On this twenty-first 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.
This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. ~ Acts 2:32-26
The PRC congregations will be commemorating Ascension Day this Thursday, May 29, with a special evening worship service. You are welcome to join us in remembering and celebrating our Savior Jesus Christ's exaltation into heaven, by which He rules over all things for His church's sake and gives her His Spirit and all the blessings of salvation He obtained by His death and resurrection. Visit the website of the PRC near you for the worship time.
Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for the week of May 25. 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. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC) declined the call from Lynden (WA) PRC.
- Last Sunday Rev. R. Barnhill (Heritage PRC, Sioux Falls, SD) declined the call from Southwest PRC.
- Last Sunday Cornerstone PRC extended a call to Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC).
- Last Sunday Byron Center PRC extended a call to Rev. J. Smidstra (First PRC-Holland, mI) to serve as minster on loan to Provident PRC in the Philippines.
- Rev. J. Engelsma (Crete PRC) is considering the call from Hudsonville PRC. He plans to answer by June 1.
- Hope PRC will vote tonight from the Council's new trio of Revs. M. DeBoer (Edgerton, MN), D. Holstege (Wingham PRC), and W. Langerak (Trinity PRC). *Rev. W. Langerak has received this call.
- Grace PRC's Council has formed a new trio from which to call her next minister: Revs. M. DeBoer, W. Langerak, and J. Smidstra. The congregational meeting will be held after the evening service on June 1.
Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today (May 25) in the vacant PRCs: Rev. A. Spriensma in Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. J. Smidstra (Rev. C. Haak, Ascension Day) in Grace PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. J. Holstege (Prof. R. Cammenga, Ascension Day) in Grandville PRC; Sem. A. VanDyke (1st week) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Prof. R. Dykstra (Rev. A. Spriensma, Ascension Day) in Hudsonville PRC; Sem. B. Feenstra (2nd week) in Lynden PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. J. Mahtani (Rev. J. Slopsema, Ascension Day) 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 and respond to the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!
Special congregational announcements:
- Trinity PRC (Hudsonville, MI): "From the Evangelism Committee: Join us June 1 after the evening service to welcome some Korean visitors who will be here DV for the 100th anniversary of our churches. Rev. Langerak will give a brief 15 minute introduction about them and their church background, followed by food and fellowship. Let's make them feel welcome. There is a sign-up sheet so we know how much food to provide."
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, along with his wife, Margaret. They arrived there in October 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..
- Classis East met on May 14 at Grace PRC (Standale, MI). The agenda is available on the PRCA website (go to "current," "bulletins," and “Classis East” to access it - registered users only). Rev. C. Spronk, the stated clerk, shared this brief overview:
Rev. G. Eriks presided as chairman. An overture that had to do with defining/explaining terms in the Church Order was not approved. An appeal regarding doctrinal issues was declared illegal. Another appeal that was treated in closed session was declared legal but not sustained by classis. Classis treated the work of a Special Committee to assist a consistory in closed session. Classis approved the work of the Special Committee and gave the committee a mandate for continued work. Classis adopted a pulpit supply schedule for Cornerstone, Grace, Grandville, Hudsonville, and Southwest PRCs. The expenses of the meeting totaled $2,737.49. First PRC of Grand Rapids will host the next meeting of Classis East, convening at 8:00 a.m., September 10, 2025. The clerk will share a more detailed summary of Classis as soon as it is available. - The 2025 Denominational Directory is now available. The order forms are in your congregation's mailboxes. Cost is $20.00. Orders must be placed by filling out an order form and mailing it to the address listed on the form. Please allow for 1-2 weeks for delivery after payment is received.
- 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 Singspiration at DeVos Performance Hall: On June 5, the Thursday evening of the 100th Anniversary Celebration, thousands of brothers and sisters from around the world will join together at the DeVos Performance Hall to sing and rejoice in God's faithfulness. The night's singspiration will conclude with a grand symphonic orchestra and chorus, filling our souls with gratitude to God for His grace. Visit prca100.org/singspiration for details. - New Psalter: The committee to help familiarize the PRC with the revised Psalter announces that the synodically-approved revised Psalters have been printed and will be delivered to the churches in the coming weeks. As your Psalters arrive, there are two YouTube channels that will be helpful. 2024 Psalter (www.youtube.com/@2024Psalter) has vocal and instrumental recordings of the new songs and tunes. Another work-in-progress is found at Andrew Remillard (www.youtube.com/@AndrewRemillard/playlists). It includes piano recordings of the first Psalter numbers, and more songs will be added. You are encouraged to make use of these resources as you familiarize yourselves with the Psalter.
PR Theological Seminary News:
- The PR Theological Seminary has now finished its second semester and the 2024-25 school year. Pray for the students as they return to work schedules and also busy summers preaching in the churches. And pray for faculty and staff as they complete the work of the 2024-25 school year and prepare for the next one.
- Senior Aaron Van Dyke is currently in Redlands, CA to supply the pulpit of Hope PRC. He is also busy preparing for his oral examination (including a specimen sermon) before the PRCA Synod 2025 (June 10-13), to be held in his home church, Faith PRC (Jenison, MI). Pray for him as he gets ready for this important step in his call to the ministry.
- Seminary commencement for Aaron Van Dyke will be held, D.V., on Thursday, June 12, at 7:30 at Faith PRC, Jenison, MI. Prof. D. Kuiper will give the address.
- Sem. B. Feenstra (entering his senior year) is currently in Lynden (WA) supplying the pulpit of Lynden PRC. After that he will return home to S. California for a few weeks. He will be doing his senior internship in Doon (IA) PRC under Rev. D. Kleyn and his Consistory, which will run from July 1 to Dec.31.
