PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for April 6, 2025

On this fourteenth 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.

In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD. And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry unto the LORD because of the oppressors, and he shall send them a saviour, and a great one, and he shall deliver them. And the LORD shall be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the LORD in that day, and shall do sacrifice and oblation; yea, they shall vow a vow unto the LORD, and perform it. And the LORD shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the LORD, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them. In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians. In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land: Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance. ~ Isaiah 19:19-25

Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for the week of April 6. 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

• Last Sunday Rev. D. Holstege (Wingham PRC, ON) received the call from Southwest PRC.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. R. Barnhill (Heritage PRC) received the call from Hope PRC-Redlands, CA.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. J. Engelsma (Crete PRC-IL) declined the call from Grandville PRC. 
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. J. Smidstra declined the call from Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN).
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. D. Lee (Kalamazoo PRC) declined the call from Byron Center PRC to serve as minister on loan to the PRC-Philippines (Provident PRC).
  
  
• 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 (April 6) in the vacant PRCs: Rev. J. Holstege in Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN; Livestream Hope PRC-GR and Prof. R. Dykstra in Grace PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. D. Lee in Grandville PRC; Rev. C. Haak (1st of three weeks) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. G. Eriks (@ 2:30 p.m.) in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. S. Key (1st of two weeks) in Lynden PRC; Sem. A. VanDyke and Rev. G. Eriks 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!

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.

• 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 – LAST CHANCE!

• Convention 2025: Last Chance to Register! Haven’t registered yet for the 2025 Young People’s Convention? There’s still time—but don’t wait! Late registration is now open with an added fee. 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..

• 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.

Faculty and students interact with fourth graders from Heritage CS (Hudsonville) this past Thursday.

PR Theological Seminary News:

• The PR Theological Seminary is on Spring break this week (April 7-11). Seminary will still be open daily, 8-5. Call in advance if you have any special needs. 
• 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. That congregation will vote next Sunday, April 13.
• 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 is completed on the Spring 2025 issue of the PR Theological Journal, and should be available by the end of this month. This new issue will contain the expanded speeches the professors gave at their Fall 2024 conference on the common grace/particular grace controversy in 1924 (*see note below). In the meantime, the Fall 2024 issue of the PRTJ is available (and all back issues). 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 historic (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 both pastors led services. In the "pastoral voice" today was a special word for the saints in Kolkata: "Dear Beloved Saints in Kolkata, Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the one who “liveth, and was dead” and is “alive for evermore” (Rev. 1:18). 2. We rejoice this day with you at the occasion of confessions of faith and baptisms, that the Lord is adding to your number fellow saints and disciples of Jesus Christ. These brethren and sisters have counted the cost of following Jesus, and are gladly willing to bear it, to deny themselves and to take up their cross, suffering and even dying for the sake of Jesus Christ. We thank God for them, and for you." We join these fellow saints in glorying in our great God of grace for these blessings of salvation!
    
  • India mission news: "Elder Lee and Elder Tang will be visiting our Kolkata Fellowship from 4-7 Apr 2025 to supervise the Confession of Faith and Baptism of new members in Kolkata Fellowship. Bro Gim Theng, representing FMC will be accompanying the delegation to continue the work of FMC while he is there. Please keep the delegation and Kolkata Fellowship in your prayers."
  • 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 the latest 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: Elders Espiritu and Manlapaz led her worship services today.
    
  • PRCP Mission labors: "Rev. Ibe is scheduled to visit the saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija today. Ptr. Ibe will lead them in their worship service at 9 AM and Bible study at 11 AM. We continue to lift them in our prayers for God’s sustaining grace and spiritual growth as they hear the Word proclaim, for God’s glory and Jesus’ sake."
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Deacon Lester Lee led her services today using PRC video sermons. Last Sunday it 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 (this was BC PRC's first call).

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 - April 2025  - the RWH is broadcasting four gospel messages by Rev. C. Haak, including special Lenten and Easter messages. This week's message is titled "The Suffering of the Cross"based on Isaiah 53.
  
• The Reformed Witness Hour publishes each month's messages in an attractive booklet *see image below). 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.).

• 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

 "Jesus Christ is the Lamb that was slain. 

"There were many lambs that were slain in the Old Testament for the sins of the people. They were slain as sin offerings and trespass offerings. All the lambs that were sacrificed, however, were not sufficient to pay for and cover the sins of the people. They were merely types or pictures that looked ahead to the Lamb of God that would with one sacrifice completely atone for the sins of the people. 

"The great Lamb of God to which all the sacrificial lambs of the Old Testament pointed is Jesus Christ. John the Baptist identified Jesus as such at the Jordan River, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). 

"As the Lamb of God, Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin. He did this at the cross, where He shed His blood. This constituted the perfect sacrifice for sin because at the cross Jesus endured all the punishment of God for sin and did so in humble submission and obedience to God. 

"By His perfect sacrifice on the cross as the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ has redeemed us unto God by His blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation. 

"To redeem is to free one from slavery by the payment of a price. Scripture applies this to our spiritual slavery to the Devil and to sin. We are by nature enslaved to the Devil. On account of the fall he has a legal claim to us, so that we are bound to serve him in sin. This is a terrible slavery, which results in our destruction. But with the payment of a price (ransom), we can be freed from this bondage. The price necessary to redeem us is not silver and gold but the enduring of the punishment for sin. This price Jesus paid as the Lamb of God by the shedding of His blood. By paying the price of sin, Jesus has purchased us unto God, so that now we belong to the living God. 

"Who is this "us" that the Lamb has redeemed? 

"This "us" is not limited by nationality, language, or ethnic origin. For the Lamb of God has redeemed us out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation. 

"This "us" is limited, however, by the election of God. Some would place no limitation at all on the redemption of the Lamb of God. But God has chosen a people out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation. These the Lamb of God has redeemed."

Taken from the article "The Lamb That Was Slain" (Rev. 5:9) by Rev. J. Slopsema, one of this month's featured resources