for six months, along with his wife, Margaret. They arrived there on October 19, 2024 and have settled into the labors there. For some time Rev. Laning has been conducting weekly Zoom Bible studies with people in Texas, and has made a number of trips there. The plan is to have Rev. Laning continue to labor among those whom they have already come to know, while also witnessing to others in that area. Seeing as the preaching of the gospel is the chief means the Spirit uses to gather His people, it will be good to spend some time there meeting for worship and having Bible studies, in order, Lord willing, to gather a group together. We thank the Lord for opening this door, and pray that He may guide us in this work to the glory of His name. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). If you happen to know of anyone in that area who may be interested, please contact our domestic missionary at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
  
  
• PRC 100th Anniversary Celebration (June 2-6, 2025): Participate in this commemorative event by visiting prca100.org. A diverse set of sectionals is planned for each morning of the 100th Anniversary Celebration. Explore the topics and speakers at prca100.org/sectionals. Please note, registration is required to participate in the daily activities, including sectionals (which is now passed). Those lodging at Calvin University will enjoy a convenient and economical stay and all meals and activities. Local attendees and those arranging their own off-campus lodging must register for activities and meals if desired. To attend visit https://prca100.org/register for registration instructions and the web link.
  For more 100-year PRC history, videos and photos, visit this Facebook page.
   
  100th Anniversary Sponsorship Opportunities: The planning committee has identified specific areas where financial support is needed including the event, travel subsidies, and the singspiration at DeVos Performance Hall. Businesses, congregations, societies, and individuals are asked to consider a sponsorship. Visit prca100.org/sponsor to learn more and complete a pledge form by May 1. To discuss a pledge, please contact the finance committee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

• Psalter-sing! Advance notice: May 18: You are invited to come to Grace PRC at 7:45 p.m. for an area-wide presentation on the revised Psalter. The Psalters are expected to arrive in late April and will be distributed to every household. Grace will not have enough for everyone, so take your own along. The presentation will be different from previous ones, which introduced the revision; this will involve more singing from the revised Psalter.
  
  
• Classis West met on Wednesday, March 5, in Calvary PRC in Hull, IA. A report of the meeting may be found on this webpage.
  
  
• HAVEN of Mercy is grateful for your in-person and online attendance and support shown at HAVEN '25:  What's Next? The Way Forward After Disclosure.  The attendance is evidence of our community's desire to learn and grow in knowledge and understanding of abuse dynamics, protection of the flock, victim care, and perpetrator accountability.  The six speeches and the Q&A session from the conference have been recorded and are available at https://www.havenofmercypr.org/haven-2025-conference.  We have also recorded an additional, extended Q&A session with our speakers, Brad Hambrick and Darby Strickland, in which they answered many more questions that were submitted at the conference.  More information about this extended Q&A and a link to the new recording will be posted on our Facebook page and sent to our email subscribers.
  
  
• Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2025 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 16th. 

Convention 2025 – Register & Chaperone Opportunities!

• Conventioneers, don’t wait! Registration for the 2025 Young People’s Convention is now open and runs through March 31. If you plan to attend, be sure to sign up before the deadline at prcconvention.com/registration! This year’s convention, hosted by Hudsonville PRC, will take place at SpringHill Camp (Evart, MI) from August 11-15. We’d love to see you there! For questions, contact Heather Veldman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

• We’re also looking for chaperones (especially males!) to help make this convention a week of spiritual growth and meaningful fellowship for our young people. If you’re interested in joining us, learn more and apply today at prcconvention.com/chaperones.

• NEW! Convention- Special Needs Day: The 2025 YP Convention host church of Hudsonville PRC invites individuals with special needs or disabilities from our church community (high school age and above) to join us at convention on Wednesday, August 13. With the camp located just 1.5 hours north of Grand Rapids, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience a day of fun and fellowship with everyone. Our prayer is that this special day will be a blessing to all and an opportunity to experience how we can all serve the body of Christ with the different abilities He has given to us. For more details or to sign up, visit our website https://prcconvention.com/serving-one-another-day/. We can't wait to spend the day with you! Contact Alyssa VanBaren – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 616.581.5768 with any questions.

Sem. J. Dick leads in devotions last Wednesday, with Mr. D. Hanko's fourth graders from Hope CS present.

PR Theological Seminary News:

• The PR Theological Seminary enters its eleventh week of the 2nd semester this week. Faculty, students, and staff covet and appreciate your prayers as they carry out their various labors during this semester.
• The second part of round two of Practice Preaching will take place tomorrow morning at Southwest PRC, with Sems. B. Feenstra, and I. Van Baren making and delivering new sermons. Be in prayer for them and for the faculty as they conduct this important aspect of the students' training.
• Joe Ophoff (1st year) will lead in devotions this week; there is no chapel this Wednesday due to practice preaching on Monday.
  
