On this forty-ninth Lord's Day of 2019, December 8, the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches, and mission fields may be reported.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

Q. 35.  What is the meaning of these words — “He was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary”?
A.  That God’s eternal Son, who is and continueth true and eternal God, took upon Him the very nature of man, of the flesh and blood of the Virgin Mary, by the operation of the Holy Ghost; that He might also be the true seed of David, like unto His brethren in all things, sin excepted.

Q. 36.  What profit dost thou receive by Christ’s holy conception and nativity?
A.  That He is our Mediator, and, with His innocence and perfect holiness, covers in the sight of God my sins, wherein I was conceived and brought forth.

Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 14

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

• On December 1 Kalamazoo PRC extended a call to Rev. E. Guichelaar (Randolph, WI PRC). May the Lord make plain His will for him in this call. Rev. M. DeVries (current pastor) plans to become emeritus at the end of the year.
  
  
• Today Rev. J. Mahtani preaches his farewell sermon at Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN). He has accepted the call from Grandvillle PRC to serve as minister on loan to Covenant ERC in Singapore and plans to be installed in that position on Sunday morning, December 29. The Mahtanis hope to leave for Singapore shortly after the new year. May the Lord bless all these plans and preparations (*see the update under CERC news below).
  
  
• The congregation of Cornerstone PRC will vote on Jan.5 for a new pastor from the Council's trio:  Revs. J. Engelsma (Doon PRC), G. Eriks (Hudsonville PRC), and R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC, Spokane, WA).
  
  
• The Consistory of Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB) has formed a new trio form which to call a pastor: Revs. H.Bleyenberg (Providence PRC), N.Langerak (Crete PRC), and A.Stewart (Covenant PRC, N.Ireland). Rev. R. Barnhill is bringing the Word there today and next Sunday.

• The Council of the newly organized Unity PRC has formed a trio of Revs. J. Engelsma, E. Guichelaar, and R. Van Overloop.  The congregation plans to call on Wednesday, December 18.
  
  

• Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC, Redlands, CA) is again leading the services in First PRC, Edmonton while Rev. A. Spriensma (PRC home missionary) is in Hope PRC (Redlands, CA) bringing the Word.

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

Rev. N. Decker (Grandville PRC) leading chapel at seminary this past week.

PRC Seminary News:

• The seminary is now entering its fifteenth and final week of regular classes in the first semester in the school year. Next week exams will be held (Dec.16-20). It is a busy time for faculty and students. Continue to pray for the seminary in your daily prayers.

• The faculty announces that Sem. Josiah Tan (CERC-Singapore) has been licensed to speak a word of edification in the churches. Contact Prof. B. Gritters (rector) for scheduling.
  
  
• The Fall 2019 issue of the PRT Journal is being completed and should be available later this month. Watch for articles based on presentations given in Mexico this past summer and plenty of profitable book reviews.
  
  
• Remember the Seminary's Dordt400 Conference in April of this year? The speeches and presentations given at this event have now been compiled, expanded, and edited (by Prof. R. Cammenga) and form the newly published RFPA book, For God's Glory and the Church's Consolation: 400 Years of the Synod of Dordt. Visit the website to order your copy, or come to the seminary bookstore to find one! And if you are looking for the videos and audios of the speeches, visit this page.
  
  
• Looking for some good Reformed books to read, Bible study materials or seminary publications to use, or perhaps some gifts for the holiday season? Come and visit the seminary's bookstore! We have a variety of Bibles, commentaries, and good books - used and new (including Reformation titles!) - for our members and friends. And you may also make use of our library - here's the link to our online catalog if you wish to search for something to read or use.
  
  
• Need for Ministers: Synod 2019 took a decision to place the urgent need for seminary students before our churches. Please remember in your prayers to petition the Lord of the harvest for pastors, and please encourage young men, whom you observe to have the gifts, to consider the ministry. If you wish to listen to a couple of sermons by our professors that address this need, listen to "The (Suffering) Minister's Steadfast Confession" and "The Beautiful Feet of the Gospel Preacher."

• For more seminary news and information, visit the PRC seminary website! 

*Who is the pastor of this PRCP? (see below)

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS:

• Concerning our sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC, we may note the following:
  • Rev. A. Stewart led the services today.
  • Covenant PRC's last church newsletter was received and posted (August 2019).
    
  • Read the latest issue of the "Covenant Reformed News"! Find the November 2019 issue here.

• Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, we may note the following:
  
  • Rev. A. denHartog and his wife continue to serve the CERC while she is vacant. They plan to be there until Sunday, January 12, 2020.
    
  • Concerning Rev. J. Mahtani's application to serve in CERC (today's bulletin update): "By now you would have received the news that the application of the Employment Pass for Rev J. Mahtani has been rejected. Though we are sad to receive this reply from MOM, yet we continue to trust in the Lord to direct and lead us in our needs. We have submitted an appeal to MOM to re-access our request. This would take two to three weeks or even longer. We urge you to bring this petition before the Lord to seek His gracious provision for Covenant."
    