- The seminary faculty rejoices to inform the churches that it has licensed Seminarian Isaac Van Baren to speak a word of edification in the churches. We ask you to pray that in this way our brother be further prepared for the gospel ministry. All requests for him to lead a worship service must be directed to the seminary rector or secretary.
- Sems. Aaron Van Dyke, Bruce Feenstra, and now Isaac Van Baren 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.).
- The Spring 2025 issue of the PR Theological Journal is now available! The digital copy (pdf) is available on the journal page linked here and print copies have been mailed out to those on the mailing list. This new issue contains the expanded speeches the professors gave at their Fall 2024 conference on the common grace/particular grace controversy in 1924 (*see note below). 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 today's "pastoral voice" Pastor Tan writes further on the subject of Christian discipline: "Now we turn to some common objections against Christian discipline. There are many such objections—some based on pragmatism (Many will leave the church if there is Christian discipline), others on emotionalism (Christian discipline is too harsh!). But the objection we will focus on today is theological in nature. How does one attempt to undermine Christian discipline not in a mega-Pentecostal church, but in a Reformed church?" Read the bulletin for the answer!
- The latest issue of Salt Shakers is available - March 2025, #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.
- *Special notes:
Rev. & Mary Stewart leave this Thursday morning to attend the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the PRCA and the start of Synod. They are to return on Wednesday, 11 June.
Rev. Josiah Tan & Hui Qi and their children, Abigail, Caleb, Jacob and Sarah Dawn, arrive late on Thursday evening. Rev. Tan will be preaching for the CPRC on 1, 8 and 15 June.
- 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: Rev. V. Ibe led her worship services today. And, "Our brothers and sisters in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services today via live stream at our official Facebook page."
- PRCP mission labors: "Rev. Ibe and Deacon Andy Ragual's visitation with the pastors and saints in Bacolod and Sipalay City on May 22 - 23, 2025, went very well, by the grace of God. Rev. Ibe led the respective groups' studies on the Church Order of Dort Articles 17 - 21 and Reformed Dogmatics [Soteriology] on the Ordo Salutis [Calling Part 2]. 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: Deacon Ronnie Marquez led her services today using PRC video sermons. Special note: "We would like to inform the congregation that Deacon Ronnie Marquez and Deacon Lester Lee are scheduled to travel to Michigan, USA next week to attend the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America. Let us remember them in our prayers—for safe travels, good health, and that their journey may be a blessing both to them and to those they will meet. May the Lord keep them in His care and use this occasion to strengthen the bonds of faith and fellowship."
- Rev. J. Smidstra (First PRC-Holland, MI) received the call from Byron Center PRC this past week to serve as a minister on loan to Provident PRC, Philippines. May the Lord give him grace as he considers this special 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 - May 2025 - the RWH is broadcasting four gospel messages by Rev. C. Haak that begin to treat the Beatitudes our Lord spoke. This week's message is titled "Blessed Are They Who Hunder & Thirst" based on Matthew 5:6.
- 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.).
Just over one hundred years have passed since the common grace controversy that rocked the Reformed church world of 1924–1925. Yet, The Protestant Reformed Churches in America remains the single most comprehensive published history of that controversy. In order to preserve that history, the effects of which are still felt in the Reformed church world today, the RFPA is making this book available to the public once again—just in time for the 100th anniversary celebration of the Protestant Reformed Churches.
This 3rd edition will introduce a new generation of readers to Herman Hoeksema's deeply personal narrative as it was presented in 1947. With this publication, the RFPA reiterates the author’s wish that it “may, under God’s blessing, continue to [provide instruction]...in the history and specific doctrinal basis of the Protestant Reformed Churches.”
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.
- 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
For us it was a matter of conscience, when in 1924 we refused to declare ourselves to be in conformity with the three points of doctrine, adopted in the same year by the Synod of the Christian Reformed Churches, and also refused to refrain from making propaganda against these points in the Churches, even though on account of this refusal the Christian Reformed Churches expelled us from their fellowship.
And that it was a question of conscience with them that thus dissented and were expelled from the Churches has been amply corroborated by the history of the Protestant Reformed Churches since 1924.
Before God and our conscience it was not only impossible for us to subscribe to three doctrinal declarations whose tenets were, according to our firm conviction, in conflict with the Word of God and the Reformed Standards; but we also considered it our calling to expose before the Churches the error of the three points and warn our Reformed people against their dangerous tendencies and influence.
When, therefore, Classis Grand Rapids East, in spite of our efforts to prevent a separation, left us no other alternative than either to sign the three points and promise not to oppose their doctrine openly, or to be deposed from our office of minister of the Word in the Christian Reformed Churches, we chose the latter for the simple reason that before God and our conscience we could do nothing else.
Of this choice we never repented.
The more we make a thorough study of the doctrinal implications of the three points and of the arguments in their defense, adduced by leaders of the Christian Reformed Churches, the firmer our conviction becomes, that they are, indeed, deviations from the truth that have a far reaching effect and threaten to undermine the very foundations of the Reformed truth.
This conviction on our part may explain the publication of this booklet. It contains chiefly, with a few alterations, a quaternion of lectures on the three points, delivered by us in different parts of our country.
With, the prayer that our God may use this booklet as an instrument in His hands to open the eyes of many for the errors and dangers of the three points and to strengthen their hearts in the truth of His Word, we offer it to the interested reader.
~ Herman Hoeksema in the Prafce to his booklet "A Triple Breach in the Foundation of the Reformed Truth"