• This Thursday, April 3, the final 4th grade class of Heritage CS (Hudsonville) will visit the seminary. Prof. B. Gritters will introduce them to the seminary, give them a brief tour, and then they will join faculty and students for devotions and coffee break.
• Prof. B. Huizinga declined a recent call from Hudsonville PRC, and Prof. B. Gritters is on a new trio at Grace PRC in Stanadale, MI.
• Sem. B. Feenstra will be doing his senior internship in Doon (IA) PRC under Rev. D. Kleyn and his Consistory. That will run from July 1 to Dec.31.
• Sems. Aaron Van Dyke and Bruce Feenstra are licensed to speak a word of edification in the churches. All scheduling of these men must be done through the seminary, either by sending a request to the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or the rector, Prof. D. Kuiper (doug.kuiperThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
• Work continues on the Spring 2025 issue of the PR Theological Journal, which will contain the expanded speeches the professors gave at their Fall 2024 conference on the common grace/particular grace controversy in 1924. In the meantime, the Fall 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal is available. The digital edition (pdf) is available on the seminary's journal page linked here while the print copies are also available. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Bethany Engelsma, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), or stop by the seminary. 
• If you missed the Fall PRTS Conference (Oct.31-Nov.2) at Grace PRC (“By Grace I Am What I Am”: The PRCA’s Rejection of Common Grace), where the histroric (100 years!) stand of the PRC on sovereign, particular grace was defended and developed, you may watch or listen to the speeches that are all available both on Grace PRC's Sermonaudio channel as well as the seminary's YouTube channel.
• For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website - and don't forget to check on 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 pastor Tan led the services. 
    
  • A NEW issue of Salt Shakers is available - March2025, #75!  Once again you will find a variety of articles on timely subjects in this issue! Written especially for young people and young adults, SS is edifying for all adults! This new issue contains articles on the mission work in Kolkata, testimonies of CERC member conversions, and the beginning of a series on the NT prophecy of Revelation.

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to serve this sister congregation faithfully, and through the CPRC and her website, to minister the gospel far and wide in other ways. 
    
  • The February 2025 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is now available. Read the articles by Rev. A. Stewart on "Are the Ungodly Really in God's Image? (2)" and Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question about why David was not executed for his sins against God's law.
    
  • The CPRC YouTube channel with all its edifying content 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.
    
  • PRCP Mission labors: "The saints of All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services today via live streaming on our Facebook page. We pray for God’s continued care and blessings upon them as they hear the Word of God." And, this past weekend: "Rev. Ibe and Elder Argel Chua’s visit with the pastors and saints in Bacolod and Sipalay City on March 27-28, 2025, went very well, by the grace of God. Rev. Ibe led them in their study on the Church Order of Dort Articles 17 - 21 and Reformed Dogmatics [Soteriology] on the Ordo Salutis [Regeneration Part 3]. We pray for God’s continued spiritual strength and growth for the churches in these areas as they learn and receive the Reformed truth of God’s sovereign particular grace in Christ Jesus and for His sake only. Soli Deo Gloria!
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Elder Mitch Suarez led her services today using PRC video sermons. Today is was announced that Rev. D. Lee (Kalamazoo PRC) declined the call from Byron Center PRC to serve as minister on loan to this sister congregation.

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 - March 2025 - the RWH is broadcasting five gospel messages by Rev. C. Haak. This week's message is titled "Freedom" based on Romans 8:2.
  
• 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.).

Comfort. To comfort God’s people with instruction in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This was the main reason the Heidelberg Catechism was written. And to that end, George W. Williard's English translation of The Commentary of Dr. Zacharias Ursinus on the Heidelberg Catechism has existed alongside the Catechism since 1851, assisting many generations of believers in plumbing the depths of the biblical truth of comfort expounded in the Catechism.

This 2025 edition of the Commentary is improved in readability and consistency compared to previous editions but still remains faithful to Williard’s original English translation. Bibliographical and explanatory footnotes have also been added to improve the reader’s study. Now in an enhanced format, the Commentary is a theological classic that would find a home in any Christian library. 

• The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is operating out of its new store in downtown Hudsonville (3472 Harvey St.). 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. 
  *Special note: RBO Storytime: Join us Thursdays for Spring Storytime at 10:15 on March 27, April 3 and 17 (not April 10). Let your little ones enjoy a few stories and a craft, while you browse our books or enjoy a cup of coffee!

• If you are 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 assistance 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.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

 "Are YOU saved by grace through faith? The Word of God is not merely presenting some objective doctrine. It doesn't say salvation is by grace through faith; and it is the gift of God. Listen, by grace are YE saved.... Does God say that to you? Have you been chosen in Christ, reconciled to God by His death, united to Him by faith? Let me ask you this: "Are you a sinner?" Do you recognize yourself as an empty vessel, dead in trespasses and sins? That is the fruit of the Spirit of Christ in you.

"Do not despair, do not fear; rather, rejoice and be very glad! Flee to the cross of Jesus and see there the blood of Him Who died for you. Go to Joseph's empty tomb and see that He arose the victor over death. Look heavenward and expect your Savior -- He is coming quickly and his reward is with Him. You have comfort, peace, and hope. The comfort of salvation by grace, the peace of forgiveness by grace, and the hope of life everlasting by grace.

"Do you know that? Then you say with the same Apostle Paul, "God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of Jesus Christ" (Gal. 6:14). There is no room for boasting. Salvation is all by grace. But that also means that every ground for despair has been removed. The eternal, faithful God will never fail! Glory be to Him, of whom, through whom, and to whom are all things!

"That is not my word, it is the blessed gospel of Jesus Christ."

Taken from the pamphlet "Saved by Grace" by Robert D. Decker, one of this month's featured resources