  • Her latest newsletter (October 2019) - Reformed News Asia - was posted recently and may be found on this page. 

• Concerning the PRC in the Philippines, we may note the following from the bulletins of the Berean PRC, PRC in Bulacan, Maranatha PRC, and Provident CC:
  • Berean PRC: Rev. V. Ibe led the worship services today.
  • *Maranatha PRC: "Rev. R. Smit, our Missionary, will lead us in both services. He will continue teaching the Belgic Confession Lesson 28. D.V."
  • Provident PRC: Rev. D. Holstege led her services today.
  • Denominational News:

~ The PRCP Classis finished its work last November 30. "Among other things, Classis decided to add two new standing committees so that there are now four. Elders Bien and Alex were both appointed to Committee 3 (Finances, Emeritus, Seminary Student Aid). Elder Bien was also appointed to Committee 2 (Missions and Contact with Other Churches). Elder Alex was also elected as the new treasurer of the PRCP. Classis adopted a budget for the operations of the PRCP for 2020 and increased the classical assessment to P150 per family per month."

~ A new mission newsletter was published and distributed this Fall. You may find that October 2019 update here.

~ And for more on the life and work of our "sisters" in the Far East read the news under Philippine missions.

• The PRC also has a "corresponding relationship" with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) of Australia. We remember these brothers and sisters in our prayers and labors also.
  • This year the EPC has a new student attending the PRC seminary. Isaac Peters along with his wife Rebeka and four children are living in West Michigan and Isaac is in the first year of a three-year program.

Don't forget to include the Reformed Book Outlet in your gift-giving ideas this month! They have a special sale going on in December according to Hudsonville PRC's bulletin:

The Reformed Book Outlet is having their annual December sale. We have books, Bibles and Bible covers all 25%
off MSRP. This is a great time to add a few good reads to your religious library or help someone to build theirs!
Check us out on Facebook and Instagram to see highlights of some of the books we carry.

SPECIAL NOTICES:

• Do you have an interest in good Reformed literature and a solid Reformed and biblical magazine? Visit the Reformed Free Publishing Association's website (www.rfpa.org), where you will find information on books in all major Christian categories, as well as on the bi-monthly periodical, the Standard Bearer.  Don't forget that these books and magazine make for great gifts!
  
  
• If you are in need of some pamphlets and/or articles published by the PRC for use in evangelism and/or witnessing, visit the PRCA Evangelism page for a complete list of materials available in digital format or by order from the publishing church.

• Remember to listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you or on Sermonaudio wherever you are!
  • From October to January (2020) the RWH welcomes Rev. W. Bruinsma of our Pittsburgh PRC to the microphone. He is doing a series on women in the Bible, with today's message being "Hannah's Prayer for a Son," based on 1 Samuel 1:9-18. Listen to the broadcast on the station near you or visit the links provided here to listen to this program.
    
  • From the Reformed Witness Hour Committee:

~ Have you seen our recent flyer passed out last month in the PRC? If you haven't, you may find a copy attached to this news post.
~ Special RWH newsletter note: Did you know that Reformed Witness Hour messages are downloaded each month by saints all over the world—saints living in South Africa, Cambodia, Nigeria, and China? If you would like to stay informed about the reach of this distinctly Reformed radio and internet ministry and about ways you can support this witness, sign up at http://eepurl.com/gikNsL for a bimonthly newsletter.A new Spanish edition of the RWH has been produced and may be found on this YouTube channel (PRC Espanol). Why not check it out - and help spread the word!

ESPECIALLY FOR PRC Young People and Young Adults:

• December 15: The Young Calvinists will be host a Christmas singspiration for young people and young adults in Trinity Protestant Reformed Church at 7:45 p.m. There will be food in the narthex afterwards. Come celebrate the birth of our Savior with us!
  
  
• Please make note of next year's Protestant Reformed Young People's Convention date and location to be hosted by Georgetown PRC. The convention will be held Aug 10-14, 2020 at the Lake Williamson Camp in Carlinville, IL. Visit prcconvention.com for more information. Chaperone registration will open January 1, and conventioneer registration opens March 15.

• THE EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA would love to invite any young people and young adults, aged 13 and up, to their biennial youth camp. This youth camp will be held in Brisbane, Australia from the 28^th of December 2019 – 3^rd January 2020. Rev. Martyn McGeown from the Limerick Reformed Fellowship of the Republic of Ireland will be our guest speaker, taking the camp on the topic of ‘The Christian’s Armour’ (From Ephesians 6). Amongst other activities, the theme night will be on the “Australian Bush”. The cost for the camp is $250 AUD (approx $170 USD). This is a great time to meet other young people, fellowship with them and learn about our Saviour. Please contact Megan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for the full flyer + registration form, or for any additional questions/information.

Photo of part of the Limerick Reformed Fellowship (2018)

PRC MISSION NEWS:

Domestic Labors:

• Remember in prayer our home missionary, Rev. A. Spriensma, who continues to labor in the West Michigan area and beyond through Byron Center PRC, the calling church. Currently he is bringing the Word in Hope PRC, Redlands, CA.

• Limerick Reformed Fellowship News:
  • Rev. M. McGeown is preaching the gospel in the LRF today.
  • From the LRF bulletin: "Pastor will speak at the Youth Camp of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Australia, which shall take place from Saturday 28^th December to Friday 3^rd January. He will give seven speeches/sermons and then preach in Brisbane EPC on Sundays 5^th and 12^th January."
  • The last mission newsletter from the Limerick Reformed Fellowship - The September 2019 edition - may be found here.

Philippine Missions:

• From Maranatha PRC bulletin today re the work in S. Negros Occidental:
  

  Let us pray for Rev. Daniel and Sharon Kleyn, our Missionary couple who visits in Sipalay, Negros Occidental monthly. They have spent the day with the congregations of two of the pastors who normally attend the monthly classes: the Reformed Free Church in Inayauan (Pastor Ezekias Rosal) and the Reformed Church in Sialay, near Sipalay (Pastor Eduardo Donasco). The plan is to expand the work in Negros from teaching pastors to also preaching in their congregations and guiding them to organize properly as Reformed churches. All are very excited about this development because the SNO pastors are very enthusiastic and committed brethren who are eager to develop their churches.

• The newest Philippines mission newsletter has been published and posted! The October 2019 issue may be read here.
  
• For more on life and activities in the Philippines from the personal perspective of the missionary's, visit the Kleyn's blog, the Holstege's, and the Smits!
  

Let us continue in prayer to the Lord for the fulfillment of the needs of these busy pastors and missionaries in the Philippines. May the Lord of the harvest give them grace to be faithful and encouraged in all their labors.

India:

• Let us remember to pray for the Lord's blessing on Georgetown PRC's labor in Vellore, India.
• And we remember our sister church's work (Covenant ERC in Singapore) in Kolkata, through Rev. E. Singh.
  

Myanmar:

• Let us also remember Hope PRC's (Grand Rapids, MI) support of and involvement with Rev. Titus' work in Myanmar; for his latest report, visit this page.
  

On this forty-eighth Lord's Day of 2019, December 1, the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches, and mission fields may be reported.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

…So Jesus Christ is said to be their consolation, signifying that although the world may hate and detest us, although we may be poor simpletons whom others rob, devour, and gobble up, although men may abuse and revile us, Christ alone is sufficient to console us. Every sadness will vanish when we understand that God sent his Son so that we might share in his blessings. That is the meaning of the word ‘consolation’. ~ John Calvin, Sermon "Christ Our Consolation" (Luke 2:25-28)

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

• On November 24 Rev. R. Barnhill (Peace PRC) declined the call from Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB). Today Rev. T. Miersma is once again bringing the Word in Immanuel PRC.
  
  
• The Consistory of Kalamazoo PRC has formed a trio for calling a new pastor (with a view to Rev. M. DeVries approaching emeritation): Rev. Ryan Barnhill, Rev. Heath Bleyenberg, Rev. Erik Guichelaar. A congregational meeting is scheduled for today after the evening service D.V. UPDATE: Rev. E. Guichelaar has received this call.
  
  
• On Nov.3, Rev. J. Mahtani (Cornerstone PRC) accepted the call from Grandvillle PRC to serve as minister on loan to Covenant ERC in Singapore. Next Sunday (Dec.8) he will preach his farewell sermon at Cornerstone. Grandville PRC will install Rev. Mahtani as minister-on-loan to Singapore on Sunday morning, December 29 and he will preach at the evening service. The Mahtanis hope to leave for Singapore shortly after the new year. May the Lord bless all these plans and preparations.
  
  
• The Council of Cornerstone PRC has formed a trio from which to call a new pastor, now that Rev. J. Mahtani has accepted the call to serve in our sister church in Singapore:  Revs. J. Engelsma, G. Eriks, and R. Kleyn. The congregational meeting is planned for December 8.

• The Council of the newly organized Unity PRC has formed a trio of Revs. J. Engelsma, E. Guichelaar, and R. Van Overloop.  The congregation plans to call on December 18.

• Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC, Redlands, CA) is leading the services in First PRC, Edmonton while Rev. A. Spriensma (PRC home missionary) is in Hope PRC (Redlands, CA) bringing the Word.

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

A recent seminary Friday lunch discussion centered on PR Christian School teacher training with administrator Rick Noorman

PRC Seminary News:

• The seminary is now entering its fourteenth week of the first semester in the school year, and faculty, students, and staff remain busy with their various tasks. The students had the first draft of their maor papers due this past week, as the semester winds down and exams loom. Continue to pray for the seminary in your daily prayers.

• The faculty announces that Sem. Josiah Tan (CERC-Singapore) has been licensed to speak a word of edification in the churches. Contact Prof. B. Gritters (rector) for scheduling.
  
  
• The Fall 2019 issue of the PRT Journal is being completed and should be available in December. Watch for articles based on presentations given in Mexico this past summer and plenty of profitable book reviews.
  
  
• Remember the Seminary's Dordt400 Conference in April of this year? The speeches and presentations given at this event have now been compiled, expanded, and edited (by Prof. R. Cammenga) and form the newly published RFPA book, For God's Glory and the Church's Consolation: 400 Years of the Synod of Dordt. Visit the website to order your copy, or come to the seminary bookstore to find one! And if you are looking for the videos and audios of the speeches, visit this page.
  
  
• Looking for some good Reformed books to read, Bible study materials or seminary publications to use, or perhaps some gifts for the holiday season? Come and visit the seminary's bookstore! We have a variety of Bibles, commentaries, and good books - used and new (including Reformation titles!) - for our members and friends. And you may also make use of our library - here's the link to our online catalog if you wish to search for something to read or use.
  
  
• Need for Ministers: Synod 2019 took a decision to place the urgent need for seminary students before our churches. Please remember in your prayers to petition the Lord of the harvest for pastors, and please encourage young men, whom you observe to have the gifts, to consider the ministry. If you wish to listen to a couple of sermons by our professors that address this need, listen to "The (Suffering) Minister's Steadfast Confession" and "The Beautiful Feet of the Gospel Preacher."

• For more seminary news and information, visit the PRC seminary website! 

*The November issue of "Covenant Reformed News" was published this week - be sure to read it! (see below)

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS:

• Concerning our sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC, we may note the following:
  • Rev. A. Stewart led the services today.
  • Covenant PRC's last church newsletter was received and posted (August 2019).
    
  • Read the latest issue of the "Covenant Reformed News"! Find the November 2019 issue here.

• Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, we may note the following:
  
  • Rev. A. denHartog and his wife continue to serve the CERC while she is vacant. They plan to be there until Sunday, January 12, 2020.
    
  • Concerning Rev. J. Mahtani's acceptance of the call to serve them: "Please continue to keep Rev Mahtani and his family in prayer as they make the necessary preparation to relocate from the US to Singapore. There are many changes that the Mahtanis need to make, in order to adapt and adjust to the life in Singapore. But first and foremost, pray that the local authorities in Singapore will grant a favourable reply to Rev Mahtani’s Employment Pass application."
  • Her latest newsletter (October 2019) - Reformed News Asia - was posted recently and may be found on this page. 

• Concerning the PRC in the Philippines, we may note the following from the bulletins of the Berean PRC, PRC in Bulacan, Maranatha PRC, and Provident CC:
  • Berean PRC: Rev. R. Smit (PRC missionary) led the worship services today. "Rev. Ibe will lead our brothers and sisters in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija in their worship service today."
  • Maranatha PRC: "Rev. L. Trinidad, our Pastor will lead us in both services. He will teach us the Canons of Dordt. D. V."
  • Denominational News:

~ The PRCP Classis held their continued meeting yesterday (November 30) in Provident PRC.

~ A new mission newsletter was published and distributed this month. You may find that October 2019 update here.

~ And for more on the life and work of our "sisters" in the Far East read the news under Philippine missions.

• *The PRC also has a "corresponding relationship" with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) of Australia. We remember these brothers and sisters in our prayers and labors also.
  • This year the EPC has a new student attending the PRC seminary. Isaac Peters along with his wife Rebeka and four children are living in West Michigan and Isaac is in the first year of a three-year program.

Don't forget to include the Reformed Book Outlet in your gift-giving this month!

SPECIAL NOTICES:

• Do you have an interest in good Reformed literature and a solid Reformed and biblical magazine? Visit the Reformed Free Publishing Association's website (www.rfpa.org), where you will find information on books in all major Christian categories, as well as on the bi-monthly periodical, the Standard Bearer.  Don't forget that these books and magazine make for great gifts!
  
  
• If you are in need of some pamphlets and/or articles published by the PRC for use in evangelism and/or witnessing, visit the PRCA Evangelism page for a complete list of materials available in digital format or by order from the publishing church.

• Looking for a study Bible or Bible study resources this Fall? What about ideas for the holiday season? Visit the Reformed Book Outlet in downtown Hudsonville! The bookstore has plenty of other good reading materials too, as well as music and cards.
  

• Remember to listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you or on Sermonaudio wherever you are!
  • From October to January (2020) the RWH welcomes Rev. W. Bruinsma of our Pittsburgh PRC to the microphone. He is doing a series on women in the Bible, with today's message being "Ruth's Vow," based on Ruth 1:16,17. Listen to the broadcast on the station near you or visit the links provided here to listen to this program.
    
  • From the Reformed Witness Hour Committee:

~ Have you seen our recent flyer passed out last month in the PRC? If you haven't, you may find a copy attached to this news post.
~ Special RWH newsletter note: Did you know that Reformed Witness Hour messages are downloaded each month by saints all over the world—saints living in South Africa, Cambodia, Nigeria, and China? If you would like to stay informed about the reach of this distinctly Reformed radio and internet ministry and about ways you can support this witness, sign up at http://eepurl.com/gikNsL for a bimonthly newsletter.A new Spanish edition of the RWH has been produced and may be found on this YouTube channel (PRC Espanol). Why not check it out - and help spread the word!

 
There's a new issue of Salt Shakers out - November 2019! Have you started reading it yet?

ESPECIALLY FOR PRC Young People and Young Adults:

• December 15: The Young Calvinists will be host a Christmas singspiration for young people and young adults in Trinity Protestant Reformed Church at 7:45 p.m. There will be food in the narthex afterwards. Come celebrate the birth of our Savior with us!
  
  
• Please make note of next year's Protestant Reformed Young People's Convention date and location to be hosted by Georgetown PRC. The convention will be held Aug 10-14, 2020 at the Lake Williamson Camp in Carlinville, IL. Visit prcconvention.com for more information. Chaperone registration will open January 1, and conventioneer registration opens March 15.

• THE EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA would love to invite any young people and young adults, aged 13 and up, to their biennial youth camp. This youth camp will be held in Brisbane, Australia from the 28^th of December 2019 – 3^rd January 2020. Rev. Martyn McGeown from the Limerick Reformed Fellowship of the Republic of Ireland will be our guest speaker, taking the camp on the topic of ‘The Christian’s Armour’ (From Ephesians 6). Amongst other activities, the theme night will be on the “Australian Bush”. The cost for the camp is $250 AUD (approx $170 USD). This is a great time to meet other young people, fellowship with them and learn about our Saviour. Please contact Megan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for the full flyer + registration form, or for any additional questions/information.

Fellowship dinner with saints in Southern Negros Occidental on a recent visit of the Kleyns (Ocotber 2019)

PRC MISSION NEWS:

Domestic Labors:

• Remember in prayer our home missionary, Rev. A. Spriensma, who continues to labor in the West Michigan area and beyond through Byron Center PRC, the calling church. According to BC-PRC's bulletin this week, "The Dorr Bible Study meets this Thursday, December 5, at 7:30 PM. We plan to take up our discussion beginning at John 9:8. Please join us and bring friends or neighbors along to the library in Dorr!"

• Limerick Reformed Fellowship News:
  • Rev. M. McGeown is preaching the gospel in the LRF today.
  • From the LRF bulletin: "The special lecture on "The Canon of Sacred Scripture" is now available on our website."
  • The latest mission newsletter from the Limerick Reformed Fellowship is now available! The September 2019 edition may be found here.

Philippine Missions:

• The newest Philippines mission newsletter has been published and posted! The October 2019 issue may be read here.
  
• For more on life and activities in the Philippines from the personal perspective of the missionary's, visit the Kleyn's blog, the Holstege's, and the Smits!
  

Let us continue in prayer to the Lord for the fulfillment of the needs of these busy pastors and missionaries in the Philippines. May the Lord of the harvest give them grace to be faithful and encouraged in all their labors.

India:

• Let us remember to pray for the Lord's blessing on Georgetown PRC's labor in Vellore, India.
• And we remember our sister church's work (Covenant ERC in Singapore) in Kolkata, through Rev. E. Singh.
  

Myanmar:

• Let us also remember Hope PRC's (Grand Rapids, MI) support of and involvement with Rev. Titus' work in Myanmar; for his latest report, visit this page.
  

"Covenant Keepers", the youth ministry of the Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church of Singapore (our sister church), has now released the November 2019 issue of "Salt Shakers" (#57), their youth magazine.

The November 2019 issue of "SS" is once again filled with interesting and instructive articles, and our PRC young people especially are encouraged to make it part of their reading content.

Below you will find a note from the "SS" Committee introducing the issue and a note from the editor summarizing the contents of this issue. The entire issue is also attached here in pdf form.

Dear readers,

Welcome to the 57th issue of Salt Shakers!

Dear Reader, 

The Salt Shakers committee presents another issue of the Salt Shakers. We are pleased to present this issue at CERC’s Reformation Day Conference (RDC). The RDC commemorates the wondrous work of God in preserving the Reformed church in the truth, over against the errors that abounded during the great Synod of Dordt. These errors are ever present in the church today — old errors dressed in new garments. The church is therefore called to do battle constantly, on behalf of God’s truth and His precious church. She fights a valiant warfare, counting all but loss for the excellency of the truth that is in Jesus Christ. 

In this issue we have Prof. David Engelsma explaining the nature, necessity and history of polemics in the church. Prof. Engelsma demonstrates that polemics have long been a characteristic of faithful Reformed churches. Failure on the part of Reformed churches today to do polemics is failure to recognise that glorious history and confession that they possess. Polemics is a bloody warfare, according to Prof. Engelsma; it requires great sacrifice and will involve suffering and persecution on the part of the faithful church. 

Prof. Herman Hanko relates the concept of wisdom and helping others in his article. He explains how the concept of love is involved in the wisdom of helping our neighbour, which seeks his salvation ultimately. Our neighbours are not those out there in the world, but those whom we come into contact with every day, especially our neighbour in church. Wisdom seeks the salvation of those we come into contact with. This is the nature of true love. 

Dr. Matthias Wee also pens an enlightening article on the griefs of miscarriage, a grief not uncommon to couples in the church. He explains its impact on the couple and to those around them, and offers biblical suggestions for coping with this tragedy. 

We pray that you will be edified by these articles, and remember to pass the salt. 

Blessings,

Aaron

On this forty-seventh Lord's Day of 2019, November 24, the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches, and mission fields may be reported.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“The Manner of Offering Thanks to God”
1. Thanksgiving may be mental — as when we indulge admiring, adoring, and affectionate thoughts of God, or
meditate upon his graciousness with pleasure and delight.
2. Thanksgiving may be vocal. "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth may be compelled to speak." In
private — in the family — in the house of God.
3. Thanksgiving must be with reverence. It is praise to the Great I Am — to God, who is a Spirit, pure, infinite.
Nehemiah 9:5; Psalm 91:1, 2; Psalm 95:1-3.
4. Thanksgiving must be with humility — as unworthy recipients, acknowledging the salvation of God. As prodigals,
returned outcasts, miserable sinners — confessing salvation to be all of grace.
5. Thanksgiving must be practical. This is called a "showing forth the praises of him who has called us out of
darkness into his marvelous light." Tell others what he has done for you. Go, spread his truth — advance his
cause. The people upon whom Christ wrought miracles did this. Paul, the persecutor, after his conversion did this.
6. Thanksgiving must be ardent. The greatness of the blessings, demands fervent thanks. Life from the dead —
translation from Satan's kingdom into the kingdom of God's dear Son — deliverance from perdition to the hope of
Heaven, etc. Psalm 71:8; Psalm 138:1, 2.
~ William Nicholson (1862)

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

• Today Rev. R. Barnhill (Peace PRC) declined the call from Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB). Today and next Sunday Rev. T. Miersma is bringing the Word in Immanuel PRC.
  
  
• On Nov.3, Rev. J. Mahtani (Cornerstone PRC) accepted the call from Grandvillle PRC to serve as minister on loan to Covenant ERC in Singapore. Grandville has announced these details about the upcoming plans: "Rev. Mahtani plans to preach his farewell sermon at Cornerstone on December 8 and move to Grand Rapids on December 20. Rev. Mahtani will be installed as our minister-on-loan to Singapore on Sunday morning, December 29. Rev Mahtani will preach at the evening service. The Mahtanis hope to leave for Singapore shortly after the new year." May the Lord be with him and his family, as well as with Cornerstone PRC and Covenant ERC, as the Mahtanis transition to this new place of labor in the kingdom.
  
  
• The Council of Cornerstone PRC has formed a trio from which to call a new pastor, now that Rev. J. Mahtani has accepted the call to serve in our sister church in Singapore:  Revs. J. Engelsma, G. Eriks, and R. Kleyn. The congregational meeting is planned for December 8.
  
  
• The Consistory of Kalamazoo PRC has formed a trio for calling a new pastor (with a view to Rev. M. DeVries approaching emeritation): Rev. Ryan Barnhill, Rev. Heath Bleyenberg, Rev. Erik Guichelaar. A congregational meeting is scheduled for December 1, 2019 after the evening service D.V.

• The newly organized Unity PRC has formed a trio of Revs. J. Engelsma, E. Guichelaar, and R. Van Overloop.  The congregation plans to call on December 18.

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

Fall clean up is finally finished at the seminary after the snow melted this past week. Back to green grass!

PRC Seminary News:

• The seminary is now entering its thirteenth week of the first semester in the school year, and faculty, students, and staff remain busy with their various tasks. This past week the second round of practice preaching was held (Nov.18), with Sems. J. Tan and M. Wee delivering their second sermons of the semester. This week the seminary will take its two-day Thanksgiving break (Nov.28-29). Continue to include the seminary in your regular prayers.
  
  
• The schedule for the first semester has been posted on the seminary's website. If you are interested in visiting, please contact the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  
  
• The faculty announces that Sem. Josiah Tan (CERC-Singapore) has been licensed to speak a word of edification in the churches. His first service is today at Southwest PRC (evening). We rejoice with the brother in this important milestone in his preparation for the ministry. Contact the rector, Prof. B. Gritters, for scheduling.
  
• The Fall 2019 issue of the PRT Journal is being put together and should be available in early December. Watch for articles based on presentations given in Mexico this past summer and plenty of profitable book reviews.
  
  
• Remember the Seminary's Dordt400 Conference in April of this year? The speeches and presentations given at this event have now been compiled, expanded, and edited (by Prof. R. Cammenga) and form the newly published RFPA book, For God's Glory and the Church's Consolation: 400 Years of the Synod of Dordt. Visit the website to order your copy, or come to the seminary bookstore to find one! And if you are looking for the videos and audios of the speeches, visit this page.
  
  
• Looking for some good Reformed books to read, Bible study materials or seminary publications to use, or perhaps some gifts for the holiday season? Come and visit the seminary's bookstore! We have a variety of Bibles, commentaries, and good books - used and new (including Reformation titles!) - for our members and friends. And you may also make use of our library - here's the link to our online catalog if you wish to search for something to read or use.
  
  
• Need for Ministers: Synod 2019 took a decision to place the urgent need for seminary students before our churches. Please remember in your prayers to petition the Lord of the harvest for pastors, and please encourage young men, whom you observe to have the gifts, to consider the ministry. If you wish to listen to a couple of sermons by our professors that address this need, listen to "The (Suffering) Minister's Steadfast Confession" and "The Beautiful Feet of the Gospel Preacher."

• For more seminary news and information, visit the PRC seminary website! 

*The EPC of Australia, a church with whom the PRCA has a "corresponding" relationship.

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS:

• Concerning our sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC, we may note the following:
  • Rev. A. Stewart led the services today.
  • Covenant PRC's last newsletter was received and posted (August 2019).
    
  • Read the latest issue of the "Covenant Reformed News"! Find the October 2019 issue here.

• Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, we may note the following:
  
  • Rev. A. denHartog and his wife continue to serve the CERC while she is vacant. They plan to be there until mid-December.
    
  • Concerning Rev. J. Mahtani's acceptance of the call to serve them: "Please continue to keep Rev Mahtani and his family in prayer as they make the necessary preparation to relocate from the US to Singapore. There are many changes that the Mahtanis need to make, in order to adapt and adjust to the life in Singapore. But first and foremost, pray that the local authorities in Singapore will grant a favourable reply to Rev Mahtani’s Employment Pass application."
  • Her latest newsletter (October 2019) - Reformed News Asia - was posted recently and may be found on this page. 

• Concerning the PRC in the Philippines, we may note the following from the bulletins of the Berean PRC, PRC in Bulacan, Maranatha PRC, and Provident CC:
  • Berean PRC: Rev. V. Ibe led the worship services today.
  • Maranatha PRC: "Rev. R. Smit , our Missionary will lead us in both services. He will continue teaching the Belgic Confession Lesson 27. D.V."
  • Provident CC: "Rev. Daniel Kleyn will preach both times for us today. Rev. Holstege will preach for Bearers of Light Community Church and Elder Bien will accompany him, D.V."
  • Denominational News:

The PRCP Classis held their regular meeting on Wednesday October 31, 2019 at Provident CC: "The Classis regular meeting is in “Recess” and will continue on November 30, 2019 and still our venue is at Provident PRC, Marikina City."

A new mission newsletter was published and distributed this month. You may find that October 2019 update here.

And for more on the life and work of our "sisters" in the Far East read the news under Philippine missions.

• *The PRC also has a "corresponding relationship" with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) of Australia. We remember these brothers and sisters in our prayers and labors also.
  • This year the EPC has a new student attending the PRC seminary. Isaac Peters along with his wife Rebeka and four children are living in West Michigan and Isaac is in the first year of a three-year program.

Are you using the Psalter app on your Android mobile device? Clickon the picture to find out more and to download and install!

SPECIAL NOTICES:

• If you are in need of some pamphlets and/or articles published by the PRC for use in evangelism and/or witnessing, visit the PRCA Evangelism page for a complete list of materials available in digital format or by order from the publishing church.

• Looking for a study Bible or Bible study resources this Fall? What about ideas for the holiday season? Visit the Reformed Book Outlet in downtown Hudsonville! The bookstore has plenty of other good reading materials too, as well as music and cards.
  
  

• Do you have an interest in good Reformed literature and a solid Reformed and biblical magazine? Visit the Reformed Free Publishing Association's website (www.rfpa.org), where you will find information on books in all major Christian categories, as well as on the bi-monthly periodical, the Standard Bearer.  Don't forget that these books and magazine make for great gifts!
  
  
• Did you know you can now listen to the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, and the Canons of Dordt on audio? Visit the links provided to hear the Catechism, the Confession, and the Canons. It's another excellent way to learn the Reformed faith and memorize these Reformed creeds.

• Remember to listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you or on Sermonaudio wherever you are!
  • From October to January (2020) the RWH welcomes Rev. W. Bruinsma of our Pittsburgh PRC to the microphone. He is doing a series on women in the Bible, but today he delivers a special Thanksgiving message "Thanks Be to God," based on 2 Corinthians 9:15 . Listen to the broadcast on the station near you or visit the links provided here to listen to this program.

  • From the Reformed Witness Hour Committee:

    Have you read our latest newsletter - October 2019? Have you signed up yet to receive the emailed Reformed Witness Hour (RWH) newsletter? Six times per year, we update you on news about our speakers, program, and online reach, and we share stories from listeners and readers who have been blessed by the RWH, a ministry of the PRC. Please visit http://eepurl.com/gikNsL to sign up for the newsletter.

  • A new Spanish edition of the RWH has been produced and may be found on this YouTube channel (PRC Espanol). Why not check it out - and help spread the word!

 
There's a new issue of Salt Shakers out! Have you started reading it yet?

ESPECIALLY FOR PRC Young People and Young Adults:

• December 1: The PR Young People’s Thanksgiving mass meeting will be held in Trinity Protestant Reformed Church (Hudsonville, MI) at 2:00 p.m. with a speech given by Rev. W. Langerak. All young people are encouraged to attend for a time of fellowship and growth.
  
  
• December 15: The Young Calvinists will be host a Christmas singspiration in Trinity Protestant Reformed Church at 7:45 p.m. There will be food in the narthex afterwards. Come celebrate the birth of our Savior with us!
  
  
• Please make note of next year's Protestant Reformed Young People's Convention date and location to be hosted by Georgetown PRC. The convention will be held Aug 10-14, 2020 at the Lake Williamson Camp in Carlinville, IL. Visit prcconvention.com for more information. Chaperone registration will open January 1, and conventioneer registration opens March 15.

• THE EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA would love to invite any young people and young adults, aged 13 and up, to their biennial youth camp. This youth camp will be held in Brisbane, Australia from the 28^th of December 2019 – 3^rd January 2020. Rev. Martyn McGeown from the Limerick Reformed Fellowship of the Republic of Ireland will be our guest speaker, taking the camp on the topic of ‘The Christian’s Armour’ (From Ephesians 6). Amongst other activities, the theme night will be on the “Australian Bush”. The cost for the camp is $250 AUD (approx $170 USD). This is a great time to meet other young people, fellowship with them and learn about our Saviour. Please contact Megan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for the full flyer + registration form, or for any additional questions/information.

*Missionary D. Holstege leading the Adult Sunday School at the Bearers of Light Community Church, where he was today (see note below).

PRC MISSION NEWS:

Domestic Labors:

• Remember in prayer our home missionary, Rev. A. Spriensma, who continues to labor in the West Michigan area and beyond through Byron Center PRC, the calling church.

• Limerick Reformed Fellowship News:
  • Rev. M. McGeown is preaching the gospel in the LRF today.
  • From the LRF bulletin: "The special lecture on "The Canon of Sacred Scripture" is now available on our website."
  • The latest mission newsletter from the Limerick Reformed Fellowship is now available! The September 2019 edition may be found here.

Philippine Missions:

• *From Provident PRC's bulletin today we read this mission news item: "Rev. Holstege will preach for Bearers of Light Community Church and Elder Bien will accompany him, D.V."
• From the bulletin of Maranatha PRC comes this special notice: "...the Consistory of PRCB [Bulacan] has approved the withdrawal of Rev. Vernon Ibe as local missionary in PRFA [PR Fellowship, Albuera, Leyte] on September 29, 2019. Let us continue to pray that the Lord will provide a local missionary at PRFA, Leyte.
• The newest Philippines mission newsletter has been published and posted! The October 2019 issue may be read here.
  
• For more on life and activities in the Philippines from the personal perspective of the missionary's, visit the Kleyn's blog, the Holstege's, and the Smits!
  

Let us continue in prayer to the Lord for the fulfillment of the needs of these busy pastors and missionaries in the Philippines. May the Lord of the harvest give them grace to be faithful and encouraged in all their labors.

India:

• Let us remember to pray for the Lord's blessing on Georgetown PRC's labor in Vellore, India.
• And we remember our sister church's work (Covenant ERC in Singapore) in Kolkata, through Rev. E. Singh.
  

Myanmar:

• Let us also remember Hope PRC's (Grand Rapids, MI) support of and involvement with Rev. Titus' work in Myanmar; for his latest report, visit this page.